Humble Roots
The rich loam north of the ocean dunes here in the Hamptons has nurtured seasons of potatoes and other crops. Much of this farmland has been lost to development, but unlike the fields around them old farmhouses in the right locations have grown and flourished. One of the largest and most illustrious of these houses is now on the market.
Architecture: A genuine farmhouse that grew and expanded without paying heed to farmhouse clichés. Stalwart and clear in its shape, absent any ornament or frivolity, but with fine lines and unexpected delicacy and fluidity, it is a highly successful vernacular design as pleasing today as it was in the mid nineteenth century.
Site: Vistas of farmland are not what they were a generation ago—but in this case the Red Top Farm homestead endures on 3.2 acres not far from the ocean in Southampton.
The inside word: With three stories, a guest cottage and a caretaker’s cottage, pool, poolhouse and horse paddock, this is quite a package. Buyers with a historical bent and $9 millions to spend will be thrilled with this property
Glammed Right
We like houses with a glam factor. After all, why shouldn’t our houses be as dishy and dazzling as our friends? And if we want the glitterati to show up at our parties, we’ve got to make the setting elegant and alluring. That seductive quality takes a bit of work and planning, but the payoff in satisfaction is worth it all.
Architecture: A striking contemporary design evoking some of the spirit of early modernism. Curves, angles, steel railings and high ceilings are used boldly and successfully.
Site: Wooded 2.3 acres contain house, decks and pool with swooping corners, and offer privacy north of the highway in East Hampton.
The inside word: Because this house is assertive in its architecture, it reads as a stylish, swanky, up-to-the-minute composition. Turn on the dramatic night lighting and some jazzy music, add a few dashing and dapper friends and some expensive baubles, and you’re got a totally ravishing scene. Offered at $2.118 million.
Behind the Scene
Little guest cottages, separate from the main house, are not permitted by law. Those that exist legally predate current zoning regulations, so naturally are found only on properties that were built years ago. They have undeniable charm and also function well, giving host and guest more privacy.
Architecture: This large new home is oriented toward its water view with colonnaded first floor porches and open second story terraces as well as interestingly massed doors and windows.
Site: One acre on a narrow inlet of Mecox Bay with bulkheading, a dock and a pool with water views.
The inside word: A simple waterside guest cottage survived when this major new house replaced an older structure. That’s a winning combination. Though the bay views read more like a pretty picture than an extensive panorama. Still, the lawn in front and the landscape on the opposite shore provide plenty of open space. Listed at $7 million.
Front and Center
We usually remember an important dentist’s appointment that we have to get to when the real estate conversation turns to postmodernism. Postmodernism in philosophy or certain of the arts has specific meaning and parameters. While it may have begun several years ago describing an architectural style that plays with tradition, in varied forms and shapes and materials, it has evolved into an almost meaningless grab-bag term now.
Architecture: The front façade shows interest and originality, a pleasing melding of traditional styles with some modern features. This is what gives life and verve to an otherwise conventional house.
Site: Bridgehampton, not quite an acre, with pool, south of the highway.
The inside word: The front porch suggests an arts and crafts sensibility, while the oversized gable with square openings in a grid pattern brings a playful modern touch. It could have easily gone all wrong and become a hodgepodge of clichés but somehow it found the right balance. Offered at $2.895 million.