Building Something Special

There are many working parts that must find a sense of symbiosis to get someone in a home. There are builders and developers, landscapers and designers, surveyors, and of course, real estate agents. These relationships can often go unnoticed, as each is often viewed as a separate step along the way. Understanding the importance of how these relationships can positively impact a home buyer’s experience, finding them just what they are looking for, Adam Hofer of Douglas Elliman and East End Building Co. founder Michael Crocitto share how together they found and are in the process of building a very bespoke Hamptons home for some of the most discerning clients.

Northampton Shores is a private community off of Noyac Road in Sag Harbor. It is very rare for a property to become available in this community that includes a waterfront home that is a historic landmark and a house once owned by composer and pianist Dick Hyman. Here, Michael found a one-acre property that held much potential, merging components of reconstruction with a spec house concept to create a new home that holds its own history. Taking on each project as if it were his own, the builder strives to create exquisite custom homes, merging distinctive architecture and design concepts with craftsmanship that are anything but generic, in the most unique and sought-after locations.

When Michael and his team look for properties, they endeavor to build something truly special in well-thought out areas. The idea is not getting something up as quickly as possible, but rather putting in the time and effort to ensure it exceeds expectations of not only clients, but all who may visit and enjoy the home. 

This home on the water is rich with history. There is also a sense of community and pride surrounding this special area boasting a private, white, sandy beach that is perfect for sun worshippers and gorgeous sunsets, while mooring rights offer the perfect launch for any water sports. Melding well with the East End’s maritime heritage, the home has the potential to connect owners with both the surrounding environment and unique community of the area.

A couple recently came to Adam to find their first Hamptons home. No stranger to affluent areas, having owned homes in South Florida, Cape Cod, and in Manhattan, they wanted a similar feel to their previous New England residence. The summer home should be of ample size with a nice property in a great community. “They were looking for an area they could feel a sense of serenity and privacy while maintaining a level of community and family amongst their neighbors,” Hofer shares of the couple. “Water elements were a must and as avid boaters and diners, they wanted to be close to Sag Harbor for its marinas and restaurants.”

What the pair wanted was not easy to find. The Village of Sag Harbor had many of the features they were looking for, but property size was limited. They wanted new construction, but not so much so that they couldn’t add some of their own touches to make it more personal for them. Adam had a great idea of what the couple wanted, and remembered a house Michael had been working on a few months prior. Though only half-done, Adam wanted to show it. The customers loved the one-acre property, seeing all the potential that a builder like Michael can offer. It was perfect.

“We’re often working with people who are versed in real estate practices,” Michael says. “It’s great to have the ability to work with people like this. Adam got them to this property quickly but didn’t push them. He listens, knows his product, and we worked together to help well-informed people make a quick decision, the right decision.”

Putting the right players to work and harness the needs of the client allow for things to happen efficiently. In this case, Adam found a buyer for Michael’s house before it was even built. “We are excited,” Adam shares. “It’s fun when it works out with someone like this. The customers really know their stuff – they have beautiful homes and were impressed by this. That was a good feeling and an accomplishment. As a builder, Michael is one of the most knowledgeable, passionate, and easy people to work with. When he walks me through a house, I even feel like I need to find a way to buy it!”

The eight-bedroom, six-and-a-half-bathroom home has two fireplaces inside and two outside, a wrap-around porch and second-story porch, heated gunite pool, theatre, and pool house. Custom kitchen designer Gary Ciuffo, and landscape designer Charlie Marder have all played a significant role in this home that was last listed for $5.995 million.

Adam Hofer, Licensed R.E. Salesperson

Douglas Elliman Real Estate

Cell: 631.236.8659

[email protected]