Buying Time
Over the years we’ve heard a lot of people explain why that particular time was the wrong time to buy in the Hamptons. There was always a story, a kind of macro-explanation: the market cycle in the nation, economic conditions in New York, the political environment in Congress, trends in international trade, interest rates at the Fed. They were being too clever to realize that in real estate you have to keep your eye on the prize.
Architecture: An uncomplicated saltbox, just about as fundamental a house as you can find—but who cares? Nature provides the frills here.
Site: On Mecox Bay in Water Mill, not quite an acre, but some of the most prime waterfront in the Hamptons. Pool on the water side is a big advantage.
The inside word: Whoever built this house originally had the excellent judgment to site it in a great location. Waterfront was not as scarce on the market then, but it was still good thinking. The glorious views are here to stay. We’re not sure the house is that permanent, but we’ll check back next year. Offered at $4.1 million.
Sitting Pretty
Our villages date from the mid-seventeenth century, and many historic houses have been preserved. A few belong to historical societies, but most made it though the centuries because generations of owners, who might not have had any connection to the original families and were not constrained by zoning regulations for most of this time, simply did the right thing.
Architecture: Part of the main structure is from the late 1600s. Later additions, some recent, are sensitive and correct.
Site: On Egypt Lane, in the East Hampton estate area, the 1.4 acre lot abuts an estuary leading to Hook Pond, as well as a wetland reserve. Pool and guest cottage complete the pretty picture.
The inside word: The dignity and gracefulness, the historic value of this property, are strong points, and so is the carriage trade location. There is no glitz factor, and let’s be grateful for that. The only things splashy are the ducks landing in the neighboring pond.
Offered at $6.8 million.
Big League
Build it and they will come. Build it big and they will come and stay. Build it on a colossal scale and whoever comes can be absolutely sure they’re in the Hamptons. Eight or ten or twelve thousand square feet is the new medium size. The more prodigious the house, the more prized it becomes. Gigantic is merely good, Brobdingnagian is best.
Architecture: Sprawling and pleasant. The fairly simple, repetitive window pattern and dormers, and the mature landscaping, all help to keep it from looking too porky.
Site: Triangular shaped 1.8 acre lot in Sagaponack, with pool and poolhouse.
The inside word: Farm Court and the streets nearby started in the 1980s with conventional sized homes, but market pressure drove up the prices and the sizes. It’s not exactly densely populated, but every one and two lot in the area appears to be built on. Without the sense of an ocean nearby, it might have the tone of an expensive suburb. This house has all the toys and should appeal to lots of young buyers. Offered at $5.5 million.
Carriage Trade
People never give up dreams of a darling little carriage house. The fantasy, as we used hear it, is that the owner of a big estate, having so much money that she doesn’t care, will sell off the charming carriage house for a bargain price just to have the perfect neighbor, and the author of this fantasy is of course perfect in every way. Dreams can come true, but we doubt this one ever will.
Architecture: Genuine is the operative word here. A carriage house from the 1920s that was converted long ago into a chic residence.
Site: Secluded 1.4 acres in Georgica, one of the best addresses in East Hampton.
The inside word: Many original details in the handsome original structure match well with the additions and the updates. It’s top drawer real estate, refined, remarkable and uncommon. Both the house and grounds have a calm, composed quality that would make you want to leave your troubles at the other end of the long driveway. Offered at $3.995 million.