Rouge, White and Blue
Some people have matinee idol looks, others a decided charm and personality, and still others a style or defining feature that lingers in the imagination. You could say this about real estate also. In real estate, however, one quality trumps all others: location.
Architecture: A pleasant and luxurious house with a mansard roof and French details as interpreted by Palm Beach or Southampton in the 1970s. It would pass muster in most places at most times—but this is an extraordinary place and an amazing time in real estate.
Site: The incomparable Gin Lane, one of the jewels of the Hamptons. Two acres with pool, tennis and French influenced landscaping.
The inside word: Locations may be physically fixed but they can promote wide-ranging emotions and exercise a strong allure. Gin Lane has that capability. There is nothing wrong with the house except that for today’s buyer it looks like your old rich aunt’s home. But it will surely sell and morph into something more currently fashionable. Even at $6.9 million this house has a destiny beyond its current form.
Fireworks
Although new, this house already has a history of sorts. It was built by a party professional with at least a semi-commercial purpose in mind—to accommodate parties and large crowds, something not permitted in its residential zone. Certain features, such as a garage that is far larger than almost any owner would want, are problems. But others, such as the undeniable, well-heeled sumptuousness of the interiors, are sexy and fun.
Architecture: An over-the-top, pop cultural experience. It’s big and lavish—and generic enough to be found in Texas or Las Vegas or anyplace where money talks good and loud. Hey, this is America.
Site: The huge house, behemoth garage and ornate terraces and gardens don’t leave lots of open space on the 1.4 acres, but they definitely give it a big-ticket look. Located a couple of doors south of the highway in East Hampton Village.
The inside word: This place is luscious, frilly, showy and swank. It’s the kind of house that needs a big, imperious personality to fill it, and as we know, there are plenty of those in the Hamptons real estate market. We predict someone will go head over heels for something this grand, formal and exaggerated. Offered at $6.9 million.
Main Stream America
Taylor Creek is a meandering stream, winding fingerlike to Shinnecock Bay. With its natural shoreline and small, simple docks, it looks at first glance like small town America, perhaps a scene in Huck Finn. But on second glance, behind the weedy shoreline and weathered planks, lie the classic estates of Southampton.
Architecture: A handsome and authentic cottage, with all that implies. Intersecting gambrel rooflines, simple trim and restrained details mark this as true shingle style.
Site: Five acres, with house, pool and carriage house with apartment, mature trees, fine landscaping and of course the creek frontage.
The inside word: Low key, privileged and private, this is an exemplary Southampton estate. The dense ivy clad side of the carriage house looks like a giant topiary, adding a touch of whimsy to this distinguished property. Offered at $9.5 million.
Blown Away
Certain houses, like expensive cars and gentlemen’s toys, are evident in their intentions. They want to blow you away. When they are successful in this, we all share that bold feeling—it enlivens the spirit and stirs up the imagination, and we admire the owner’s good taste and good fortune. When the house is not successful, we wonder what in the world the owner might be compensating for.
Architecture: James Bond gone traditional in a testosterone-loaded residence. The original 1840 house Greek revival home seems to have pealed out in all directions in a brash, eclectic and teasing way, most noticeably with a fine English conservatory. It’s oddly seductive.
Site: Lumber Lane in Bridgehampton, a lovely if busy street of fine old homes. Once again we see an estate quality home edging into a formerly unpretentious but respectable neighborhood.
The inside word: We like the boldness of this house. Yes, it’s over the top in size (6,300 square feet) and amenities (just name it, it’s there). This place sets out to exhilarate and dazzle, and it does just that. We see a perfect match in some strong-willed, trophy-collecting buyer. Offered at $4.5 million.