Safer at Home

Montauk is the epitomic symbol of summer relaxation and life at the beach. Summer is here and though it may not be in the usual full effect we’re used to, there’s still something magical to enjoy about the East End. Montauk is the perfect place to reconnect to our roots, enjoying time with family at home or deepening an appreciation for the outdoors. Real estate agents now share how to make the most of summer and why Montauk remains an ideal location in the Hamptons real estate market.

Access to beaches and surf spots have been limited, which is one of the major draws to the area, as noted by Corcoran licensed associate real estate broker Gary DePersia. Restaurants have offered takeout recently, at most, and the move toward reopening is slow, stripping the area of the Montauk vibe many have known and loved in years past. However, pristine beaches, windsurfing, and enjoying Montauk Downs are some of his favorite outdoor experiences. For DePersia, interest in the market has not slowed.
“I have been very busy showing houses both for rent and sale in Montauk,” DePersia shares. “I still have a few great rentals available such as Vicente Wolf’s wonderful five-bedroom oceanfront oasis for either July or August, or short term. I also have a super cool oceanfront modern with guest house available for up to four weeks this summer. Both are perched on bluffs overlooking the Atlantic with private access to beaches and on-property pools which are so important to renters, especially now.”
A breathtaking estate, Cavett’s Cove at 176 Deforest Road features six bedrooms and four bathrooms. Among the legendary “Seven Sisters” cluster of homes, DePersia holds this listing for $27.95 million.
As many spend more time at home with family, Chris Coleman, a licensed real estate salesperson with Compass, has felt fortunate to be so close to his favorite waves as he enjoys surfing with his kids. His team has been busy with both sales and rentals, seeing a greater interest in Montauk and the East End for longer durations of time. Coleman’s listing at 216 Old Montauk Highway is perfect for those that love the beach and water activities. The three-bedroom, three-and-one-half-bathroom oceanfront home is on the market for $17.9 million.

For those enjoying time at home in Montauk, Coleman suggests sushi night. “My daughter Chloe makes me amazing at-home sushi,” he explains. “We get our fresh fish from Gosman’s and our produce at the local markets. I think the best way to enjoy Montauk from home is to get outside in the yard, go to the beach, take a walk, and enjoy the fresh air. It is a huge mood booster and really important for keeping a positive attitude during a hard time.”
Corcoran licensed real estate salesperson Helen Stubbmann has found the rental market to be very busy, in some ways serving as an alternative for families that may spend more time out east if summer camps are closed. Walking the beaches and trails is one of her favorite things to do in Montauk, and recommends horseback riding for an exciting way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Stubbmann has noted that businesses were forced to make changes quickly, adjusting to curbside pickup for restaurants and retail. Though not ideal, it’s been a successful alternative. “There are so many great restaurants that Montauk is famous for,” she shares. “Having takeout for some of the best food is how we can adapt. Hopefully we can begin to enjoy these restaurants by sitting outside. When allowed, shopping local can prove to be very satisfying; from surf equipment and attire, chocolates and candy, designer goods, and of course, fun games and toys for the family!”
Design your own Montauk oasis with a rare one-acre ocean parcel available at 42 Surfside Avenue. Stubbmann holds this listing for $9.995 million.
As was the case with the East End as a whole, Montauk had a very early start to the season with many escaping the city for the beach in March. Saunders & Associates licensed real estate salesperson Theresa Eurell has been busy with calls for renters. Other than bars and restaurants being closed, she doesn’t feel the summer will be terribly different.

“Staying indoors in Montauk is difficult,” Eurell explains. “Montauk is all about being on the beach or the water. You’ll be lucky if you rented with a pool, which I think every house with a pool from Montauk to the west has been taken. If you don’t have a pool you can enjoy miles of trails, biking, surfing and boating. I think there will be a lot of backyard family games, barbecues, and maybe old fashion movies outside.”
Eurell’s listing for the five-bedroom, three-and-one-half-bathroom home at 3 Leon Court looks over Lake Montauk. It is on the market for $2.895 million.
The appreciation for Montauk’s natural beauty has already deepened and will continue to do so. Douglas Elliman licensed real estate salesperson Sara Goldfarb has found that while there’s been a sense of “outsiders” coming in every summer, this summer people will be grateful to be able to still go to their favorite restaurants, resorts, and beaches, even if it is only for takeout and with masks.
In terms of real estate, Goldfarb, who holds listings for The Residences at Gurney’s Montauk, has found buyers value additional amenities that resort living offers. “Two of our residences sold this past spring, and people are really valuing the ability to have a turnkey ownership experience with everything else they now have to think about – especially when work is now taking place at home,” she says.
For an extra lush home experience, residents can pick up the super plush and comfortable Gurney’s robes and spa slippers at the resort. They make a great hostess gift or a treat for oneself. Salt Sea 5 is a five-bedroom, five-and-one-half-bathroom oceanfront beauty, listed for $6.899 million by Goldfarb, a member of The Alexander Team.

“Montauk, as most know, is blessed to have some of the most beautiful scenery and spaces on the entire East End,” says Corcoran licensed associate real estate broker Joan Hegner. “Such coveted preserves such as the Shadmoor 100 Acre paths, the iconic lighthouse trails, Eddie Ecker Park overlooking peaceful Fort Pond Bay, and our stunning Montauk Harbor with its Gosman’s complex, which, will fortunately offer plenty of outdoor seating when those dining restrictions are lifted.”
Hegner has noted that many businesses are fully stocked, ready to continue curbside pickup and takeout, and prepared for the eventual reopening. A nod to all of those that have done their part to help slow the spread, she believes a successful summer can still be had if people continue to have respect and consideration for those around them in this unprecedented time.
For those looking to find a home of their own in Montauk, Hegner’s six-bedroom, six-and-one-half-bathroom listing at 8 Washington Drive offers privacy and easy access to the ocean. The luxury compound is on the market for $7.895 million.
While things are certainly different this year, Montauk remains one of the most coveted locations in the Hamptons real estate market. We look forward to another East End summer, no matter what it holds.