Hamptons Real Estate Showcase, Holiday / New Year2025 Issue

Page 1


THE PREMIER LUXURY HOME AND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

NEW FORDUNE ESTATE

PRESENTED BY JAMES PEYTON OF CORCORAN SEE PAGE 22

The numbers are in: Corcoran has outpassed any other real estate brokerage with more exclusive listings, more in-contract listings, more land listings, more south-of-the-highway listings, more oceanfront listings, more waterfront listings, more commercial listings. So where would you look for real estate?

Southampton to Montauk, Sagaponack to Shelter Island

On the East End since 1995, Gary DePersia has participated in over $3 Billion of real estate transactions. With scores of exclusive listings sold and closed while matching hundreds of his own buyers and renters with the right properties, Gary’s nearly 30 years in Hamptons luxury real estate has generated benchmark sales and an unsurpassed reputation for being the best in his industry

Gary R. DePersia

Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker 516.380.0538 | gdp@corcoran.com myhamptonhomes.com

The Hamptons for Buyers, Sellers, Renters & Investors

Gary R. DePersia

Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

m 516.380.0538 | gdp@corcoran.com

Polina Kutaeva

Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

m 646.419.0885 | pkutaeva@corcoran.com

11,000 SF, 8 Bedrooms, Pool, Cabana and Tennis Bordering 35 Acres of Reserve

Bridgehampton. Cradled by 35 acres of untouched reserve in coveted Bridgehampton South, this 11,000+/- SF estate on 1.5 acres is more than a home-it’s an invitation to fall in love. With 8 serene bedrooms and every imaginable amenity, this masterfully built sanctuary offers the kind of luxury that lingers in your memory. Step through the dramatic doubleheight entry and feel the warmth of white oak floors beneath your feet, leading you into sun-drenched spaces where soaring ceilings and bespoke fireplaces create an atmosphere of quiet grandeur. Whether you’re gathered in the great room or curled up in the intimate den/media room, every corner whispers comfort and elegance. The heart of the home-a chef’s dream kitchen-boasts a cozy fireplace, walk-in bar, and a butler’s pantry, perfect for intimate dinners or grand celebrations in the formal dining room. A gracious guest suite with a private sitting area, along with a powder room, full bath, laundry room, and three-car garage, complete the thoughtful layout of the first floor. Ascend to the primary suite, a true retreat wrapped in tranquility. Wake to the view of protected landscapes from your private balcony, unwind in a spalike bath, and drift into dreams in a sumptuous bedroom flanked by two walk-in closets and a peaceful sitting room. Four additional guest suites and a lofted lounge await just down the hall-ideal for family and friends who may never want to leave. Descend to the finished lower level, where indulgence continues with a sauna, wine cellar, 8-seat screening room, and recreational spaces designed for leisure and laughter. Two staff suites share a full bath, while an elevator gracefully connects all three levels of this beautifully curated home. Step outside and the romance continues. Dine al fresco beneath the stars abetted by the built-in grilling station, lounge by the shimmering 40’ heated Gunite pool and spa, or sneak away to the charming two-story pool house with its own fireplace, bath, and dreamy upstairs lounge. For moments of play, a sunken all-weather tennis court with a basketball net awaits, surrounded by lush, manicured grounds. All of this-privacy, luxury, and timeless beauty-just moments from the beach, fine dining, and the endless allure of Hamptons living. Come experience the poetry of place. Let this be your forever summer. Exclusive. $12.95M WEB#923864

Rare 8 Acre Estate Size Vacant Parcel

Waiting For You In Coveted Dering Harbor

Shelter Island | Dearing Harbor. Tucked within the storybook charm of Dering Harbor-New York’s smallest and arguably most exclusive village-lies a majestic 8.2-acre estate parcel waiting to be reimagined. With only 35 homes dotting this picturesque 200-acre seaside haven, the opportunity to claim such a vast and pristine canvas is nothing short of extraordinary. Once part of the legendary “Oriole Farm,” the private arboretum and cultivated gardens of famed horticulturist Alice Fisk, this land is steeped in heritage and beauty. Now, for the first time in generations, this treasured property emerges from its quiet slumber to invite a visionary buyer to shape their own legacy in an unmatched setting. Surrounded by whispers of nature and the tranquility of the sea, the gently cleared land offers a rare combination of serenity and scale-with ample room to design a grand manor, shimmering pool, elegant pool house, tennis court, and even a bespoke carriage house with legal living quarters above. A discreet service entrance on the west side adds both convenience and privacy, and shortens your stroll to the village center. Unlike other areas on Shelter Island, Dering Harbor benefits from its own municipal water supply-ensuring both crystal-clear drinking water and a thriving landscape nourished year-round. Directly across from the verdant fairways of Gardiner’s Bay Country Club, with views of the iconic 4th hole, the estate is perfectly positioned for those who appreciate refined leisure. Within a leisurely walk, you’ll discover sandy beaches, charming shops, and fine dining tucked along the waterfront-each moment here infused with the idyllic pace of island life. With easy access to both the North and South Forks and the freedom to shape your vision while finalizing architectural plans, this singular offering invites you to craft something timeless-a sanctuary where nature, history, and elegance converge. Come walk the land, breathe in the salt air, and imagine the extraordinary life that awaits. Exclusive. $2.895M WEB# 915097

Gary R. DePersia

Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

m 516.380.0538 | gdp@corcoran.com

12,600 SF, 8 Bedroom Estate w/ Tennis

Water Mill. A triumph of modern farmhouse design, this stunning, newly completed estate by East End Building Company sprawls across 1.5 acres, offering breathtaking southern views over a 50-acre reserve. Encompassing over 12,600 square feet across three levels of finely articulated space, this home is an architectural marvel, designed with luxury, comfort, and functionality in mind. A dramatic 11-foot custom pivot door welcomes you into a two-story foyer, where a floating steel staircase with white oak treads and concealed lighting sets the tone for the exquisite detailing throughout. Expansive Fleetwood floor-to-ceiling windows flood the home with natural light, while two fireplaces add warmth and sophistication. The main level fans out over large format, heated porcelain tiles hitting all the right notes with a grand great room with fireplace, a family room with a see-through linear fireplace, a formal dining room, a study, and a junior primary suite with spa-like amenities. The heart of the home, a bespoke Gary Ciuffo-designed kitchen, boasts dual Gaggenau refrigerators, a Wolf 60-inch range, Miele induction cooktop, a coffee station, a chef’s prep kitchen and separate pantry ensuring both beauty and practicality. A powder room, mud room and a heated, 3 car garage complete the first floor. The second floor, covered in rift and quarter sawn white oak, features a luxurious primary suite with its own sitting room, spa bath with radiantheated floors, and access to expansive decks overlooking the reserve. Four additional en-suite bedrooms, each with walk-in closets and seamless shower designs, offer unparalleled comfort.An office and laundry room adds convenience while 1140 SF of sustainable Timbertrek decking servicing multiple suites completes the second floor. A short staircase ascends to the 800+ SF rooftop deck, perfect for that postprandial cigar while surveying your domain. A separate staircase descends to the finished lower level, a retreat of its own, boasting a 1,500-bottle wine cellar, a screening room, a game/billiard room and a wellness center with steam room, gym, and a massage/yoga studio. Two additional bedroom suites, a powder room and ample space for a golf simulator, bowling alley, or sauna complete this impressive space. Outdoor living is redefined with an 18’ x 56’ heated saltwater pool and spa, a 240-square-foot pool house, a trellis-covered lounge, and an outdoor kitchen equipped with a Lynx professional grill and a Marvel stainless-steel beverage center. A Century-built, all-weather north/ south tennis court is framed by cedar fencing, while manicured lawns provide space for backyard activities. Every detail of this home has been meticulously considered, from the Abodo fine-sawn wood cladding and black standing-seam aluminum roof to the concealed HVAC vents and Lutron lighting system. With radiant heat throughout the first floor, a whole-house Sonos sound system, 400-amp electrical service, and Control4 automation, this residence is as technologically advanced as it is beautifully crafted. Designed by the award-winning team at The Up Studio, with landscape design by local experts, this home is a rare fusion of innovative design and timeless Hamptons elegance. Perfectly positioned between Southampton and Water Mill, this one-of-a-kind estate offers the ultimate Hamptons experience. Co-Exclusive. $13.95M WEB #898434

Private 6,500 SF Hideaway in Horse Country

Bridgehampton. Where the sun slips golden through swaying cedars and mornings begin with the stillness of a private pond, this exquisite Bridgehampton estate offers not just a home, but a graceful retreat of light, space, and soul. Set on 2.5 lush and landscaped acres in the heart of Bridgehampton’s storied horse country, this 6,500 square foot± cedarshingled traditional embodies classic Hamptons architecture with a warm, modern sensibility. Built in 2004 and thoughtfully refined in recent years, it was designed with both privacy and hospitality in mind-five generously sized bedrooms, six full and one-half bathrooms, and three levels of finished living space, offering elegant comfort at every turn. A winding stone driveway leads you to the home, where a two-story entry foyer welcomes you with volume and light. From here, the layout unfolds into a cathedral-ceiling great room drenched in sunlight and perfect for everyday gathering. The formal dining room, anchored by one of the home’s four fireplaces, sets the scene for cozy winter dinners or celebratory holiday feasts. Throughout the first floor, high ceilings, oversized windows, and white oak floors create a sense of calm and openness. At the heart of the home lies a chef’s kitchen, rich in character and utility. Outfitted with stone countertops, a massive 8-foot island with seating, extensive white cabinetry, and top-of-the-line appliancesincluding a 48” Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf 6-burner stove with double ovens, two Bosch dishwashers, and an undercounter wine cabinet-this space invites culinary creativity and connection. A charming breakfast nook overlooks the backyard, where the beauty of the outdoors elevates even the simplest mornings. On the main floor, a private guest suite offers a generous sleeping chamber, walk-in closet, and full bath-ideal for in-laws, weekend visitors, or au pair accommodations. A dedicated mudroom offers laundry just before the 2 car garage. Upstairs, the primary suite is a romantic sanctuary unto itself, with a fireplace, sitting room, two walk-in closets, and a spa-style bathroom featuring dual vanities, a soaking tub, shower room, and private water closet. Three additional en-suite bedrooms-one with its own fireplace-ensure everyone has their own private retreat. Guests will adore the private apartment above the garage, a quiet and self-contained hideaway with flexible potential as an artist studio, remote office, or serene guest quarters. On the finished lower level, life continues with a sense of ease and indulgence. With 9-foot ceilings, this space includes a media lounge, billiards/game room, home gym, office, bar/kitchen, a full bath, and a cozy napping room with closet-perfect for multi-generational living or weekend guests. Step outside, and the romance of the Hamptons takes full form. A heated 20’ x 40’ Gunite pool sits beside a tranquil private pond, embraced by expansive stone patios and lush, mature landscaping. Custom lighting and a Sonos sound system enhance the atmosphere from morning lattes to moonlit cocktails. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or enjoying a quiet evening under the stars, the covered and open-air outdoor spaces provide the perfect backdrop. Modern mechanicals support the home’s elegant living: a 5-zone gas forced-air heating and central air system, public water, 1000-gallon propane tank for heating, cooking, and pool, 400-amp electrical service, and Sonos speakers throughout ensure the home is as functional as it is beautiful. Set amid large, lightly developed parcels, this estate offers extraordinary privacy-no neighbors in sight-yet is just minutes from Bridgehampton village, world-class ocean beaches, farm stands, and local vineyards. The property is the epitome of a private Hamptons resort: romantic, vibrant, and ready to welcome you home. This is more than a house. It’s a lifestyle-thoughtfully curated for connection, comfort, and quiet joy. Exclusive. $5.495M WEB #925954

SCAN FOR FULL LISTING

Gary R. DePersia

Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker m 516.380.0538 | gdp@corcoran.com

10,000 SF Masterpiece In The Making

Southampton. M & M Custom Homes brings its signature craftsmanship and visionary design to Great Hills—an exclusive new Southampton enclave where three extraordinary estates are taking shape. The first of these masterworks is already rising: a modern 8 bedroom Hamptons residence on 1.5 acres redefining four-season living across nearly 10,000 square feet of superbly finished space on three levels. A soaring double-height foyer sets a dramatic tone as sunlight glides across 8.5inch white oak floors into a free-flowing layout. The living room, anchored by a sleek fireplace, merges seamlessly with the breakfast area and state-of-the-art kitchen featuring Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, dual dishwashers and sinks, a striking center island, and bespoke acrylic cabinetry topped with stone and quartz. A separate great room—with its own fireplace— invites memorable evenings of conversation and laughter. The main level also includes a formal dining room, stylish guest suite, powder room, and oversized two-car garage. Ascending the floating metal staircase with glass railings, the primary wing offers a serene retreat with radiant-heated spa bath, soaking tub, glass shower, dual walk-ins, and a private balcony. Four additional guest suites—each with private bath and walk-in closet—share a family room and convenient laundry. The lower level is pure entertainment: a tiered home theater with immersive AV, gym, powder room, recreational lounge, and two private bedrooms sharing a bath—ideal for staff or weekend overflow. An elevator connects all floors. Outdoors, expansive stone terraces—both covered and open—overlook the heated Gunite pool with spa, surrounded by porcelain tile and lush landscaping. Beyond lies an all-weather tennis court, completing the resort-like tableau. Every detail reflects thoughtful luxury: 600-amp electrical service, 6-zone high-efficiency HVAC, Sonos sound, Eurpoean Shuco windows, LED lighting, central vac, chandelier lift, and prewiring for cable and WiFi. With new construction at this caliber increasingly rare, especially with tennis and customization still possible, this is your moment to claim a legacy Hamptons residence destined to be nothing short of sensational. Contact us today for details or to arrange your private preview before this opportunity disappears. Exclusive. $8.95M WEB# 927930

SCAN FOR FULL LISTING

Modern 11,200 SF, 8 Bedroom Estate with Tennis Looking South Over 50 Acres of Reserve

Water Mill. Set amidst the serene beauty of a 50-acre reserve, 392 Seven Ponds Towd Road is a breathtaking modern estate by East End Building Company. Completed in 2025 and designed for both luxury and comfort, this architectural masterpiece spans 11,000 +/- SF across three levels, featuring eight bedrooms, nine full and two half bathrooms, and an elevator connecting all to the roof deck offering heroic 360° views. Expansive Fleetwood floor-to-ceiling windows and doors blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living, flooding the home with natural light and offering unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape. Upon arrival, a striking 11-foot custom-designed entry door welcomes you into a dramatic two-story foyer anchored by a floating steel staircase with white oak treads and concealed lighting. The open-concept first floor highlights a sophisticated living room with a 90-inch linear gas fireplace, a versatile study and a state-of-the-art kitchen featuring custom Gary Ciuffo cabinetry, Gaggenau and Wolf appliances, butler’s pantry and a separate chef’s prep kitchen for seamless entertaining. A private, featured guest suite offers a sleeping chamber, sitting room, spa bath and access to its own patio. Hydronic radiant heat beneath 40” large format porcelain tiles extends throughout the entire first floor, ensuring warmth and comfort year-round. Rift and quarter sawn, white oak flooring spreads throughout the second level that features a spacious primary wing with dual private terraces, a sitting room, a spa-like bathroom with radiant-heated floors and a walk-in closet. Four additional ensuite bedrooms offer private deck access and walk-in closets. A second full-service laundry room ensures convenience at every level. The elevator rises to the 2,000 +/- SF rooftop terrace with putting green, Sonos audio and extensive lighting. The 3,000-square-foot lower level is a private retreat, complete with a 1,200-bottle wine cellar. 2-bedroom suites and powder room while providing ample space for screening room, a billiards/game room, a gym, sauna, golf simulator or any number of other subterranean pursuits. A courtyard with a staircase provides direct access to the grounds above. Outdoor amenities rival those of a five-star resort with 20’ x 40’ heated salt water pool, spa, expansive patios, and a full outdoor kitchen, creating the ultimate entertaining space. The all-weather tennis court framed by a sprawling lawn provides the perfect balance of recreation and relaxation. Built with premium materials, this home features Abodo Fine Sawn Face Vulcan cladding, Fiberon sustainable decking, a Lutron lighting system, and concealed HVAC vents for a seamless aesthetic. Smart-home technology includes Control4 thermostats, a whole-house Sonos system, and an advanced security and fire protection system. Designed by the award-winning Up Studio, this modern sanctuary is close to everything that makes the Hamptons a world class resort. Co-Exclusive. $12.95M WEB#898434

Gary R. DePersia

Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

m 516.380.0538 | gdp@corcoran.com

A Grand Southampton EstateLuxury, Leisure, Legacy & Tennis

Southampton. Set gracefully upon a pristine, manicured acre, this remarkable estate stands as a rare gem among Southampton’s most exclusive offerings. A masterful embodiment of the storied Hamptons lifestyle, the property boasts a sun-drenched heated Gunite pool and the elusive luxury of an all-weather tennis court-a true rarity on a parcel of this size. Lovingly held and meticulously maintained by one family for generations, this timeless 6-bedroom shingled gambrel traditional radiates warmth, grace, and understated elegance. Step inside to discover a home that invites both refined entertaining and intimate retreat. A stately living room with a wood-burning fireplace, a richly appointed library, and a formal dining room provide a palette of spaces where memories are made and soirées unfold. The first-floor primary suite serves as a serene sanctuary, offering privacy and comfort, while an adjacent staff bedroom adds thoughtful convenience. The heart of the home-the gourmet kitchen-is a culinary dream, featuring top-tier appliances including a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Viking gas cooktop, double GE Profile wall ovens and dishwashers, and a Marvel beverage cooler, all poised to inspire any chef’s imagination. Upstairs, three beautifully proportioned guest bedrooms offer comfort and charm, while a sprawling flex spacecurrently a private gym-holds limitless potential. Envision a grand primary suite with sweeping views, a creative studio, or an indulgent lounge-the choice is yours. Outdoors, stone patios extend into a verdant paradise where mature trees, lush lawns, and curated gardens create an enchanting backdrop for alfresco living. Whether poolside in summer sun or enjoying twilight matches on your private court, the ambiance is pure Hamptons magic. Ideally situated mere moments from the charming village, acclaimed restaurants, and the iconic beaches that have defined Southampton’s allure for over a century, this is more than a home-it is a legacy. Rare, refined, and undeniably distinguished, this estate is Southampton living at its most exceptional. Exclusive. $11.75M WEB #920226

A 5 Bedroom 5,500 SF Retreat Of Elevated Ease and Timeless Design

East Hampton. Welcome to a true expression of Hamptons luxury-an artful blend of classic elegance and cutting-edge comfort set on 2 manicured acres almost equidistant between the chic boutiques of East Hampton and the harbor front charm of Sag Harbor. This 5,500+/- square foot estate, spread gracefully across three finished levels, is a sanctuary of refined living, where every room, view, and feature has been thoughtfully composed to celebrate indoor-outdoor harmony and effortless summer living. Arrival is through a Tuscan-inspired gated driveway, setting a graceful tone amid beautifully landscaped grounds. Inside, the home opens with an intimate parlor before unfolding into a sun-drenched great room with soaring 20-foot ceilings and walls of glass, where the inside is in constant communication with the outside. Designed for both retreat and celebration, the residence features five bedrooms and five full bathrooms, including a luxurious first-floor primary suite with a Euro-style walk-in closet, spa-quality marble bath, and serene garden views. For those blending business with pleasure, a private first-floor office-complete with its own full bath-offers a quiet workspace or an additional guest suite when needed. The heart of the home is its chef’s kitchen: an entertainer’s dream anchored by an oversized center island beneath Tom Dixon custom lighting. Outfitted with top-tier appliances including a Wolf 6-burner stove with double ovens, GE refrigerator and dishwasher, Marvel wine cooler, and Perrin & Rowe brass fixtures, it opens seamlessly to a dining area and fireside family room-creating a fluid space for hosting everything from casual clambakes to elegant Hamptons soirées. Every bedroom has been curated with hospitality in mind-each a restful haven with ensuite marble baths, flat-screen TVs, and smart climate controls. Upstairs, two guest suites welcome favored visitors, while the finished lower level offers yet another guest suite, a spacious media room for movie nights, gaming marathons, or rainy-day escapes, and an oversized laundry area designed for ease of use. Tech-savvy and turnkey, the home features a smart-home-enabled five-zone central air and heating system, with individual thermostats in every bedroom for personalized comfort. A 1,000-gallon propane tank powers both cooking and heating, while a smart water shut-off valve adds peace of mind. Music fills every corner thanks to a whole-home SONOS sound system, featuring over 40 wired indoor speakers plus 10 more outdoors-ideal for setting the mood, whether you’re hosting friends or unwinding solo by the pool. Outdoors, the lifestyle only expands as the 50-foot heated, saltwater Gunite pool with raised spa and submerged sun deck invites full days of lounging and laughter. The expansive mahogany deck, perfect for sunset cocktails or alfresco dinners, is enhanced by the custom sound system and lush landscaping-designed for both beauty and privacy.From early morning dips to twilight gatherings under the stars, this is a home that speaks to the soul of the Hamptons. Minutes from white sand beaches, famed farm stands, art galleries, and vineyards, it offers not just a place to live, but a life to savor. This rare offering won’t last long-your quintessential Hamptons escape awaits. Exclusive. $4.495M WEB #925023

SCAN FOR FULL LISTING

Realty Check

54

Design

Practical Elegance—Luxury redefined for everyday living

56

Top Sales of 2025

Hot Sales and Listings...Along with the latest real estate news in the Hamptons

Market Watch

The Hamptons real estate market is closing out the year with a blend of momentum and complexity

The Modern Homestead Designer Brianna Untener reimagines a Bridgehampton family retreat

A curated look at some notable homes featured in Hamptons Real Estate Showcase this past year that successfully closed.

62

Dining

Festive Feasts—The holidays are a busy season for restaurants. Here are some favorite spots

64 Events

East Hampton Historical Society’ s 2025 House & Garden Tour

Our Listings are Featured Weekly, Bi-Weekly and Monthly in Top Publications, including:

• Hamptons Real Estate Showcase Magazine

• Dan's Papers, inside cover

• Dan’s Papers Palm Beach

• The New York Post, opposite Page Six with National Distribution

• The Real Deal Magazine with National Distribution

• Behind The Hedges with additional Florida Distribution

• The Southampton Press Eastern Edition

• The Southampton Press Western Edition

• The East Hampton Press

• The Sag Harbor Express

• Jewish World Newspaper

• East End Living Magazine

• Paid Targeted Social Media Campaigns on Facebook and Instagram

Holiday/New Year 2026

66

Destination

One Big, Small Trip—In Calabria, getting to know a place through smaller circles

68

Shopping

Packed for Success—As travel becomes more stressful, it’s more important than ever to have dependable, durable, well organized luggage

72

Arts

Both Sides Now— Photographer Raphael Avigdor captures the allure of clouds

74

Spotlight

A Palm Beach New Year’s Eve—Welcoming 2026 with style, sparkle, and sunshine

78

Destination

82

Destination Luxury in the Bahamas— Inside The Cove, Eleuthera’s secluded paradise

88

Luxe Looks Curated finds for the sophisticated Hamptons home

Look for our Next Issue: President’s Day 2026

70

Spotlight

Private clubs pop up all over Palm Beach and access will cost you — but worth the price

Delray Beach offers great dining and entertainment in a charming beachside setting

LUXURY DELIVERED

PRESIDENT & CEO

Jim Miller

PUBLISHER

Claudette Greenstein

DESIGN

Fontsy Design, Inc.

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Heather Buchanan | Alexandra Croft

Karen Dash | Mila Everhart

Isla Hartley | Isabella Jenkins

Richard Lewin | Kelsey Ogletree

Hannah Selinger | Heather Senison

Skye Sherman | Beverly Stephen

Nina Thomson | Dawn Watson

Jaxon Wilde | Mariette Williams

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kristin L. Gray | Eric Striffler

Richard Taverna

SOCIAL MEDIA

East End Social

FINANCE

Ellen Miller

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Claudette Greenstein

cgreenstein@m3-mediagroup.com 631.353.3350

NATIONAL SALES

Carrie Brudner

carriebrudner@icloud.com (917) 575-2004

SPACE. STYLE. SERENITY. ALL AT BAITING HOLLOW - YOUR HAMPTONS ALTERNATIVE, WITHOUT THE COMPROMISE

BAY POINT WATERFRONT

North Haven

I’m delighted to welcome you to our Holiday + New Year Double Issue. This special extended edition features our annual Showcase Sales feature, highlighting standout sold properties from some of our top advertising brokers — a true celebration of their hard work this year.

We’re also embracing a bit of wanderlust with this being our Travel Issue. As magical as the Hamptons are in winter, it’s always refreshing to look beyond our shores. Editor Mariette Williams takes us to two beautiful escapes: a secluded paradise tucked inside The Cove in Eleuthera, Bahamas, and the charming seaside

ON THE COVER

setting of Delray Beach in South Florida. And writer Hannah Selinger brings us on a memorable journey to one of Italy’s most enchanting regions, Calabria

This month’s Designer Showcase highlights an extraordinary Bridgehampton transformation by interior designer Brianna Untener of Brianna Scott Interiors. In “The Modern Homestead,” Brianna reimagines a longtime family retreat with her signature “soft contemporary” aesthetic—beautifully layered, tactile, and deeply livable. What began as a light refresh evolved into a full reinterpretation of an 8,000-squarefoot home, honoring the family’s memories while creating a richer, more modern sanctuary for real life. Her work brings warmth, cohesion, and a renewed sense of place to a beloved Hamptons escape.

This issue also features our year end Hamptons Market Watch report, where top brokers share insight into a market that remains strong, resilient, and in high demand. A median price of $2 million was reported in the third quarter, jumping 30% year-over-year.

With rising luxury sales and sustained momentum at most price points, the East End closes out the year with steady activity and opportunities across

multiple hamlets. And, as always, Karen Dash’s Realty Check delivers the latest listings, major sales, and the insider updates that define the Hamptons market and beyond.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a bright start to the new year—may 2026 bring beauty, balance, and all the things that make a house feel like home.

Claudette Greenstein, Publisher @hamptonsrealestateshowcase

James Peyton of The Corcoran Group presents a striking new modern estate at 113 Jule Pond Drive, set within the exclusive Fordune enclave in Water Mill. Designed by Will Minnear Architect P.C. and built by Jack Curto Development, this 11,000-square-foot residence is a masterclass in contemporary coastal design, offering both scale and serenity just moments from deeded ocean access.

Defined by clean lines and a palette of natural materials, the home flows effortlessly between indoor and outdoor spaces. The layout includes a serene primary suite, a separate guest wing, and peaceful views across neighboring reserve land.

The landscaped grounds feature a 20’x50’ pool, spa, pool house, and multiple alfresco entertaining areas. Located just minutes from Southampton Village, this is a rare opportunity to experience the Hamptons at its most refined.

Photo:
Kristin
L. Gray
Photography
Photo: The Cove Eleuthera

Iconic Hamptons Farmhouse Estate with Restored Barn

A rare jewel in Water Mill, this reimagined 1920’s farmhouse estate delivers the ultimate blend of heritage and modern luxury. The main residence, masterfully renovated and professionally designed, offers 5 bedrooms, and 5.5 baths. The finished lower level includes a private bedroom with an ensuite bath as well as a spacious entertaining area and playroom. At the heart of the estate stands the fully restored historic barn, an architectural centerpiece with soaring ceilings, walls of glass, and a dramatic dining hall made for unforgettable gatherings. Outdoor amenities include heated gunite pool/spa, wood-fired pizza oven, outdoor kitchen and inviting fireplace. $5,295,000 | Web# 926137

Unique Contemporary with Beauty and Function

Designed by celebrated architect Alfredo DeVito and currently owned by renowned interior designer Kerry Delrose, this residence pairs modern comfort with a soulful connection to its surroundings. The original architect’s wood and glass “boxes” were very progressive for its time and offer the feeling of living inside out and outside in. Nearly 2-acres of curated grounds create a private sanctuary with garden pathways, slate patios, and a heated gunite pool and separate in ground spa. Inside, the home reveals multiple living spaces in addition to 4 bedrooms and 3.5 renovated baths, each with its own thoughtful character. $3,595,000 | Web# 926173

WISHING YOU

HAPPY Holidays

May the season bring you peace, prosperity, and all the comforts of home.

REALTY CHECK

Hot Sales and Listings...Along with the Latest Real Estate News in the Hamptons and Beyond

Money never sleeps. If you thought the Hamptons luxury market might be taking a winter nap, think again. While the rest of the Northeast is busy pretending pumpkin spice is a food group and battening down patio furniture, the East End is gleefully trading properties like it’s Monaco in July. This past week delivered more eyebrow-raising sales than a Sotheby’s contemporary art auction—and with significantly fewer berets.

We’ll start small—literally—with a 600-square-foot cottage that just fetched the GDP of a small nation.

THE $2.7 MILLION COTTAGE THAT COULD

Cottage 3 in East Hampton’s cute Bayberry Cottages sold in five days for its full ask of $2,695,000, proving once again that in East Hampton, size is strictly a philosophical concept. The one-bedroom “cottage”— a tasteful jewel box priced like a trust fund—achieved a record-shattering $4,491 per square foot, leaving the previous record-holder (a 1,100-square-foot two-bedroom) looking slightly bloated and embarrassingly affordable.

Charles Warren of Engel & Völkers, who listed the property and also quarterbacked its meticulous renovation, credited the sale to “design decisions, beach aesthetics and polished interiors”

Before Warren worked his magic, the cottage languished on the market in 2019, listed at $1.35 million to the sound of widespread yawning. But after the full aesthetic resuscitation—new cedar shake roof, refinished floors, a mahogany outdoor shower, designer lighting, and enough Carrara marble to encourage

a small Renaissance revival—the cottage has become East Hampton’s most glamorous postage stamp.

This is the kind of perfumed little property that makes Manhattan couples say things like “It’s small, but we’d only be there on weekends,” as though a $2.7 million dollhouse is an act of restraint.

\WATERFRONT ESCAPE FINDS BUYER
Represented by Michaela and Paulina Keszler of Sotheby’s
Photo: Sotheby’s International Realty
THE $2.7 MILLION COTTAGE THAT COULD Represented by Charles Warren of Engel & Völkers
Photo: Engel & Völkers

WATERFRONT ESCAPE FINDS BUYER

If waterfront luxury had a show-off cousin, this would be it. Sprawled across nearly three acres on Flying Point Road in Water Mill South, this glassand-stone stunner doesn’t just sit pretty on Mecox Bay—it owns the view, with sightlines stretching to Channel Pond and the Atlantic.

Designed by Barnes Coy with interiors by Italian minimalist master Massimo Castagna, the ninebedroom, 11-bath estate is a masterclass in highdesign flexing. There’s a floating steel and glass staircase (because why not), floor-to-ceiling windows, and more imported stone than a Roman villa. The kitchen? Gaggenau everything, with a butler’s pantry and pocket doors that vanish into an alfresco dining setup complete with Lynx grill.

“Representing my buyers on 951 Flying Point Road was an incredible honor,” says Michaela Keszler of Sothebys. “This modern Water Mill estate is a true architectural masterpiece, with nine ensuite bedrooms, over 11,000 square feet of interior space, and nearly three acres of waterfront grounds. From the retractable glass walls to the infinity-edge pool and rooftop deck with triple water views, every detail reflects world-class design. Helping my clients secure this one-of-a-kind property was a career highlight.” The last asking price was $29,995,000.

has been quietly undergoing a glow-up—and The Point is its manifesto. Enzo Morabito of Douglas Elliman represented the seller, and Lauren Spiegel, also Elliman, brought the buyer. “In all my years as a broker, I’ve never come across a better home on the bay, or anywhere out East. This place is completely maxed out and looks like a brand-new house. It’s actually my second time selling this property as  the first was eight years ago and seeing it again now only reinforces how truly special it is,” said Morabito.

A RECORD-BREAKING BAYFRONT ESTATE SAILS OFF IN WESTHAMPTON

From miniature to mega: 59 Shore Road in Westhampton has officially closed for $14.9 million, setting a new record for bayfront sales outside the incorporated village. Westhampton, long the bridesmaid to its flashier Atlantic-facing siblings,

Spread across two acres with 380 feet of Moriches Bay frontage, the estate offers water views so cinematic that even diehard oceanfront snobs might reconsider their loyalties. The main house, over 8,000 square feet and designed by Craig Arm with interiors by Bunny Williams, checks every box: soaring ceilings, sun-flooded rooms, and enough

glass doors to ensure that Windex’s quarterly forecast looks promising.

Bayfront listings have been gaining steam for years, but this sale plants a flag: buyers crave water, privacy, and relative proximity to restaurants where they don’t need a helicopter pad to snag a reservation. Westhampton, long ago the “starter Hamptons,” is graduating summa cum laude.

$115 MILLION WHISPER SALE

Now for the main course, served cold and offmarket: the blockbuster sale of 408 Further Lane for an astonishing $115 million, the most expensive single-parcel property ever sold in the Hamptons.

The buyer? Billionaire Len Blavatnik, who collects trophy properties the way other people collect keychains.

The seller? Former Yahoo! and Warner Bros. chairman Terry Semel, who purchased the land in 2005 for $43 million and then spent the better part

A RECORD-BREAKING BAYFRONT ESTATE SAILS OFF IN WESTHAMPTON
Represented by Enzo Morabito of Douglas Elliman
Photo: Douglas Elliman
165 SURFSIDE DRIVE, BRIDGEHAMPTON
Represented by Greg Gould & Dominic Couzens of Hedgerow and Richard Steinberg of Compass Photo: Hedgerow
$115 MILLION WHISPER SALE Photo: Google Earth

of a decade in a zoning saga so operatic that it should have opened at the Met. If ever a property deserved an IMDb page, it’s this one.

This sale surpasses Water Mill’s Jule Pond estate $105 million record, and further cements Further Lane as the land of rarefied air, where the neighbors include hedge fund royalty, media moguls, and the occasional very confused golfer wandering over from Maidstone.

AND LAST, BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST

105 & 111 Lily Pond Lane, East Hampton — $66.8 million combined These two adjacent parcels, one oceanfront and one tucked tastefully behind, traded together for $66.8 million. Together they offer privacy, views, and the sort of pedigree that makes even veteran brokers sit up straighter. Lily Pond Lane remains one of the East End’s most powerful, underthe-radar enclaves—if Further Lane is the Hamptons’ gilded runway, Lily Pond is the invitation-only afterparty. Ed Petrie, James Petrie, and Charles Forsman of Compass represented the listing. Dana Trotter of The Agency brought the buyer.

165 SURFSIDE DRIVE, BRIDGEHAMPTON — $58 MILLION

Developer Joe Farrell secured $58 million for his latest oceanfront opus, setting a new high-water mark for Surfside Drive. Farrell—who also just treated himself to a $17 million Montauk oceanfront spread in Ditch Plains, presumably because a man must chase waves where he finds them—is having a banner month. New York City agent Richard Steinberg of Compass brought the buyer, in collaboration with Greg Gould and Dominic Couzens of Hedgerow Exclusive Properties. Farrell represented himself.

buyer is reportedly former Celtics lead owner Wyc Grousbeck, who seems to have exchanged his NBA ownership stake for an infinity pool and 125 feet of ocean frontage. Not a bad trade. The property’s 8,600 square feet include a rooftop entertaining terrace spacious enough for a music festival, should one feel inclined.

MID OCEAN DRIVE, BRIDGEHAMPTON — $57 MILLION (OFF-MARKET)

Over on Mid Ocean Drive, someone quietly parted with $57 million in the kind of discreet, whisperlight sale that the Hamptons excels at. Details are scarce, which is exactly how the buyers prefer it— they didn’t spend eight figures to share their square footage on Instagram.

MEANWHILE, OVER ON THE NORTH FORK

After seven years of careful review and planning by Southold Town, a rare coastal offering is taking shape on an 88-acre expanse of soundfront land with a list price of $23 million.

This exclusive enclave features just eight estate parcels, each designed to honor the land’s natural beauty while preserving its rural soul. Three of the crown jewels are 5-plus-acre waterfront lots, each boasting up to 290 feet of private frontage on the Long Island Sound. Four additional 2.5-acre lots enjoy deeded water access. The final parcel, a 2-acre lot anchored by the original barn at the entrance adds a touch of agrarian charm to the collection.

What sets this offering apart is its commitment to preservation. More than 60 acres of the property will remain as active farmland, safeguarding the sweeping views and open space that have long defined the North Fork’s character. DeLea Sod Farm continues to cultivate the eastern fields, while the western edge is home to 25 acres of mature vines tended by Sagaponack-based Wölffer Estate Vineyard, infusing the land with both heritage and vitality.

“Personally and professionally, I have always believed in the beauty and value of the North Fork,” said owner Judi Desiderio, a leading East End broker and investor for 37 years, and currently a senior vice president at William Raveis. “I’ve been investing there for 30 years. It’s a hidden gem. In creating Oregon Close Estates it was important to protect and preserve the vistas of rolling farmland. The homesteads that will grace this land will provide future generations a place to gather and enjoy the natural beauty. With only eight generous building sites on this 88 acres and direct frontage on Long Island Sound there’s truly nothing like it.”

The
105 & 111 LILY POND LANE, EAST HAMPTON
Represented by Ed Petrie, James Petrie, and Charles Forsman of Compass
Photo: Compass
Meanwhile, Over on the North Fork Represented by Judi Desiderio of William Raveis Photo: William Raveis

market is closing out the year with a blend of momentum and complexity, top East End brokers said.

According to William Raveis, the high -end is leading the charge: home sales between $10 and $19.99 million surged 43% yearover-year in the third quarter, while properties priced at $20 million or more spiked 33%.

At the other end of the spectrum, the most active price bracket remains $1 to $1.99 million, data from the brokerage shows. Meanwhile, mid-range properties in the $3.5 to $4.99 million category slipped 10%.

supply is still relatively constrained compared to long-term norms.” Despite the limited inventory, sales volume continues to rise. Data from the Corcoran Group shows the South Fork logged its fourth straight quarter of annual increases in

39 Green Hollow Road, East Hampton Represented By Bradford King of William Raveis
5 Widows Coopers Path, Sag Harbor Represented By James Peyton of Corcoran

Douglas Elliman reported 421 total sales in the third quarter, up from 393 a year earlier, and a robust median price of $2 million, jumping 30% year-overyear.

THE CURRENT CLIMATE

“The market shows remarkable resilience despite concerns like rate cuts, government gridlock, geopolitical tensions, climate worries and a new New York City mayor,” said Robert Nelson, executive managing director of Brown Harris Stevens in the Hamptons. “Buyers, especially luxury ones, view the Hamptons as a safe haven for wealth preservation and lifestyle.”

Judi Desiderio, managing Partner of the Hamptons and North Fork Region for William Raveis, said it’s all simply “black noise” (as opposed to white, which has a calming effect). “After over three decades as a broker on the East End, I don’t get rattled by any market swings. This too shall pass,” she said, adding that the city’s mayoral shakeup could push more buyers toward the Hamptons.

Others agree that global events often trigger hesitation but rarely alter underlying demand. “Everyone needs to keep a level head,” said Paul Brennan, an associate broker with Douglas Elliman. The Hamptons market, typically stronger than others, was bolstered by the Federal Reserve’s decision to lower interest rates, noted Anthony Cerio, an associate broker with Brown Harris Stevens. “We

are seeing more cash buyers, but the drop in interest rates is a plus,” he said. “With all the craziness in the world, we are still seeing an uptick out here.”

WHERE TO LOOK

While trophy sales continue to dominate headlines, many agents say the most compelling opportunities in the Hamptons right now are defined by lifestyle and room for future value growth.

Amagansett stands out as a balanced sweet spot, catering to what Peyton called the “flip-flop crowd”: relaxed, upscale coastal living without the frenzy of more spotlighted hamlets. Peyton also points to Sag Harbor beyond the village limits, where larger lots, quiet surroundings and proximity to town create strong longterm investment potential. His record sale in North Haven — over $10 million at 5 Widow Coopers Path — signals that the area is quietly reaching new heights.

Hampton Bays may be next to surge, Cerio noted. “It has cool restaurants and, for the boater, a load of marinas,” he said. “This is where the smart money should come.”

On the ultra-luxury side, East Hampton is a powerhouse, with back-to-back oceanfront trades for $70 million, Brennan and Gundersen’s deal at 12 Further Lane, and $115 million at the former Warner Bros. Chairman Terry Semel’s estate, which sold to billionaire Len Blavatnik, nearby.

WHAT TO KNOW

Sellers have a distinct advantage in the Hamptons, where inventory is still tight across many price ranges, brokers said, but success still hinges on strategy.

Pricing realistically is key even in this market, Cerio advised. “Buyers, if you see a property that checks a lot of your boxes: jump on it! Before someone else does,” he said.

Desiderio encouraged would-be sellers to start planning early: meet with an experienced broker now, fine-tune your home’s presentation, and establish a pricing strategy that generates strong interest right out of the gate. “Buyers who are waiting for ‘prices to come down’ will be disappointed,” she added, noting that Hamptons and North Fork prices don’t fluctuate rapidly, like stocks.

Peyton called it the ideal time to act. “If you want to enjoy the Hamptons in the summer,” he said, “you have to make a deal in the winter.”

1655 County Road 39, Southampton
Represented By Tony Ceiro of Brown Harris Stevens
12 Further Lane, East Hampton
Represented By Paul Brennan & Martha Gundersen of Douglas Elliman

Stunning Homes in the Hamptons

Homes for Sale

45 Hillside Drive West, Sag Harbor

$2,195,000 | 4 BR, 3 BA

Moments to Sag Harbor Village and bay beaches this home with a finished basement offers an open living and dining area with hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, skylights, and wood burning fireplace.

Web# 412966

5 16th Street, East Hampton

$1,399,000 | 4 BR, 3 BA

Renovated turnkey quiet house in Springs. Room for pool. This sun-filled, 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom house with finished basement is a delight for a buyer seeking move-in condition.

5 Lincoln Avenue, Southampton

$1,295,000 | 3 BR, 2.5 BA

Completely renovated, turnkey home in Southampton, rebuilt from the studs with a modern design. Open-concept living area, eat-in kitchen with stainless appliances and two en suite bedrooms.

Web# 409325

raphael.avigdor@elliman.com

127 Inlet Road West, Southampton

$3,795,000 | 11 BR, 7 BA

A unique chance to own a beautifully landscaped .80-acre compound close to Peconic Bay. Each of the five free-standing, renovated year-round residences are separately metered, and have private outdoor spaces.

Web# 416368

For all inquiries please text Raphael Avigdor at 917.991.1077.

35 Gardners Lane, Hampton Bays

$1,895,000 | 4 BR, 4 BA

An expansive .69-acre property moments from beaches and Main Street. Watch the sunrise across the water, over protected land. Enjoy boating or fishing from your own private dock. Room for pool.

Web# 418241

134 Ponquogue Avenue, Hampton Bays

$1,550,000 | 5 BR, 3 BA

This legal 3-family is an exceptional investment, offering strong cash flow and broad appeal for both investors and owner-occupants. A rare turnkey opportunity in a high-demand market and a valuable addition to any portfolio. Pro-forma available upon request.

Web# 418239

Five decades of legal experience,

Five decades of legal experience, with unparalleled clarity and focus

The Modern homestead

A sunlit great room blends hand-raked plaster, raw pine,

and linen, creating a soulful, sophisticated space designed for effortless hosting and moments of quiet retreat.

mohair,
HEATHER SENISON PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARGARET ROSE

Designer Brianna Untener Reimagines a Bridgehampton Family Retreat

Interior designer Brianna Untener has built her reputation on spaces that feel both elevated and deeply livable. Her work is rooted in an aesthetic she describes as “soft contemporary”—a palette of tactile materials, gentle forms and thoughtful details that feel personal rather than prescriptive.

As the founder of Brianna Scott Interiors, one of Untener’s latest projects was the full transformation of a Bridgehampton summer home. Coined the “Modern Homestead,” it’s cozy without clichés, contemporary without sterile minimalism, and carefully tailored to the family who calls it their refuge.

From Dollhouses to Design Studios

Raised in Stony Point, a Rockland County suburb of New York City, Untener knew early on where her creativity was taking her. “Design is something that I loved as a child,” she says of the days she spent arranging dollhouses and drawing plans for fun. “From this young age, I dreamed of being a renowned interior designer working on the coolest homes across the country.”

To bring that dream to life, Untener studied Interior Architecture at Marywood University in Scranton, P.A., where she graduated top of her class. A post-grad stint at a commercial architecture firm in New York honed her technical skill set, while freelance residential jobs broadened her experience working one-on-one with private clients.

2021, she launched Brianna Scott Interiors, a New York and Connecticut based firm known for its rich textures, thoughtful layering and emphasis on livability. She selects a few projects each year and offers one-on-one attention to each client. “My aesthetic is fluid and can adapt to different clients and their unique style,” she says. “I never want to be pigeonholed into a certain type of project or ‘look.’”

Memories to Protect

Untener’s Bridgehampton clients had owned their home for a decade and found themselves unsure whether to renovate or move on. “They debated back and forth about looking for a new home or keeping this one,” Untener explains. But in the end, “they had so many memories here, so they knew they had to stay and give it a new life.”

What began as a partial update evolved quickly. The clients soon realized that if they were going to freshen a few spaces, the rest of the house needed to rise to the same standard. By July of 2024 — after a January start — the entire 8,000-square-foot shingle-style farmhouse had been reinterpreted. The refreshed identity needed a name, but “farmhouse” no longer fit. “Modern Homestead” captured the home’s rustic bones, reimagined through a contemporary lens.

In

“I think the word ‘farmhouse’ is a little overused and makes you think of one specific look,” Untener says. “This has elements of a farmhousestyle home, but it feels and looks richer in tone and texture.”

Ready for Real Life

The homeowners emphasized two guiding words: cozy and rich. “They wanted this home to feel like an oasis they could spend their summers in away from the city, but it also needed to be durable to keep up with kids, dogs, and entertaining,” she says. “Every fiber and textile was selected to keep up with this lifestyle.”

That balance of beauty and resilience carries throughout the house, where hardy performance fabrics sit comfortably beside stone, plaster, warm wood and vintage accents.

An 8,000-Square-Foot

Vision

To keep the many rooms in the 8,000-square-foot manse from feeling disconnected, Untener employed an approach that emphasized both identity and continuity.“Each room has its own individuality,” she explains, “but the individual spaces have design elements that tie it back to the greater design direction, creating that cohesive feel throughout.” Wood tones echo between rooms, plaster finishes repeat with subtle variation and a mix of vintage furniture unifies old and new, she says.

Inspired by the home’s original industrial beams, Untener opted to heighten the drama rather than fight it. The result is her favorite moment in the house: a towering fluted fireplace in the great room. The clients expressed an affinity for travertine, but cost constraints led to a hybrid solution.

“We decided that the hearth and surround were made of travertine and the rest of the mass is a fluted wood material,” Untener says. The effect, she adds, is monumental and striking, and nearly indistinguishable from carved stone.

The kitchen was not in the original scope, but mid-renovation, Untener realized its previous updates clashed with the new palette. “The kitchen was a big obstacle since we had to adjust it on the fly without any demo,” she recalls. Without replacing cabinetry, tile, or appliances, she plastered over the fullheight tiled wall and added a new plaster hood and oak cladding on the island.

In the children’s spaces, Untener aimed for expressive over juvenile. A teen bedroom features a bouclé bed and a hand-painted water-inspired mural by Faux Finesse, while a pine-clad playroom doubles as a DJ booth.

A Home Rediscovered

Today, the Modern Homestead feels like an oasis. It’s inviting, layered and restful, Untener says. When the project was revealed, the family could hardly connect their memories to their surroundings, she adds. “They were almost in shock,” Untener recalls. “It was drastically different, but everything they were wanting.”

Custom-built on Sag Harbor’s storied Captain’s Row, 232 Main Street blends modern Hamptons living with design by Val Florio, Alicia Murphy, and Christopher LaGuardia. Featuring open-plan interiors, indoor-outdoor flow, a heated pool, pool house, and lush professional landscaping.

SAG HARBOR • NY

6 Ackerly Street

$2,595,000 • 4 BD • 2 BA • 2,000 SF • 0.44 AC THE DREAM RENOVATION

This 4 Bed 2 Bath on a quaint village street from the early 1800s embodies a classic Sag Harbor charm. This home offers 2000 sqft +/- saturated with natural light throughout. A gracious 0.44-acre yard is great for outdoor entertaining. Located in the heart of Sag Harbor village, close to shops, beaches, restaurants and marina. Perfect opportunity to reimagine or start fresh and create a Sag Harbor dream home.

Practical Elegance

Luxury Redefined for Everyday Living.

Anew kind of luxury is shaping how families design their homes, and it has little to do with perfection. Dubbed “practical elegance” by designers, it’s a shift toward interiors that feel elevated yet are meant to be lived in, loved and occasionally spilled on.

Instead of precious rooms and fussy materials, clients are gravitating toward furnishings that deliver both beauty and purpose. Though the trend is especially appealing to parents of young children, it also calls to first-time homeowners and young couples who are still discovering their taste, says Designer Kerith Flynn, founder of Margali & Flynn Designs.

The key, she notes, is investing in timeless, well-made pieces that hold their ground while small accents — pillows, blankets, art — can evolve around them. “Dog owners are definitely in this category… and a lot of grandparents,” adds Hillary Cohen, principal and founder of Hco Interiors

As Sag Harbor-based designer Allison Babcock puts it, “Beautiful rooms shouldn’t feel like you can’t touch anything.”

BUILT TO LAST

Investment pieces do more than elevate a room, designers say. They prove their worth during years of use. With children, pets or a house full of guests,

durability becomes an essential form of luxury.

For starters, a quality sofa or sectional is often the cornerstone of family life, and Flynn advises paying special attention to material and construction. “Choose fabric carefully if you want your sofa to last,” she says. “Performance fabrics are extremely common and can be offered in a wide range of materials and color options.”

Rub-count matters, Flynn notes (a higher rating equals higher durability). She recommends furniture brands like Vanguard, Bernhardt and Century, along with hardwood or engineered wood flooring to support long-term use from the ground up.

Cohen agrees that the most-used pieces deserve the highest quality. “Investment pieces should be the ones you touch and use constantly,” she says, pointing

to solid wood dining tables, upholstered seating in performance or outdoor fabrics, and wool rugs that soften with age rather than show wear.

Think of these pieces as anchors, Babcock says: “Investment pieces should be beautifully made, highly functional and able to evolve with your family.”

Her go-to resources reflect that balance, including Maiden Home, HighlandHouse, Kravet, and Baker for upholstery; 1stdibs, Lawson Fenning, and Allied Maker for tables and lighting; and durable rug makers like Stark, Armadillo, and Nordic Knots.

WHEN FORM MARRIES FUNCTION

With practical elegance, every piece earns its place. Nowhere is that clearer than in multipurpose rooms, where design must quietly support real life. Instead of fighting toys, pet hair and constant activity, these spaces incorporate storage, durability and flexibility into their style.

In Cohen’s own living room, which doubles as a playroom, a sleek bookcase sits behind the sofa, hiding toys when not in use. Ottomans with concealed compartments, consoles with drawers, and end tables with shelves keep daily clutter out of sight. “That’s the secret: beautiful storage that works hard without announcing itself,” she says.

Modular seating is another hero of functional design, Flynn adds. They “offer the opportunity to change your space around in the future without needing to invest in all new pieces,” she says.

In Babcock’s living-room/playroom hybrids, the designer pairs a performance-fabric sectional with a grasscloth or white oak credenza to tuck things away. The space is softened with a durable wool rug and finished with sculptural Visual Comfort lamps. “Practical elegance is about creating a home that feels beautiful and is completely livable at the same time,” Babcock says. “Clients want interiors that feel elevated and effortless, rooms that welcome real life.”

Allison Babcock
HCO Interiors
Margali & Flynn Designs

2025 TOP SALES

A curated look at some notable homes featured in Hamptons Real Estate Showcase this past year that successfully closed. Congratulations to all!

*Last asking price

FRANK MALAGON OF WILLIAM RAVEIS Dune Road, Quogue - $12,999,000*
TIM DAVIS OF CORCORAN 1320 Meadow Lane, Southampton - SOLD $40,000,000
ANGELA BOYER STUMP OF SOTHEBY’S 98 & 102 Little Neck Road, Southampton- $7,750,000*
ENZO MORABITO OF DOUGLAS ELLIMAN 59 Shore Road, Westhampton - $15,950,000*
HARALD AND BRUCE GRANT OF SOTHEBY’S 53 Fordune Drive, Water Mill - $23,995,000*
KYLE ROSKO AND MARCY BRAUN OF DOUGLAS ELLIMAN 408 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk - $18,000,000*
MARTHA
JAMES

Festive Feasts

The holidays are a busy season for restaurants. The atmosphere is festive and diners are primed to celebrate. Here are some favorite spots that fill the bill.

FENIKS

Feniks, the new fine-dining restaurant opened by esteemed Southampton chef Duglas Gulija, will celebrate the feast of the seven fishes on Christmas Eve kicking off with Montauk pearl oysters, vodka crème fraiche, and Siberian caviar. Feniks, the Croatian spelling of Phoenix which celebrates renewal, is a career renewal for Gulija, after 28 years’ operating the now-closed Plaza Café. Gulija partnered with his cousin Skip Norsic to nod to their Croatian roots. The dazzling two-story space accommodates three distinct dining experiences: a six-seat chef’s counter with an 8-course tasting menu, an ala carte dining room, and a lounge offering craft cocktails

and light bites. “The consensus from our guests has been ‘there’s nothing like it in the Hamptons.,’” says Gulija. Soothing tones of taupe, charcoal, and cream are accented by a stunning bronze beam architectural feature that begins at the chef’s counter and rises up two levels. The largely seafood-driven menu features the likes of Columbia River King Salmon with saffron-mussel broth and swordfish chop tagine.

ALMOND

Bridgehampton’s Almond Restaurant will produce its 25th Annual Christmas Eve Suckling pig roast for $49. A portion of the revenue will be donated to OLA (Organizacion Latino Americana) of Long Island. For accompaniments, “We might do a Central American vibe this year,” says executive chef/ co-founder Jason Weiner. “It makes sense given our commitment to OLA.

Think black beans (we get those from Balsam Farms in Amagansett), house made tortillas (made by the many awesome moms we have working for us), adobo made with dried Chiles from Feathertop Farms in East Hampton.” The ala carte menu will also be available so customers can dine on moules frites or upstate duck breast adobo instead of roast pig. The back wall adorned with red jumping-zebra wallpaper is a fitting background for the lively atmosphere. And it can be counted on to bring a smile to customers’ faces, especially if they remember it from the late lamented Gino of Capri on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. “The Scalamandre wallpaper is an homage,” explains Weiner. “It’s not the actual wallpaper that hung at Gino, just the same pattern.”

LDV AT THE MAIDSTONE

East Hampton’s Maidstone has a 150 year history but in 2024 it got an Italian style makeover from LDV Hospitality. LDV stands for La Dolce Vita. Think an Aperitivo hour and Italian coastal cuisine. The raw bar highlights oysters, crudo, and tuna tartare. The menu crafted by chef Jorge Espinoza of Scarpetta

offers grilled octopus and prawns, branzino, farmraised chicken and braised beef short ribs. House made pastas include spaghetti alla Nerano with fried zucchini and provolone and cappallacci cacio e pepe with brown butter and sage. The restaurant is open for dinner off season Thursday to Saturday.

BRIDGEHAMPTON INN

Something about an historical building evokes the spirit of Christmas. Though Bridgehampton Inn Restaurant itself is only celebrating its 11th year, the adjacent bar is located in the original 1795 tavern room outfitted with a magnificent hand-crafted walnut table. The restaurant décor juxtaposes contemporary orange vinyl chairs with black and white portraits of

Bridgehampton’s’ agrarian history. Chef Alejandro Osorio combines modern French and European influences with local farm to table touches. Menu items include Faeroe Island salmon with Champagne beurre blanc, Chitarra pasta with duck Bolognese, and poached lobster with leek fondue. Loaves and Fishes family member and partner Kyle curates the bar menu creating imaginative cocktails. Breakfast is also served daily.

Feniks
Almond Chef/Owner Jason Weiner
Photo: Doug Young
Bridgehampton Inn

EAST HAMPTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY’ S 2025 HOUSE & GARDEN TOUR

The East Hampton Historical Society hosted a record turnout at its annual House & Garden Tour on Saturday, November 29th. First presented in 1988 by then–Vice President Allan Schneider and Executive Director Karen Hensel, the tour has become a beloved tradition for over three decades. This year’s event offered an intimate look at some of the East End’s finest architecture.

Festivities began with a sold-out cocktail party on Friday evening at a private historic home in Devon Colony, previously featured on the tour. On Saturday, guests visited five distinctive homes across East Hampton.

The first, on Cove Hollow Farm Road, showcased a dramatic front hall stairway, a testament to the owner’s architectural vision. The second, on La Forest Lane, is a bold, award-winning

modernist design by Bates Masi. The third, a traditional shingle-style estate on Lily Pond Lane, spans nearly six acres and includes a six-bedroom main house and a three-bedroom guest cottage. The fourth, on Dayton Lane, dates to 1780 and was the oldest home on the tour. The final property, on White Pine Road in Northwest Woods, is one of ten homes on the street by late-Modernist architect Alfred De Vido.

“The homes featured on this year’s tour were both distinctive and captivating,” shared Executive Director Steve Long. “Reflecting the event’s growing popularity over its more than 35-year history, this year’s tour sold out earlier than ever before. It’s a true privilege for our supporters to explore these remarkable properties and admire the thoughtful detail within each one.”

Bates Masi House
Cheri Mowrey, Marshall Watson, Ray Kennedy
Dan Halperin, Christina Lewis, Steve Long
EH Mayor Jerry Larsen, Lisa Larsen
Lys Marigold, Tyler Whitman, Dana Trotter
Jonathan Strauss, Jim Blauvelt, Kerry Del Rose, Fred Dubitz, Patrick McLaughlin
Jim Blauvelt, Lucy Cookson
Lily Pond Lane
Dayton Lane

One Big, Small Trip

In Calabria, Getting to Know a Place Through Smaller Circles

or my third-consecutive August in Europe, all I wanted to do was slow down. For the past two years, I had chased experiences and, yes, even a sense of my own FOMO. When you think you’ll only be somewhere once, you want to wring a place dry, see everything you can, eat every dish, pack as much as you can into a day. In the summer of 2023, I dragged my family to Greece in the hot, waning end days of summer, hopping from islands to the mainland and packing our days with beaches, restaurants, and walks through quaint towns. It was lovely. It was exhausting. We did not stop.

Last summer, my family and I spent six nights in Sardinia, split between the northeastern coast and the southern one, driving much of each day, searching for the beast , the best towns for walking, and, naturally, the best beaches. I saw much of what tourists hope for when they look at postcards of Sardinia’s wild coastline, but I missed out on any opportunity for restoration when I agreed to endless hours in a rental car.

To be clear, these kinds of sacrifices were mostly my idea but this year, I decided to offer a new restriction to my travels. When a friend posted photos from Italy’s Costa degli Dei— the Coast of the Gods, the western shoreline, in Calabria—I started researching rental houses. Seven nights in one place, excursions limited to twenty minutes from where we were staying. When I found a magnificent home perched on a cliff just over 400 steps above a beach only accessible, by land, through private access, or, alternately, by the sea (Spiaggia a , I would come to find out) in Capo Vaticano, I started thinking about the best ways to tuck into a destination, the way I might a microscopic New York City neighborhood.

It’s entirely possible to stay within 20 miles of a destination in Italy—and it’s something every traveler should attempt. To live deeply. To get to know a place. To slow down. One day, my husband went to the butcher shop, Macelleria Muggeri, in nearby Santa Domenica to get a dry-aged rib steak for the next night’s meal. He watched the butcher cut it by hand. Later that night, as we elbowed through a crowd at the local gelateria, Il Gioiello, we noticed that the butcher had converted itself into a steakhouse for dinner. It was unadvertised.

Our favorite place to eat in Santa Domenica was Pescheria Friggitoria il corallo del mare, not at all a secret to locals, who filled the place from morning to night. No more than a covered outdoor stand, the seafood spot served crudos, fried, and grilled fish, all recently caught. Our server ushered me inside to show me what was available.

Spiaggia, Calabria

I stumbled upon agriturismos, like Salimora, with its stunning gardens and sunset view. In an olive grove, my family and I ate fresh pastas and fish brought in from the market that day (for me: ruby red tuna with figs; for my husband: silver-fleshed anchovies, dusted with almonds). Ruralia, a town away, offered a set menu high above the sea and in a rustic, open setting. Ceaseless bowls arrived the moment we sat: arancini stuffed with tomato and cheese; layered eggplant and salami; peppers stuffed with tuna; caponata; a salad made with eggs, potatoes, and Tropea onions. A pitcher of house wine, aromatic with stone fruit, cost less than a glass would back home.

from the charcuterie to the pastas (fileja, the long, dumpling-style pasta, is their specialty). At the long table, which sat 14, we were the sole Americans. For dinner: Tropean onion fritters, homemade sausages; fried eggplant; ‘Nduja on homemade bread; a pasta course served with a basket of Calabrian chiles, for seasoning by hand; bottles of unnamed wine, left on the table at strategic points, for pouring; a buttery  albicocca crostada; tiny plastic cups of mandarin liqueur, as a digestif; wafts of cigarette smoke; a bread basket kept fresh with a shower cap. These are things that no guidebook will show you. I found it by accident, and it is the true and beating heart of Calabria, a mystery, a flavor, a dance. I found it because I was not busy looking for other things. I was not busy looking for anything at all.

There were other places. A place called Villa Eirene, where we dined between fruit trees and string

lights. A ceramics store where the storekeeper—she spoke not a lick of English—took me into the back to show me where she painted each piece by hand. I bought a set of seven serving pieces, had them shipped home. I climbed over rocks and jumped off of cliffs and spent less time worrying about the things I wasn’t seeing and more time savoring the things I was.

This version of Italian travel is the version I love most: seeing summer through a very small radius. Hyperlocalism. Drawing small circles. Finding restaurants organically. Taking chances. Failing occasionally—and being ok with it. Eating at the restaurants that do not appear in Michelin guides. Stopping at roadside fruit stands. Learning to order in another language. Getting rid of FOMO. Making a trip smaller, and not bigger. Vowing to return someday instead of assuming that you never will. We’ll be back. I just know it.

One night, we walked down a set of stairs into the cavernous basement of a private Calabrese home for dinner at Da Zia Concetta Home Restaurant.
Salimora, Calabria
Ceramics, Tropea
Tropea Beach, Calabria
Villa Eirene

PACKED FOR SUCCESS

As travel becomes more stressful, it’s more important than ever to have dependable, durable, well organized luggage. For business, it’s essential to have quality, well-maintained luggage that projects a professional image. You want to safely bring any electronics you need.

COMFORT COUNTS

Ostrich Go Travel Pillow $69, store.moma.org

PORTABLE CLOSET

MOMA Solgaard Carry On Closet $365, store.moma.org

GET ORGANIZED

Double-sided packing cubes keep your packed items organized and separated for ease. $75, briggs-riley.com

NEVER LOSE IT

AirTags can make sure you always keep track of luggage or backpacks. $29 and up, apple.com

Essential 22” front pocket carry-on expandable spinner $799, briggs-riley.com

HANDS-FREE

Crossbody strap designed to attach to select Apple cases and comes in 10 colors. $59, apple.com

Produced by Beverly Stephen
BY SKYE SHERMAN
Cove Club

Society staples like the Sailfish Club, Everglades Club, and Bath & Tennis Club will never go out of style, but their solitary reign is over as additional private clubs pop up all over Palm Beach and West Palm Beach. Access will cost you — if you can get in — but the (selective, sophisticated) crowd waiting on the other side of these unmarked doors is worth the price.

CARRIAGE HOUSE

The newest private establishment to hit the Palm Beach social scene, Carriage House opened in 2022 in renovated landmarked buildings on South County Road, in the heart of town but a stratosphere of its own. Rumors say membership began at $250,000 but is now somewhere between $400,000 and $500,000. Interiors are closely held — the club has a strict no-photos rule and will cover your iPhone camera with a chic sticker upon arrival — but provide a stylish wonderland for members to gather, drink, and dine.

COVE CLUB

With the only “beach” in West Palm Beach, Cove Club brings European beach-club vibes to northern West Palm Beach at the base of the new Icon Marina Village luxury apartment complex. For an initiation fee plus annual dues that will set you back about twenty grand upon acceptance, members can arrive by boat or car and enjoy a restaurant and bar that’s poolside, beachfront, and waterfront — the only space of its kind in the city — as well as regular parties and programming.

Coming in 2026, Bellini Rooftop Club at the soon-to-be-built 25-story Mr. C Hotel & Residences — a Coconut Grove transplant in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach — promises an elevated space for dining, live music, and entertainment, plus access to the hotel’s fitness facilities and resort-style pool. (The building will also house luxury condominium units and a hotel.) Membership fees are expected to be about $6,000, a much more affordable alternative to the area’s other clubs, but the application and approval process is expected to be arduous.

With no name announced yet, the social club coming to the under-construction $1 billion Nora dining and entertainment district will further elevate the long-awaited revitalization of the northern end of downtown West Palm Beach. The membership fee likely will cost around $5,000, an accessible price point for the intended patrons of the neighborhood’s trendy boutique gyms, office space, hotel, and apartments.

BELLINI ROOFTOP CLUB
SOCIAL CLUB AT NORA
Skye Sherman is a freelance travel writer. She is a regular contributor to numerous publications including Travel + Leisure and Palm Beach Illustrated.
Belini RoofTop Club
Photo: Meyer Davis
Social Club at Nora
Photo: ASD Sky

Both SideS N ow:

Photographer Raphael Avigdor Captures the Allure of Clouds

This particular addiction results in stunning images. Avigdor’s eye has been honed over the years from an early age. “My mother and sister are artists, and I have been surrounded by colors, patterns and shapes since I was a child. My father also said that my head was in the clouds, and he was very right about that.” Just like he has an ear, having played violin since an early age which developed to an ear that can hear and speak six languages, Avigdor's eye is also trained, and is always visually framing his world, “I

of time that I’m watching them.” This sixth sense may lead to a delay in an appointment as he pulls off the road to get the shot. His images are available both in fine art photography and as a collection in beautifully bound books, including one inspired by Joni Mitchell’s famous music and lyrics.

Avigdor’s career as an artist has evolved over many years including documentary filmmaking and photography with 14 published collection books. His subjects range from fashion shoots to treks in Nepal, to remote parts of Africa to capture portraits of native cultures to Saharan Neolithic Rock Art. While you may find him on a camel, in the middle of the jungle or on a 4x4 in the desert, you will also find him in multi-million-dollar homes in the Hamptons. As a successful Hamptons and Miami real estate agent, he knows first-hand how stunning photographic art can enhance any space in a house, creating images people want to live with each day.

It was a chance meeting at Pierre’s restaurant in Bridgehampton that led to his relationship with successful London gallerist Rebecca Hossack who clicked with his photography. It was a fit for both art and real estate as he found her a perfect home/ gallery in Little Havana East in Miami to buy, which

was featured in a family group show alongside his mother, a stone sculptor, and sister, a polymer clay artist, at the Castle Fitzjohns Gallery on Manhattan's Lower East Side.

In describing his motivation, Avigdor says, “Giving pause to life is a big part of being an artist. The beauty of clouds is that no two clouds are ever alike. You capture a fleeting moment. There’s a joy in watching the artist (aka god) that creates art on a daily basis on a special canvas, and you can take pleasure in capturing that unique moment.” His advice, “Take your time, slow down, pause and appreciate this gift that nature gives us by simply looking up.”

Raphael Avigdor
Lightning Strike
Sunset

A Palm Beach New Year’s Eve

Welcoming 2026 with Style, Sparkle, and Sunshine

As the final light of 2025 fades into the Atlantic, Palm Beach prepares to welcome the new year with its signature blend of coastal glamour and timeless sophistication. From candlelit dinners to rooftop revelry, glittering galas to family-friendly festivities, New Year’s Eve in the Palm Beaches offers a vibrant and unforgettable way to greet 2026.

Whether you're planning a black-tie celebration, an intimate evening with friends, or a joyful night with the family, these are the standout ways to step into the new year, Palm Beach style.

ELEGANT GALAS AND ICONIC CELEBRATIONS

True to form, Palm Beach rings in the new year with grand gestures and polished charm. At The Breakers Palm Beach, the night unfolds in spectacular fashion. Guests are treated to a multi-course feast, Champagne poured with ease, live orchestral performances, and a midnight fireworks display that lights up the Atlantic. Every detail reflects the resort’s storied heritage and refined sense of occasion.

At The Colony Hotel, a playful spirit takes center stage. This iconic pink jewel channels retro glamour with a themed soirée that draws an effortlessly chic crowd. Expect live music, crafted cocktails, and a festive atmosphere where sophistication meets whimsy.

Across the bridge in West Palm Beach, the rooftop at The Ben offers a contemporary take on New Year’s Eve. With panoramic views of the Intracoastal, a high-energy DJ set, and a front-row seat to the city’s fireworks, it’s a favorite for those seeking a lively, modern night beneath the stars.

INDULGENT DINING WITH SEASONAL FLAIR

For those who savor a night centered around food, the Palm Beaches deliver in abundance. Buccan promises an electric scene with inventive small plates, bold flavors, and a cocktail program designed for celebration. Café Boulud continues its tradition of French elegance, offering a prix-fixe holiday menu in a serene, artfully appointed setting.

The Seafood Bar at The Breakers pairs sweeping ocean views with a refined, coastal-inspired menu—an ideal setting for toasting the new year with Champagne in hand as the waves roll in. For a taste of Italy, Sant Ambroeus brings Riviera glamour to Palm Beach, offering a menu that balances holiday indulgence with effortless style.

Bar menus across town lean bright and effervescent. Sparkling hibiscus spritzes, French 75s with a tropical twist, passionfruit Bellinis, and citrus-kissed Champagne cocktails set the tone for a refreshing start to the year.

FAMILY MOMENTS BY THE COAST

New Year’s Eve in the Palm Beaches is as familyfriendly as it is fashionable. The Square in downtown West Palm Beach hosts its annual outdoor celebration with live entertainment, children’s activities, and an early countdown for young revelers.

At the Cox Science Center and Aquarium, the beloved “Noon Year’s Eve” event returns, complete with bubble storms, science shows, interactive exhibits, and a midday balloon drop that lets little ones celebrate without staying up late.

Several luxury resorts offer supervised kids’ programs and ocean-view movie nights, ensuring every member of the family enjoys the magic of the evening.

A JOYFUL BEGINNING

Whether you’re dancing under chandeliers, dining with style, watching fireworks from a rooftop lounge, or sharing sparklers with your family by the sea, New Year’s Eve in the Palm Beaches is a celebration like no other. It’s warm, welcoming, radiant with joy—and the perfect place to begin 2026. Here’s to a new year filled with sunshine, elegance, and that unmistakable Palm Beach magic!

The Colony Hotel
The Breakers Seafood Bar

Townhouse Community In The Heart Of Westhampton Beach. Amenities Include Pool, Gym, Pickleball Courts, Attached Garage, Screened Porches, Basement, Access To The World Famous Beaches And More. Call Today.

Exclusive - Prices Start At $1,040,000

VIEWS, VIEWS, VIEWS!

556 Dune Road, Westhampton

Pristine Contemporary home on coveted Dune Road. Sited on 1.23 waterfront acres, this private, immaculate home offers first level primary suite, living room with fireplace, kitchen and dining room all with magnificent wateviews. Second floor offers, three additional en-suite bedrooms. Outdoor features include heated in-ground pool with generous deck space for lounging and dining, garage, private walkway leading to your own bayfront beach and direct ocean access

Exclusive - $3,849,000

OCEANFRONT MASTERPIECE

605 Dune Road, Westhampton

Exquisite Oceanfront Masterpiece on Dune Road! This sprawling Mediterranean estate offers 174’ of ocean frontage on 1.69 manicured acres, with uninterrupted Atlantic views. Built in 2006 as a private Hamptons haven, the 4,500 sq ft home features 5 bedrooms and 6 baths in a light-drenched, open-concept design evoking resort serenity and bespoke luxury.

Exclusive - $8,495,000

CLASSIC HAMPTONS ESTATE HOME

44 Beach Lane, Westhampton Beach

Six bedrooms, five baths on desirable ‘Beach Lane” in Westhampton Beach. Boasts Old World Charm coupled with all modern amenities. Sited on one acre, this 5200’ prestigious beauty features expansive patio with built in BBQ, heated gunite pool, hot tub, covered porch and meticulously landscaped grounds. Close to the newly redesigned Main Street with vast array of shoppes and restaurants, this beautifully designed home is just a stone’s throw to Rogers Beach. Call Dee Kerrigan Perfido for more info.

Co-Exclusive - $4,250,000

Delray Beach Offers Great Dining and Entertainment in a Charming Beachside Setting.

Photo: Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority
Photo: The Ray Hotel
Hampton Social
Photo: Brian Adams

WHAT TO DO

Just west of the beaches, Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens is one of Delray Beach’s most unique attractions. The property opened in 1977 and offers guests a museum with over 7,000 Japanese artifacts, beautifully manicured grounds, and annual special events. The museum and gardens honor Delray’s early Japanese community, and the peaceful grounds are a perfect afternoon activity.

You could also check out Delray Beach’s art scene. The Pineapple Grove Arts District has murals, galleries, and outdoor art installations, and The Arts Garage hosts several live music and theater events each month, along with an arts education program for adults and children.

For more live music, stop by Tin Roof, a bar on Atlantic Avenue that comes alive with local bands and an enthusiastic crowd looking for a good

time. The bar proves that as much as Delray has transformed, the beach town remains true to its free-spirited, eclectic roots.

Mariette Williams is a frequent globetrotter whose food and travel writing focuses on Florida and the Caribbean.
Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens
Photo: Cultural Council for Palm Beach County
Photo: The Seagate Hotel & Spa

Luxury in the Bahamas

INSIDE THE COVE, ELEUTHERA’S SECLUDED PARADISE

As someone who travels for a living, it’s not always easy to find a location that still feels undiscovered. While I love getting to rub shoulders with other jetsetters during happy hour, there’s something to be said for really getting away and enjoying a secluded shore. Enter The Cove, set in Eleuthera, one of the Bahamas’ most underrated islands.

Named by English colonists, Eleuthera takes its name from the Greek word eleutheros, signifying “freedom or liberty.” Situated away from the crowded tourist hubs of the Bahamas, Eleuthera is still a little unrefined around the edges, but in all the best ways. Missing are the high-rise resorts and mega cruise-ship ports you may see on other islands, and Eleuthera’s calling cards are its white sand beaches, pineapple fields, and unhurried pace.

If you’d like to wander off the resort, there are several ways to explore the rest of Eleuthera.

HOW TO GET HERE

Travelers have two main entry points into Eleuthera: North Eleuthera Airport or Governor’s Harbour Airport. Direct daily flights are available from major U.S. hubs, including Miami, Atlanta, and Fort Lauderdale, primarily via American Airlines and Delta. You could also make Eleuthera a stopover from Nassau and take a short connecting flight with a regional carrier like Bahamas Air. Regardless of your arrival point, expect most accommodations, including The Cove in my case, to be less than a 30-minute drive from the airport.

WHERE TO STAY

The Cove lies in the heart of Eleuthera and redefines secluded luxury. Upon arrival, I was met by resort managers Nick and Sally Copper, who made me feel like I was coming home and not just a first-time visitor. I was quickly settled into a king-sized suite with a direct view of the South Beach, one of the resort’s two secluded coves. The suite’s coastal details were a masterclass in contemporary coastal design: crisp navy-and-white bed linens, soaring cathedral ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling shutters that opened to the palm-framed cove.

The Cove Beachfront
Photos: The Cove Eleuthera

After unpacking, my next stops were the casual, poolside Gregory Town Grill for a roasted butternut squash salad and a dip in the resort’s cliffside infinity pool. The rest of my weekend was mostly spent alternating between the two coves, reading on a beach lounger, and meandering through the property’s mile-long nature walk. Afternoons ushered in happy hour drinks at the

WHAT TO DO

If you’d like to wander off the resort, there are several ways to explore the rest of Elethuera. This 110-mile island is only a mile wide, so you’re never far from the beach. To explore by land, The Cove offers curated excursions, such as offroad biking through nearby pineapple fields or exploring natural attractions like Hatchet Bay

million-dollar second homes. Then, enjoy a scenic lunch at the Blue Bar & Kitchen Restaurant at Pink Sands Resort, known for its Bahamian lobster sandwich and stunning views of the coral-hued beach. For a different atmosphere, try The Dunmore. This exclusive resort, styled like a 1960s country club, features The Clubhouse restaurant, famous for serving spicy local ceviche.

THE BAHAMAS, A DIFFERENT WAY

I’ve been to the Bahamas nearly a dozen times, and each island offers something a little different, depending on your travel style. For those days when you crave nothing short of sophisticated silence and luxury, Eleuthera and its private retreat, The Cove, delivers restorative bliss.

Villa Patio
The Cove Infinity Pool
Freedom Restaurant and Sushi Bar

4

6

7

8

6

1

8

6

7

Curated By Isla Hartley

BrownHarrisStevens.com

1. East Hampton Village

$10.095M | 0.95± Acre | 6,150± sf

6 BR | 5 Full + 2 Half BA Movie Theater with Stadium Seating Luxurious Grounds | Heated Gunite Pool 77JerichoRoad.com

José B. ‘JB’ DosSantos 516.901.7017 | jdsantos@bhsusa.com

2. Water Mill South Modern

$8.995M | 6.00± Acres

4 BR | 4.5 BA | 3,702± sf

Heated Gunite Pool with Waterfall Spa 104OspreyWay.com

Christopher J. Burnside

516.521.6007 | cburnside@bhsusa.com

Aubri Peele

631.252.5434 | apeele@bhsusa.com

3. Perfection in Amagansett

$3.095M | 1.20± Acres | 2,800± sf 4 BR | 3 BA | Saltwater Pool Recently Renovated Kitchen 23ScrimshawLn.com

José B. ‘JB’ DosSantos 516.901.7017 | jdsantos@bhsusa.com

4. Land Opportunity in East Hampton

$1.198M | 0.67± Acre Vacant Buildable Lot in Springs 4CalvinSt.com

7. Prestigious Location in Quogue

sf |

Chef's Kitchen Heated 50' Pool | Outdoor Shower 16GeorgicaWoods.com Craig Beem 917.445.1189 | cbeem@bhsusa.com

6. New Construction in East Hampton

$6.5M | Nearly Complete 4,750+ sf Including Finished Lower Level 5 BR | 6 BA | Heated Gunite Pool 0.56± Acre Across from Reserve Dune Alpin Farm Community 25HorseshoeDr.com Edward Brody 516.449.2803 | ebrody@bhsusa.com

$6.495M | Estate Section | 1.98± Acres 5,600± sf Home Built in 1890 7 BR | 3 Full + 1 Half BA 1,850± sf Barn with 2 BR Guest Apartment Property Allows for Multiple Residences Rich with Exquisite Period Details 11ShinnecockRd.com

Lauren A. Battista 917.744.9382 | lbattista@bhsusa.com

NEW ESTATE IN BRIDGEHAMPTON

$14,995,000 | New Construction

9,126± sf Over 3 Levels with Elevator

7 BR | 8 Full BA | 2 Half BA

Grand Interior Architecture | 10’ ft Ceilings

4 Marble-Surround Fireplaces

Media Room | Wellness Room with Sauna

Gym | Optional Golf Simulator

0.93± Acre | Oversized Gunite Pool

Cabana/Pool House | Outdoor Kitchen

Architectural Renderings Shown

39ToppingsField.com

Christopher J. Burnside

516.521.6007 | cburnside@bhsusa.com

Aubri Peele

631.252.5434 | apeele@bhsusa.com

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.