Perfect Provenance
It has been noted that shallow people are greedy for money and profound people lust after real estate. If true, a property like this could take us all off the club circuit and send us back to grad school simply to justify our real estate longings.
Architecture: Built in 1902 when the shingle-style was at its peak, this house is a handsome example of that important American contribution to residential architecture. The complexities and idiosyncratic qualities blend into a singular composition of terrific refinement and elegance.
Site: Exactly where you would predict given its provenance: in the Southampton estate area, on Halsey Neck Lane, with a very nice carriage house.
The inside word: Drive up. Get out of your car under the porte cochere, walk into a lovely octagonal entrance hall with fireplace…shall we go on? Or are you ready pony up $6,950,000 and make this particular dream come true?
Seaside Seclusion
We’ve seen many grand properties over the years, and some celebrated ones, too. In trying to convey their essence we’ve always avoided hyperbole such as “paradise” or “Eden” simply because most houses, however large, do not have the surrounding property to justify such terms.
Architecture: Long overhangs, verandas, and shaped roofs establish an Asian feeling here with tropical island undertones. Interestingly, with rich materials and high ceilings, the exotic aspect works well.
Site: Eden is not an exaggeration. Set in a pristine 34 acre reserve on the ocean with sweeping views in all directions—ocean, pond, sunsets.
The inside word: For the most part, people in the Hamptons create their hideaways. In this case nature created it. It’s a spectacular property—at a correspondingly impressive price of $25 million.
House with a History
Alice Lawrence, a willful woman with sophisticated aesthetic tastes and deep pockets, built this home in 1994 to a chorus of controversy, including a lawsuit from then neighbor, Lee Radziwill. One owner later, the tumult has quieted down and the house is again for sale.
Architecture: A monumental modernist structure designed by Rafael Viñoly, an internationally important architect, incorporating concrete, teak, steel, limestone, and built to exacting standards.
Site: Oceanfront at the end of Highway Behind the Pond, a small, swanky street that runs through the Maidstone Club golf course in East Hampton.
The inside word: Not for the timorous or diffident, this house makes a big statement. It shouts, but noise level is extremely rich and high quality. We like the idea that it is the antithesis of the currently fashionable shingle traditionals. But will a spender with $19 million feel the same way?
No Stone Unturned
The Stoney Hill area of Amagansett has always been special with farms, horses, woodland tracts, large residential lots, and a coterie of interesting residents, including Alec Baldwin.
Architecture: We knew there would always be an England, at least in Sagaponack. But it seems the English country style is moving east. A good-looking and well-constructed home with a wide assortment of English detailing.
Site: Eight acres of meadow, lawn and hills with, presumably, all the stones removed, for the expensive landscaping. Private and pleasant, with a rural feeling.
The inside word: An infinity edge pool, lots of sky and sunset views suggest land’s end rather than a corner of the Hamptons. If we wanted to fashion an English country weekend house party, this would be our choice. A fairly hefty $6,950,000 makes it all possible.