Realty Check – Latest Hamptons Real Estate News

FROM THE RIDICULOUS TO THE SUBLIME
When Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee and his journalist wife, Sally Quinn, purchased East Hampton’s Grey Gardens in 1979, they paid $220,000 for the derelict flea-infested and cat urine-soaked mansion. While it was the “most disgusting mess” Quinn had ever seen, the house also had a singular “grace and charm.” The couple completed a gut renovation on the structure, built in 1897, had been the home of The Beales, the dynasty ending with Big Edie and Little Edie, eccentric cousins of Jackie O. Now, after making this place home for nearly 40 years, Quinn (minus Bradlee who died in 2014) has put the estate on the market for just shy of $20M. This iconic property is listed with Michael Schultz and Susan Ryan of The Corcoran Group.

MIDCENTURY MODERN
Architectural purists take note, an angular confection in Amagansett Dunes designed by celebrated modernist Charles Gwathmey and built in 1970 is on the market for $5.995M. The five-bedroom house boasts a soaring great room, considered revolutionary back then. While two of its three bathrooms have been renovated, the bedrooms retain original Gwathmey built-ins. The stunning dwelling sits on an unheard of one-acre plot with tennis court and southern exposure pool and the roof deck for ocean views. Listed by Arlene Reckson of The Corcoran Group.

RAZE THE ROOF
After building a luxurious custom house on Meeting House Lane in Amagansett, developer Peter Cardel is being forced to gut the entire top floor including roof. The reason? He built it higher than the building code allows. It’s not the first time that the builder has had to destroy his handiwork. In 2012 he reportedly was halfway through building a Southampton home when he had to demolish it and start again. Seems it was built on the wrong spot, leaving no room for a back yard or pool, according to the New York Post.

CARRIAGE HOUSE
We love carriage houses, especially those built by renowned architect Grosvenor Atterbury, who was born in 1869 and was known for designing “weekend houses for wealthy industrialists.” The 3,300-square-foot Southampton structure, built early in the last century, is on the market for $940,000 and is part of one of the most prestigious waterfront communities here in the Hamptons. The three-bedroom, 2.5 bath abode boasts wood-beamed ceilings. Listed with Natalia Papulova-Phillips of Douglas Elliman Real Estate.

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT
Veteran journalist Debra Scott, who has contributed to countless newspapers and magazines from The Times of London to Elle Décor and has written extensively about real estate and interior design, has joined the East Hampton office of Douglas Elliman Real Estate. Locally, she was editor-in-chief of HAMPTONS magazine and the real estate columnist for the East Hampton Star. Additionally, she co-authored the best-selling book “The Nouveaux Pauvres: A Guide to Downward Nobility” and worked as a copywriter for the prestigious J. Peterman catalog.

Nanette Hansen a licensed Associate Broker and now Brokerage Manager of the East Hampton and Sag Harbor offices for Sotheby’s International Realty, supervising more than 50 agents. Prior to assuming the management role, Nanette was a successful agent exclusive for the better part of a decade with the Sotheby’s International Realty.

Prior to her career in real estate, Nanette enjoyed a 19-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television journalist and anchorwoman for NBC, CNBC and CBS.

PONDFRONT TROPHY
Does anyone remember a romantic Sag Harbor restaurant called the House on Otter Pond? Or a B&B in the same edifice? The historic house on Jermain Avenue, built circa 1860, has been renovated and turned back into a private home and is now on the market for $4.6 million. The 4,700-square-foot dwelling features six bedrooms, 6.5 baths, four fireplaces, pool, covered stone patio and very un-Victorian kitchen. Listed by Caroline Sarraf and Heather Saskas of Compass.

MODEL HOME
B. Smith, a former fashion model who sold her popular eponymous restaurant on Sag Harbor’s wharf several years ago, has put her Sag Harbor Hills house on the market for $8.5 million. Smith, who featured the dome-topped home on her lifestyle TV show, entertained such guests there as Oprah, Aretha Franklin, Danny Glover, Al Roker and Eartha Kitt. The 4,000-square-foot, four-bedroom home features 100 feet of beach frontage, but no pool. If the property sells at anywhere near the ask, it will be a record setter. Listed by Joyce Mullins-Jackson and Claudette Dixon of The Corcoran Group.

SUNDAY BEST
The Federal/Greek Revival style Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church has been recommended for the State and National Registers of Historic Places, one of 26 properties in the state and the sole Long Island nomination. Built in 1842 for $5,493.56, it is the third structure that has served its congregation since the 1660s. Other nominees include the Woodstock Music Festival Site in Bethel.

SURFS UP
Brazilian entrepreneur Jayma Cardoso is thinking of expanding the Surf Lodge, her scene-y Montauk hotel and boite, around the world. With interest in the Surf Lodge brand, she’s been scouting locations including Nicaragua. Let’s hope the locals there are more welcoming that her South Fork neighbors.