Point of View
John Weitz had a commanding sense of what was fashionable and also what was innately correct. Born in Germany, he became an important American designer with a tremendous impact on men’s and women’s fashion. He also had a broad intellect and wrote both fiction and history, and was a race car driver as well. Until his death in 2002, he lived with his wife, Susan, in a house they designed and built in Bridgehampton.
Architecture: An expert interpretation of the traditional American farmhouse. This place, spacious but unpretentious, stands in marked contrast to the bombastic and showy houses we generally see.
Site: A rare 15 acres in Bridgehampton from which you see only nature in every direction—farm fields, vineyards, blue sky, and not a neighbor. It is astonishing and gratifying to still experience this in the Hamptons.
The inside word: Overbearing personalities and big egos won’t respond to this listing, but there are enough other houses in the Hamptons for them. The land can be subdivided, which gives it added value, but keeping it intact as a horse farm or vineyard, or even corn fields, would be aesthetically perfect and also an excellent investment for the future. Offered at $12.750 million.
Go Easy
People show their style in any number of ways. A single trait may engage our attention to begin, but it’s a combination of characteristics that keeps us interested and that defines a style. The story is similar with houses. One or two things draw us in, and then we discover the layers that really set the tone and distinguish a house with true style from the ordinary and predictable.
Architecture: Well proportioned, inviting, and invigorating. Shingled, with traditional elements such as dormers, porches and transom windows used in an appealing way.
Site: Nearly two acres in North Haven, with abundant landscaping, large pool and patio, and outdoor bar and barbeque station.
The inside word: This place gets high marks for making life easy. It definitely gives guests a cushy time, but since it is set up so well for entertaining, both indoors and out, the hosts ought to be having fun too. Good looks, good taste, and a mountain of details set the style. Offered at $3.150 million.
Fish Story
Homeowners in the Hamptons think nothing of fabricating an instant version of a century old aesthetic. We see it in rambling, shingle sided houses with mullioned windows, gabled rooflines and heavy brick chimneys—all vaguely reminiscent of the old estates. The splendor is undeniably there even if the originality is not.
Architecture: Like buying a good designer brand, recognized not just here but in almost every wealthy area in the country. Well executed for the most part, give or take a few details.
Site: A splendidly manicured five acres on Fish Creek in Remsenburg. The feeling is estate formal rather than country casual.
The inside word: It’s all here, and really done up, with every hedonistic luxury now the birthright of the affluent crowd. We’d be tempted to stay outside and enjoy the three ponds, the pool and tennis and the immaculate gardens. Or we’d canoe up Fish Creek to Moriches Bay for an old fashion day at the beach, a real century old aesthetic experience. Offered at $10.5 million.
Water Works
Let’s forget the jokes about selling underwater land to chump buyers. It can be serious business and serious real estate when that mud bottom is covered by the right sea water or fresh water. And by right, we mean location.
Architecture: Somewhat dated, but all the creature comforts are there. It’s not the architecture that’s important here. It’s the site and surroundings and fine views of Lake Montauk.
Site: An interesting ¾ acre, with 1.2 acres of underwater land and a very unusual 300 foot dock.
The inside word: Old timers might not be ready to accept Lake Montauk as one of the vaunted estate areas of the Hamptons, but younger buyers looking to sail, swim or fish from their own home on the shoreline will definitely respond. It’s only a matter of time until the prestige catches up, and in the meantime, oh the fun of sailing up to your front door. Offered at $4.8 million.