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: Southampton.
The allure of Southampton, said Martha Gundersen, an associate broker at Brown Harris Stevens, is that you can walk from the charming village to the town’s beautiful estate section. "Some of the most impressive estates in the Hamptons are found there on the wide, tree-lined streets that lead right to sandy beaches," Ms. Gundersen said.
Southampton also happens to be one of the closer Hamptons towns to New York City, coming in at less than 100 miles from the city, cutting down on travel (and traffic) time. It stands on the southeastern end of of Long Island’s South Fork, and is comprised of several villages (Quogue, Sag Harbor, Sagaponack) and unincorporated hamlets (Bridgehampton, East Quogue, Water Mill).
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"Southampton is the most sought after area in all of the Hamptons," said Cody Vichinsky, co-founder of Bespoke Real Estate. "It’s a staple on the circuit of cosmopolitan property collectors."
Aside from beautiful properties, there are 11 pristine beaches along seven miles of shoreline, and there is Main Street lined with galleries and high-end shops such as Intermix, H.Groome furniture, Villeroy & Boch and Lilly Pulitzer.
As for dining in the village, Ms. Gundersen flagged a few favorites frequented by locals, including Tutto il Giorno and Sant Ambroeus for Italian fare, the elegant French-American Red Bar Brasserie, and Silver’s Restaurant for lunch.
As for other amusements, Southampton is home to some of the best golf courses in the world, though those are next to impossible to join. There’s Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, established in 1891, and National Golf Links of America, founded in 1911, which are by invitation only (so it’s all who you know). Sebonack Golf Club may be more open to new members, but only those who can swing the $550,000 annual fee.
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"Southampton is exclusive and private, and the estates are significant. The area began as the summer playground of the very wealthy industrialists from the Newport crowd," Ms. Gundersen said.
"With its old-world social clubs, Southampton has been the home for famous family dynasties for over a century," Mr. Vichinsky added. "It attracts industry titans, the world’s most influential financiers, and a who’s-who in New York’s social circuits."
High-profile residents include Calvin Klein, Tory Burch, Brooke Shields, George Soros, Howard Stern and John McEnroe.
Southampton is also home to its own "Billionaire’s Row," a.k.a. Meadow Lane, where small bayfront cottages sit beside substantial ocean-front estates valued at $100 million. The median sale price in Southampton Village for the first half of 2016 was $1.95 million and for the town of Southampton it was $745,000, Ms. Gundersen said.
(Note: Southampton Village includes the estate section as well as the village with its shops and restaurants. The other area, described above as Southampton, is somewhat more woodsy. Some of the value lies in the fact that, here, you’re closer to the bay than the ocean," says Ms. Gundseren.)
If in the market for an exclusive Southampton address the could be yours by this summer, following are a few knock-out properties to put on a wish list.
412 & 408 First Neck Lane$65 million
What’s better than one exclusive address? Two. The Normandy house is a secluded estate set on over eight manicured acres along the shores of Lake Agawam.The Polhemus & Coffin designed English manor-style mansion completed in 1930 went through an extensive renovation over the last two years. The 8,000-square-foot main house has nine bedrooms, a large chef’s kitchen and multiple dining and sitting areas, making it ideal for entertaining. Other structures on the grounds include a separate two-bedroom guest house, carriage house, staff quarters and lakeside pool house. Relax at the swimming pool or play a match on the U.S. Open DecoTurf surface tennis court.
7 Olde Towne Lane$29.9 million
This 10-bedroom mansion, named Tower House, clocks in at 11,500 square feet and sits on a whopping four acres, behind a gated entry. The kitchen, set within its own great room, also happens to have a glass-encased wine room. There are six fireplaces and six en-suite bedrooms in the main house. You can also walk or take the elevator to the 4,000-square-foot lower level complete with theater, gym, bar, and two full staff suites. For guests, there’s an attached wing with its own terrace, a living room, kitchen and two additional bedroom suites. The 60-foot pool is complemented by its pool house. Plus, it’s just about two minutes to town if you ever feel like leaving.
500 Old Town$27.9 million
Custom built by Lifton Green contractors, this traditional cedar shingle Hamptons-style estate is the only new-build home close to the ocean in the tony Gin Lane district that’s currently on the market. The 11,000-square-foot mansion is designed to make the most of the Old Town Pond and the ocean views. It has a gym, full theater, wine storage, seven bedrooms and a gunite pool and pool house on the property.
1860 Meadow Lane$27 million
It probably goes without saying that waterfront properties in the Hamptons are the most coveted of all. And it’s hard to beat this oceanfront contemporary, which has 360-degree views of the ocean and Shinnecock Bay, and over 200 feet of ocean frontage. The 6,200-square-foot five-bedroom house has an updated kitchen, and a second-floor deck overlooking Shinnecock Bay. There’s a tennis court, indoor heated pool, and a connecting pool house, with its own entertaining area and kitchen, as well as a sauna.
189 Sebonac Road $10 million
Green Top Farms is a unique property set on over seven lush acres with gardens and a lily pond. Plus, it’s surrounded by three world-class golf courses. The gated compound has three New England farm-style residences, all renovated in 2016, plus a saltwater swimming pool, tennis court and soccer field. The main residence is a six-bedroom, five-bath home with chef’s country kitchen and a dining terrace. The two secluded guest houses have four bedrooms, two baths and ample living space. The current zoning also allows for additional building on the property.
42 Old Town Crossing $6.95 million
This traditional, cedar-shingle home built in 2016 located in the heart of Southampton Village is 5,350-square-feet with seven bedrooms and five-and-one-half baths. From the front porch, you enter a 3-story vestibule with skylights keeping all bright. There is plenty of space for entertaining, a chef’s kitchen and custom cabinetry throughout. French doors lead to the bluestone patio, heated gunite saline pool, pool house and outdoor fireplace.
437 Hill St. $6.95 million
Built in 2015 by renowned Hamptons developer Farrell Building Company, this 7,300-square-foot house has seven en-suite bedrooms. The great room with a fireplace is open to a country kitchen, which leads to a large covered porch, formal dining and living room. A finished lower level has a recreational area, gym, media room and guest bedroom. The manicured grounds have a gunite pool and spa.