Home & Design, Designers

Michael Davis: The Hamptons Quintessential Designer

Michael Davis is synonymous with Hamptons building and architecture. Find out his perspective on desiging and building homes in the hamptons.

Q: If “location” is the first rule in real estate, what is the second?
A: It is all about the “view” – either water or an agricultural preserve. I have always felt that an agricultural preserve is the next best thing to waterfront without any of the risks.

Q: What is a sure sign of a “Hamptons” home?
A: Cedar shingled roof and siding.

Q: What are the emerging trends in architecture?
A: More open floor plans, taller windows, salt water swimming pools and “green” technology.

Q: How have buyers/sellers changed over the past two years?
A: Sellers have been more realistic about their asking prices. Buyers are more knowledgeable thanks to the internet.

Q: When it comes to unique features and amenities, homes in the Hamptons have it all. What feature has surprised you the most?
A: Home automation has taken the stress out of being far away from one’s home. Homeowners are able to monitor their homes remotely from a cell phone or computer anywhere in the world. For example, the temperature of various rooms in the house, security system: be it for water and heat detection or a break-in, web cams and the ability to turn up the air-conditioning or turn on the spa or sauna so conditions are perfect when one arrives at one’s house.

Q: Which towns/villages are the most sought-after right now?
A: Sagaponack-Sagaponack-Sagaponack!

Q: What’s the most extreme thing you’ve done to make a sale?
A: Having a contract of sale that was subject to a child being accepted by The Ross School in East Hampton.

Q: Tell us about one of your favorite listings on the market right now.
A: In January we put the finishing touches on our latest, 79 Parsonage Lane, which sits on a rare 4-acre lot in Sagaponack. This new classic 8,409-square-foot shingle-style home has nine bedrooms, ten full bathrooms, three half-bathrooms, an elevator and a kitchen that opens to a family room and breakfast area. The home also features an outdoor fireplace under covered porch, a roof observation deck, a game room, a wine room, a professional home theatre and a gymnasium with it’s own bathroom, steam shower and sauna.