Realty Check – Hot Sales & Listings…

 TALK SHOW HOST’S ’TAUK HOUSE GETS A PRICE CHOP 

Dick Cavett’s gorgeous Tick Hall, recently rebranded Cavett’s Cove, has almost as many stories as his “Talk Show” book (and don’t forget his legendary TV show). The newest chapter for the $33.95 million property: a price reduction of nearly $30 million from the initial ask. 

First on the market in 2017 for $62 million, the Montauk home, represented by Gary DePersia of The Corcoran Group, was originally designed by architect Stanford White way back in 1882. Cavett bought the famous Seven Sisters home in 1968, though the structure burned down in 1997. Thankfully the legendary interviewer decided to rebuild after the home burned and restore it to its former glory. 

The new house, the subject of the 2003 documentary, “From the Ashes: The Life and Times of Tick Hall,” sits on high with nearly 20 oceanfront acres and a glorious view of the Montauk Lighthouse. The property comes with 900 feet of shoreline, accessed by a staircase built into the cliff, a pool, winding paths and walking trails, a pond, orchards, and a 7,000-square-foot, three-story magnificent McKim, Mead & White reproduction of the original. 

DESIGNER DIGS 

Fashion icon Ralph Lauren definitely knows a classic when he sees one. The design mogul and philanthropist, best known for creating, cultivating and branding the quintessential American Dream lifestyle, reportedly scooped up playwright Edward Albee’s $20 million Montauk compound quicker than you can say “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf.” 

Purchased by Albee in the 1960s, the 2.8-acre property, represented by Paul Brennan of Douglas Elliman, comes with 200 feet of ocean frontage, a main house, guest cottage, pool house, pool and tennis. It’s been said that the legendary stage actress Uta Hagen, who originated the role of Martha in “Virginia Wolf,” convinced the Pulitzer Prize-winner to buy the property, which he proceeded to populate with an impressive array of native plants and trees. 

No word yet on what the fashion designer will do with the place, which has hosted the likes of writer Tennessee Williams, who wrote “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” “The Glass Menagerie” and “A Streetcar Named Desire,” and artist Lee Krasner, but we’re sure he’ll make the most of it. Profits from the sale will benefit the Edward Albee Foundation, which supports writers and artists through its residency program.

HATS OFF TO STYLE! 

Two other well-known design mavens were recently involved in the transfer of notable East End property. The Witch’s Hat in Water Mill has passed from decorator Richard Keith Langham, whose client list included Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, to fashion entrepreneur Pamela Bell, founder of socially minded fashion brand Prinkshop and an original partner at Kate Spade. 

The 134-year-old navy, pink and white Queen Ann-style home, which resembles a witch’s hat, thanks to its distinctive turret, closed for $1.8 million at the end of the year. The 3,259-square-foot home features a wraparound front porch, four bedrooms, four bathrooms and water views from the third-floor den. Listing agent Ginger Thoerner and Debby Koster of Compass represented the deal and Brian Hagadorn of Douglas Elliman brought the buyer. 

L.A. REID’S EPIC DEAL 

Grammy Award-winning music industry executive and producer—who has worked with an array of top talent, such as Mariah Carey, Paula Abdul, Usher, Kanye West, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, DJ Khaled, the Jacksons, Fifth Harmony and even Justin Bieber—looks to have finally sold his Sagaponack house. Originally listed for $19 million back in 2013, the closing price for the 3.4-acre property, represented by Bespoke, ended up at $9.95 million in early January. 

Abutting more than 30 acres of reserve, the grounds included a gated entry, mature specimen plantings, lily pond, heated Gunite pool with vanishing-edge spa and an all-weather tennis court with cabana. The nearly 10,000-square-foot home on Sagg Main features eight bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a wine cellar, media game room, massage room and multiple terraces. 

RAM’S HEAD, REVISITED 

More than just a pretty place to weekend, the 4.3-acre property at Ram’s Head Inn provides the perfect picturesque spot for weddings, gatherings and old-fashioned relaxing. Back on the market for $9.75 million, the property represented by Peter Humphrey of Douglas Elliman, is also home to significant history of which many aren’t aware. 

Yes, it’s true that the Inn was the site of the first Shelter Island Conference on the Foundations of Quantum Mechanics. That groundbreaking gathering was the most successful scientific meeting host Robert Oppenheimer said that he had ever attended. Other top scientists, many of whom went on to earn Nobel Prizes, included Richard Feynman, David Bohm, Linus Pauling and Hans Albrecht Bethe. The meeting, held from June 2 to June 4 in 1947, as the first major opportunity since Pearl Harbor and the Manhattan Project for the leaders of the American physics community to gather after the war. 

In addition to all that history, the property comprises a 12,000-square-foot, three-story Colonial style manor house with 5,000 square feet of unfinished basement; 22-room inn; 110-seat restaurant; indoor and outdoor gathering spaces; deep-water docks; eight moorings; and 800 feet of west-facing water frontage on Coecles Harbor. It also has an all-weather tennis court and a regulation-sized bocce court. 

IT’S STILL STANDIN’ 

Second House which lays claim to the title of oldest structure that is still holding ground in the hamlet of Montauk, is getting a facelift. According to the Montauk Historical Society, the circa-1746 home-cum-museum will once again be able to open its doors this spring after restoration efforts are complete. 

Once priced at “three gallons of rum” back in 1797, according to East Hampton Town Trustee records, the 18th-century structure is getting refurbished to the tune of $453,000. Previously a modest home for sheep- and cattle-keepers, then a school, the building has been a museum since 1960. Once reopened, it will be used for educational programs and public viewing. 

CH-CH-CHANGES 

Congratulations to Corcoran’s newest member Michael Esposito who just joined The Brenneman, Esposito, Loeffler Team. Michael knows the Hamptons, a true local born and raised in East Hampton graduated from the University of Maryland than his love for the East End brought him back, he looks forward to working with one of Corcoran’s top teams. 

Congratulations also to Greg Gould who just joined the Breitenbach Team at Compass. Greg Gould established his real estate career with a reputation for being both persistent and genuine. For Greg, trust is at the forefront of all his relationships. Proud to have been selected as a member of the Breitenbach Team, Greg represents both buyers and sellers at all price points of the market.