Coveted Equestrian Properties on the East End

With some of the world’s best riders and famed horses coming to the Hamptons for the 42nd annual Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton, we have all things equestrian on our minds. This includes some stunning equestrian properties on the market offering acres of open space that aren’t so easy to find on the East End anymore. With beautiful pastures, expansive fields, and breathtaking homes to match, these properties are worth a view.

Every so often, a real estate agent has a special connection to a property outside of their passion for their work. Dana Trotter, Associate Broker and Senior Global Real Estate Advisor with Sotheby’s International Realty, has listed the famed 80 Dollar Champion Horse Farm in East Hampton. This farm is also where Ms. Trotter herself learned to ride.

“The farm was founded by Harry de Leyer who famously trained the horse Snowman, whom he purchased for $80 and turned into a show jumping champion and Hall of Famer,” Ms. Trotter shares. “It’s an inspiring, ‘Cinderella’ story subject of a book and recent documentary. It’s also a special place for me personally because it’s where I learned to ride.”

Approximately 15 acres, this functional horse farm features a central stable with 50 stalls, a sand and rubber indoor riding ring with viewing lounge, and two outdoor riding rings. “I love the functional layout because the stables, wash stalls, feed storage, tack room, and indoor ring are all connected under one roof,” says Ms. Trotter. “This is an advantage for year-round training especially in the colder months.”

The property also features a 4,700 square-foot renovated barn home with original beams, high ceilings, and open layout with a double-sided brick fireplace. There are five bedrooms and five and a half bathrooms within the home as well. With its East End beauty and vast history, this property is available for $6.995 million.

Another famed equestrian property, as many are in the Hamptons, is the 65-acre estate at Two Trees Farm in Bridgehampton, which has hosted the Mercedes Benz Polo Challenge. The best part of this farm’s history according to listing agent Christopher Burnside, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker and now a partner with Brown Harris Stevens, is the farmhouse. “There is quite a bit of history at Two Trees,” the agent says. “I’m sure people can remember the iconic polo matches that were held there, but the best piece of history is the farmhouse being moved to the equestrian facility for preservation. It is one of the oldest houses on record in Bridgehampton.”

Boasting a top equestrian facility, the property features three horse barns with tack rooms, lounger, and bathrooms, two indoor riding arenas, extensive staff quarters, and acres of paddocks and polo fields. The 2,500 square-foot residence has four bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms. The unique setting of the property, listed for $17.995 million, is that it appeals to many types of buyers, not just riders. Mr. Burnside says the seclusion and privacy that comes with the private road is ideal for children to ride their bikes freely or walk to pony camp.

“Mostly, it’s the idyllic setting with wide open spaces overlooking endless farm fields, big backyards, pool and tennis, a central location making access to all towns easy, and only minutes to the best beaches,” says Mr. Burnside. “The Hamptons are ideal for equestrian properties. It offers perfect flat open spaces for all riding facilities all within moments of beautiful ocean beaches, a fabulous social playground, and home of the Hampton Classic.”

Compass Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Tyler Mattson and Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker Brian Buckhout are representing Applewild Farm in Bridgehampton. The 14-acre compound features a beautiful traditional 4,000 square-foot home with five bedrooms, three full baths and two half-baths, open floor plan, finished basement, recording studio, and a two-car garage. But it is the grounds that are the major draw here.

“The key feature is the indoor riding arena,” says Mr. Mattson of the property with a 11,250 square-foot indoor riding arena with limestone footing, an irrigated 20,000 square-foot outdoor ring, also with limestone footing, an irrigated two-acre jump field and six large paddocks, all surrounded by a double fenced bridle path. “This is something that’s very hard to come by. It’s an immaculate facility that is also a manageable size to be a private barn yet big enough that a high-level trainer could find it as an ideal home for their clients.”

Calling Applewild Farm itself a hidden gem, which is listed for $8.95 million, Mr. Mattson says the location of the Hamptons is a draw for equestrian properties. “[It is] the proximity to Manhattan and the northeast show circuit, and of course the Hampton Classic, which is one of the largest horse shows in the country,” he says. “Plus, you can’t beat being able to hit the beach after your morning ride.”

On 23 acres in East Hampton you will find a meticulously maintained assemblage of 11 contiguous parcels on Cedar Lane on the market for $39 million. The impressive main home features 12 bedrooms, 15 full and a half bathroom, nine fireplaces, and lush landscaped grounds and gardens, among many other features. “[There’s] the main eight-acre estate, which features beautiful gardens designed by celebrated landscape architect, Ed Hollander, a 18,000-square-foot main house, pool, pool house and tennis court,” say the Bespoke listing duo, Licensed Real Estate Broker Zachary Vichinsky and Licensed Real Estate Sales Associate Cody Vichinsky.

The pair also say the location is in a pivotal location on the fringe of East Hampton Village in an area known for its equestrian appeal. Horses and riders alike will enjoy such an estate. “This is what the property was designed for,” the Vichinskys say. “It is truly a rarified opportunity to have a property of this acreage magnitude with this type of capability. With stables and paddocks already set up on the property a new owner could really turn this into their dream equestrian facility.”

For those with a flair for a true Hamptons lifestyle, and love for equestrian events such as the prestigious Hampton Classic, these properties embody what it means to love horses and the East End. Happy riding… and house hunting, too.