Realty Check

Hot sales and listings…along with the latest real estate news in the Hamptons.

It’s almost Thanksgiving 2024. Let’s all gather round here and enjoy some canapes and gossip before we tuck into the main dinner. Grab a glass of wine and some pigs in a blanket and let’s go!

Opportunity Of A Lifetime
Just one house away from the easternmost oceanfront property in Montauk is the Stone House, built in 1912.

Of course, the views alone are worth the $18 million asking price, with endless ocean vistas and peeps of the lighthouse and even Block Island. Listing agents are Kyle Rosko and Marcy Braun of Douglas
Elliman.

Per the listing: “This home is by far the most recognized for its unparalleled exclusivity, by way of location, history, architecture and garden design. Since the 1950s, the house has been occupied by several Hollywood and entertainment elites, such as Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio and John Lennon, John F. Kennedy and among others, and is cited frequently in Andy Warhol’s infamous diaries. Truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to be the steward of one of the most private, rare and collectible estates in the world.”

With 3.2 acres, the property includes 178 feet of ocean frontage. There’s also a rock revetment which should provide some protection for the land. 

The house, which was rebuilt in 1991 by Tony Ingrao, is cozy and warm inside with many paneled rooms. There are only two bedrooms, which makes this place ideal for a couple who want to get away from it all. There are also two and a half bathrooms. Aunt Hilda is insisting on visiting anyway? Stick her in the 608-square-foot artist’s studio. There’s one bathroom and a covered porch. There is also a small poolhouse with another bathroom that overlooks the pretty saltwater pool. 

Inside the main house, the principal rooms include spectacular views and stone fireplaces. The primary bedroom suite is luxurious and up its own staircase. It features 14-foot vaulted ceilings, a spacious bathroom with separate soaking tub and steam shower. A separate staircase ascends to the guest bedroom, an office/gym, a bathroom and a laundry room.

The End for Some of the End
Lots of things have happened commercially out in Montauk. Longtime staple White’s Department Store, the place to get sunscreen and calamine lotion while picking up a prescription, closed after 96 years. That’s right, the original White’s opened in 1928. Gossip is that the building will be turned into two new stores — hopefully selling such necessaries the locals need such as Gucci shoes and Loro Piana cashmere. Sigh. Fortunately, Frank Calvo, Montauk’s beloved pharmacist, is opening Montauk Chemists next door to John’s Pancake House in January.

Another longtime feature of Montauk, Gosman’s Dock, has been sold, reputedly (at time of writing) to Stephen Deckoff, who founded private equity firm Black Diamond Capital Management. Decker is a real estate investor who last year purchased Jeffrey Epstein’s notorious islands Great St. James and Little St. James. Gosman’s has been purveying seafood to Montauk folks since 1951. We’re not sure what his plans for the property are, but the land is zoned for waterfront, resort and central business. Luxury hotel? Gossip has it that a very high-end restaurant and wedding venue will be at least a part of it. There is plenty of space for all with 11.6 acres of land. Currently there are four restaurants, six stores, a wholesale lobster and fish business, four staff housing properties, plus the dock and marina, a large parking lot and vacant land.

Tiny Home? How About a Tiny Motel?
A rather fascinating project will be rising soon on Old Montauk Highway in Montauk. It will be a one-unit motel situated between two much larger resorts. Why so small? The parcel, which is grandfathered, is just 0.19 of an acre. Even more oddly, the parcel is surrounded on all sides by other properties. The only way in or out is via a 20-foot easement on Atlantic Bluffs Club’s driveway. 

Designed by Fleetwood, McMullen & Sanabria Architects, a two-bedroom, 997-square-foot unit called the Howards is planned. Out front will be a 375-square foot pool and terrace, all of which should include nice ocean views. It will be interesting to view when it’s finished.

A Stunner in Sag
A charming and historic Sag Harbor home has been restored and modernized by HGTV personalities-turned-developers Ricky Paull Goldin and Gretta Monahan. The couple have been very active in the Hamptons in the past few years, buying, renovating, and selling homes. Recent projects include 1553 Noyac Path in Sag Harbor and 392 North Magee Street in Southampton.

The couple spent two years and $3 million on the renovation at 110 Division Street. Special
attention was paid to keeping the original features of the 1840 Greek Revival. Indoors, in 5,000 square feet, you’ll find historic charm with modern conveniences. Six well-appointed bedrooms each sport an en suite bathroom. Outside, on the 0.18-acre plot, there is a sparkling gunite pool, along with private gardens. There’s on-site parking, though who needs to drive when the village’s charming shops, restaurants, Bay Street theater, cinema, and picturesque harbor are within walking distance. 

Listing agents Nicole and Zachary Tunick of Douglas Elliman are representing the turnkey property, which is offered at $5.2 million. All furnishings, from English Country Home, are available for purchase.