Beach Party
Liz Robbins, an important lobbyist and Democratic fundraiser, has style and so does her house. The original large old summer colony houses, no matter how grand, always had informality in their approach, and this newer house recaptures some of that old time beach house style.
Architecture: The brokers call it Victorian style, probably because of the high gables. But to us it is plain and simple Hamptons style—shingles, gables, French doors, porches. Calling a late 1980s house Victorian implies some repro kitsch, but this place is too genuine for that.
Site: On the ocean, behind the fabulous double dunes that border Further Lane in East Hampton.
The inside word: The lot abuts a beach parking area on one side but is well protected from it. Protected enough to be a weekend getaway for friends Hillary and Chelsea Clinton. And Jon Bon Jovi has rented it for part of this summer.
Once you are through the gates, it’s a complete celebration. A house with six fireplaces, including one in the master bath, a beachfront cabana on the dunes in front, pool and tennis in back, and a playroom with fireplace off the garage that is called the party house. Offered at $13.995 million.
American Revolution
The brokers tell us this property has old-world charm. We say go back to your dictionary. This is anything but old-world. It has charm, all right, but classic, conservative American style. And in this case, the kind that deserves some flag waving.
Architecture: Finely conceived and perfectly detailed Cape Cod style, built to estate size standards in the1930s. It’s handsome, proper and it all works.
Site: Southampton estate area, 2.2 acres close to the ocean, with garage, tennis and pool.
The inside word: By its fine proportions and elegant lines this period house achieves a refinement that eludes striving newer houses. We like the simplicity because it is anything but basic. These days it seems revolutionary. Offered at $12 million.
Dock of Dreams
Boathouses, whether the lush, romantic English country-house paradigm you see on Masterpiece Theater or the simple New England type we know in this area, are the incubators of the most sublime daydreams. Who can resist indulging in a bit of fantasy about an idealized life?
Architecture: A tasteful old-money architectural style, all elements in proportion, nothing showy or striking. All in all, a nice balanced composition.
Site: In the best part of Shelter Island, five acres with 325 feet of sandy beach and a deep-water dock.
The inside word: We like the boathouse; it looks slightly ramshackle and bohemian but it is entirely functional with tracks and hoists. To complete our nautical reverie there is a walk-through beachfront cabana. They might not be enough inducement to spend $6.9 million, but the fine main house, the magnificent waterfront location and huge dock add up to a lot of real estate assets.
Belle du Jour
Bellport, about half way between Montauk and New York City, is a chic little village with more than a normal proportion of models, fashion photographers and magazine editors, as well as some conservative old money folks. Its location on Great South Bay is a great spot for sailors.
Architecture: Authentic 1838 Georgian center hall house with Greek Revival details and a striking 2 ½-story façade. As much charm and interest as you can pack into 166 years.
Site: In the historic village on 1.5 acres, with pool, poolhouse converted from historic structure, a, 3-car garage and extensive landscaping.
The inside word: The restoration is sensitive and well done. Among its 18 rooms are 10 bedrooms, but only 4 full and 2 half baths. Details include high ceilings with crown moldings, 7 marble fireplaces, silver doorknobs and inlaid parquet floors—definitely not the kind of stuff you see everyday. When you are used to Hamptons prices, the offering at $2.475 million seems reasonable.