The Hamptons may be known around the world as exclusive beach towns, but how do they differ from one another? Just in time for Hamptons buying busy season, we’re taking a look at the towns you may want to know and what’s available in each of them.
Up now: Montauk
While the Hamptons is known for beaches, fun and luxury living to the fullest, it’s also known for its crowds. However, those looking to escape the crowds a bit can head to Montauk on Long Island’s easternmost point.
Roughly 120 miles from New York City, Montauk has long attracted serious fisherman, in-the-know surfers to Ditch Plains for its offshore break, and now draws fashionable weekenders.
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"Montauk is a really unique part of the Hamptons with a different vibe and style," said Chris Coleman, real estate salesman with Saunders & Associates. "It’s more remote and people are relaxed. The beaches are beautiful and a little bit more laid back than the rest of the Hamptons."
"My clients and friends like Montauk because it feels like Malibu," added Matthew Breitenbach, associate real estate broker at Douglas Elliman Real Estate. "It's the Hamptons, but not too Hamptons. Even the landscape is different, because the topography has more cliffs and bluffs."
The charm of Montauk, according to Mr. Coleman is that it attracts all types of beach lovers from diverse places and professions.
Mr. Breitenbach added that "younger families are the main pool of buyers now."
"There is also an expat population of bankers and business types that decided the office and city life was not good for their health," he said. "They have settled in Montauk to surf and live a more natural life."
These new locals may have left the city, but they are still business minded. "And they’ve lead a resurgence of buying, selling, and developing key commercial properties into restaurants, new hotels, new condo developments, and residential developments," said Mr. Breitenbach.
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Both the 1960s-era Surf Lodge hotel and the Montauk Yacht Club, a resort and marina, have been revamped to draw in the next wave of sun seekers to Montauk. The restaurant scene has also come a long way from the days of simple fish shacks dotting the shoreline. Hang with locals at restaurants including: casual The Gig Shack; sleek South Edison; the beach outpost La Brisa; Asian-inspired East by North East; and the ultimate sunset spot, Navy Beach.
Referred to as "The End" by locals, Montauk is also a good place for celebrities to avoid prying paparazzi. Ralph Lauren, Julian Schnabel, Cynthia Nixon, Cynthia Rowley, Jimmy Buffett and Paul Simon all have homes in Montauk.
The median prices, according to Mr. Coleman (and confirmed by Trulia and Zillow), are around $1 million.
The most recent record-breaking sale in Montauk was the Warhol Estate on Cliff Drive, which was sold in 2015 to art collector Adam Lindemann for a not-so-bohemian $48.7 million.
As for new developments in Montauk, Mr. Coleman said, "Things are always changing ... but the amazing things, like the ocean and bay beaches and state parks remain the same. There is some healthy new growth with a few new homes with great views going up. In the commercial space, Gurney’s Inn has new ownership and so does Duryea’s Dock."
If on the hunt for a truly unique community in the Hamptons, here are some Montauk listings to consider:
42 Old Montauk Highway$55 million
Rub sandy shoulders with art royalty on this 35-acre oceanfront estate that sits next to Andy Warhol’s former estate. The modern 7,000-square-foot five-bedroom modern house has a freshwater pond, private ocean and beach access with a surf break.
Address not disclosed$10.5 million
Built in 1925, this grand 8,000-square-foot country manor is on 7.6 secluded acres with views of Lake Montauk and Fort Pond Bay. The main house is rich with elegant period details such as a country-style timber kitchen, soaring panelled ceilings, stone fireplaces and a sweeping central staircase. There is also a separate five-bedroom guest house set on an elevated hilltop. Tranquil and private, this estate is surrounded by manicured gardens and lush meadows.
48 Old Montauk Highway$10.25 million
This classic shingled home offers the rare opportunity to own on 10 acres in the Moorlands of Montauk surrounded by a nature reserve and with private deeded beach rights. The spacious 4,000-square-foot house has four bedrooms, a gourmet kitchen, formal dining room, and living rooms, stone fireplaces, and ocean views from every room. Outside on the landscaped grounds there is a pool house with full bath, a gunite lap pool, hot tub, outdoor shower and stone fireplace.
283 Old Montauk Highway$7.999 million
A gated entry and emerald rolling lawns lead to a private stately beach home that enjoys 180-foot ocean views. This six bedroom, 8,000-square-feet house has thoughtful details such as a coffered formal living room with fireplace, dream chef's kitchen, dining area and an expansive lower level with a 12-seat movie theater, playroom, and pool bathroom. The house flows outdoors to slated patios, a heated infinity edge pool, a granite-topped kitchen station, and covered wraparound porch areas to soak in the sea views.
171 Soundview Drive$4.395 million
Survey the Block Island Sound from the private decks off of this five-bedroom home facing the water, set on 1.9 acres next to a nature preserve. Traditional in style but airy and light-flooded, the 5,700-square-foot home has plenty of space for entertaining, a gym room, sauna and an artist’s studio with ocean views. There is a stone patio surrounding a heated pool and hot tub and a built-in barbecue on the landscaped grounds.