Creek Chic
The small estuaries, those narrow fingers of water extending from the bays and harbors and ponds on Eastern Long Island, have traditionally been called creeks. The word initially appears in American English in the early seventeenth century, just a few decades before our towns were first settled, and became the term favored by the settlers. Real estate developers in our time, however, prefer “brook” or “stream” to the more down-to-earth creek.
Architecture: Low key, informal, and almost vernacular, rather than some big planned statement, and appealing because of that.
Site: A bit of water, a bit of wetland, and a lot of sky bring you close to nature and far from neighbors in Quogue.
The inside word: Quogue is a relaxed kind of place, and this property seems right for the location. Certainly the required Hamptons indulgences are there—6 bedrooms, 6 ½ baths, paneled library, pool with a view—but the presentation is more of comfort and enrichment than of exorbitance. Offered at $9.950 million.
Hushed Money
There are certain places where money rules, and others places where tradition rules. In our favorite places, money and tradition are bound together and eclipse all else. While there are many fine areas in the Hamptons with grand and gorgeous homes, few can match the magic of the old time estate areas.
Architecture: A nice departure from the shingled overkill that predominates in new construction. The American Colonial Revival style is pleasing with its slender columns, porches and symmetry.
Site: Not quite an acre, but close to Georgica Beach, in the heart of the East Hampton estate area.
The inside word: The house is new, but two huge copper beech trees, predating the house by a century or two, express ancestry, and the conservative character of the architecture further enhances this. But don’t worry. You can still be king of the universe with your own gym, sauna, screening room and assorted hedonistic ingredients. Offered at $8.950 million.
High Water Mark
Is Meadow Lane quite as posh as Gin Lane? Years ago, some of the Southampton establishment used to debate this question, and while the fate of the planet was not at play in the answer, it made for some engaging after dinner discussions. It’s no longer a question. They are both absolutely top tier real estate.
Architecture: A nice mixture of old and new styles. In some ways it is saying that it’s just a place on the bay, but this is Southampton after all, so a formal parterre borders the wetlands, and a Chinese Chippendale railing keeps nature in its place.
Site: On Shinnecock Bay, over 2 acres, with 400 feet of waterfront. Pool, tennis and dock included.
The inside word: We like the idea of a duded up fishing shack and this is the most fancy and formal house you could dream up in the marshes. It’s got personality, style, and terrific views, not to mention some smashing interiors. Offered at $16.5 million.
Sporting Life
If you secretly pine for your childhood days at summer camp or you have an adult addiction to luxury spas, you could be on cloud nine in this place. With almost any activity any time you want it, and plenty of places to chill out when you crave relaxation, it provides all those things that we go to resorts for.
Architecture: Rambling country house with traditional detailing. While the lines are pleasing, the emphasis is on what you do rather than what you see.
Site: This is a complete athletic complex on nine acres: indoors, a professionally equipped gym with spa and steam room, plus billiard room; outside, a 20 by 50 foot pool, tennis court, full-court basketball, five stall horse barn with tack room and riding ring and fenced paddocks.
The inside word: You either have to hate sports or think hard to come up with reasons to ever leave this compound. The location is convenient, just north of the highway in East Hampton, and it is one of the few properties close to the village with so much acreage. Offered at $4.5 million.