THE PREMIER LUXURY HOME AND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
EXCEPTIONAL BAYFRONT MATTITUCK
PRESENTED BY KRISTY NADDELL & THOMAS UHLINGER
DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE SEE PAGE 23
Make Your Next Move
$3,275,000
$2,399,000 | 6 BR, 5.5 BA | Web# LP1439478
$1,495,000
$2,825,000 |
$1,999,000
$1,400,000
$1,700,000 | 5.25 Acres, Zoned 2-Acre Residential Web# 827387
Kathleen Travers: M 917.502.1181
$1,249,000 | 4 BR, 2.5 BA | Web# 804770
Artist Rendering
Cutchogue
$1,195,000
$999,000
$850,000
East
$899,000
A Winning Record That Gets You Results
Kristy B. Naddell
Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker
O 631.354.8100 | M 631.905.8584 kristy.naddell@elliman.com
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#1 North Fork Agent by Transactions, Sales Volume and Gross Commission Income for 2020, 2022, 2023 & 2024* Ranked Top 1.5% Nationwide by RealTrends Verified**
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PECONIC | $6,900,000
Acres | Web# L3575122
Stunning Winery and Vineyard SOUTHOLD | $2,495,000
BR, 4.5 BA | Web# 814068
New Luxury Construction SOUTHOLD | $1,995,000
Charming Home with Accessory Cottage
Excellent Condition Home Near Beach SOUTHOLD | $1,300,000
Artist Rendering
Cover Property
Presented by Kristy Naddell & Thomas Uhlinger of Douglas Elliman Real Estate.
12
East End Eats
Bright And Airy – Let the dining room match your mood this spring.
16
Garden
Welcoming Signs Of Spring — The beauty of spring bulbs in gardens and landscapes. 20
Garden
The Future Of Outdoor Living — Garden trends that will shape our landscapes in 2025.
21
Design
Ready For Spring — Spruce up your home with this year’s design trends.
24
Garden
Meditation Gardens — Transforming your outdoor space into a haven of inner peace.
25
Wine Beat
Building A Wine Cellar, Bottle By Bottle — Local pros weigh in on how to train your taste buds and stock your cellar.
26
Shopping Garden Gems — A selection of the practical and the fanciful to get you started.
LOOK FOR OUR NEXT ISSUE: Memorial Day 2025
3200 Cox Neck Road, Mattituck
$3,600,000
Extraordinary Waterfront Oasis Set On 3.5 Acres
Nestled in an exclusive estate setting, this meticulously custom-built residence offers breathtaking water views and 290 feet of prime waterfront access, complete with a deepwater dock. Crafted with precision and exceptional designer finishes, this home boasts a soft, modern interior flooded with natural light, large windows, and glass doors that frame stunning panoramic water vistas. The expansive great room, with its soaring ceilings and grand fireplace, is complemented by a custom gourmet kitchen equipped with top-ofthe-line finishes. The lower level of the home is an entertainer’s dream, offering an expansive space designed for ultimate relaxation and fun. Outside, enjoy the heated gunite pool by the water and the meticulously manicured grounds. This waterfront oasis embodies refined, unparalleled luxury, offering the ultimate in waterfront living and every amenity imaginable.
SUSAN ORIOLI ENGEL & VÖLKERS NORTH
BUILD YOUR BRAND
PRESIDENT / CEO
Jim Miller
PUBLISHER
Claudette Greenstein
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Frances Daniels
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Fontsy Design Inc.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lana Bortolot | Heather Buchanan
Kelli Delaney Kot | Mila Everhart
Alice Phillips | Hannah Selinger
Heather Senison | Annie Sisk
Beverly Stephen | Jaxon Wilde
PHOTOGRAPHY
Mary Thames-Louis
FINANCE DIRECTOR
Ellen Miller
SOCIAL MEDIA
East End Social
MEMBER
North Fork Chamber of Commerce Hamptons & North Fork Realtors Association Long Island Board of Realtors
Photo: Jake Rajs
Why Choose North Fork?
What impressed us most was the quality of the craftsmanship. The materials used were top-notch, and every part of the project was built with precision and care. Their attention to detail and dedication to excellence truly sets them apart from other contractors we’ve worked with in the past. Overall, we couldn’t be happier and highly recommend NFWW....”
Mike & Kathy T., East Marion
CUSTOM
Private Warerfront, Shelter Island
Big E farm - former thoroughbred horse-breeding ranch and home to Robert Entenmann. 22+ Acres and Manor house. Land and home may also
ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES IN GREENPORT VILLAGE
Greenport Village | $2.85MM | Commercial/Retail | For Sale or Lease
This iconic location is a prime commercial opportunity in the heart of Greenport Village. High traffic, high visibility, 3900 square feet, 2 garages, 3 parking spots. Retail/Living are permitted uses.
GET YOUR FARM ON!
Riverhead | $2.6MM | DRS Land with Pending 4 Lot Subdivision 27 acres of land. This is the opportunity to make your mark on the North Fork! Great road frontage and visibility at the intersection of Roanoke and Sound Avenue.
OVER $126MM IN NEW AND EXCITING INVENTORY AND ON THE MOVE — call me!
SHERI WINTER PARKER | 2005 - 2024 THE #1 NORTH FORK AGENT
Could Be You
Jamesport | $2.4MM | Land | Rural Corridor and Rb-80 zoning (B&B, Bistro, Schools, etc)
Over 24 acres with multiple buildings on the property, including retail and a 1700s Farmhouse. This is a great opportunity to have multiple revenue streams or live/work.
This chic, stylish home is steps to Greenport Village. It was built with a nod to the Brooklyn Brownstone. Stunning new construction features cedar shake shingles and an artisan’s touch throughout.
MID-CENTURY MODERN JEWEL
Greenport | $1.695MM | 3 Bedrooms | 1.5 Bathrooms | Pool | Beach Rights
This one-of-a-kind, mid-century modern was designed by renowned architect Claude Samton. Incredible light, gorgeous landscape, Ipe decking and beach rights to a gorgeous Sound Front beach makes this your refuge from everyday life!
The perfect blend of historic charm & modern convenience in this Queen Anne Victorian. Lovingly renovated by its current steward, blending timeless elegance of the original architecture with the updates you want!
Let
the Dining Room Match your Mood this Spring.
BY HANNAH SELINGER
Light. Bright. Fancy-free. With the changing of the seasons, so, too, comes a changing of mood. Dine out, but do it in places that make you feel lighter. Eat with the knowledge that al fresco is just a month or two away. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a few of our favorite spots — new, old, and upand-coming — on the North Fork and North Fork-adjacent that are perfect for the spring mood. Read on for our picks.
Mattituck’s clean, bright Pizza Rita, which closed in 2023, was a loss to the community (the space was known for their superlative Neapolitan pies). But North Forkians are in luck. Nabeel Massoud has opened a family business, Fiocha Pizza. Alongside brother Kareem and father Charles — and a 6,000-pound wood-fired pizza oven shipped from Naples that fires pies in under two minutes — pizza in Mattituck is back. The
sunny space is ideal for kicking back, relaxing, and diving into some of the best pizza this side of the Atlantic.
It may technically be on Shelter Island, but don’t discount a meal at the Ram’s Head Inn this spring. The beautiful and bright dining room offers one of the best backdrops for the season. On Thursday evenings, the Inn offers a special Supper Club menu, a multi-course meal for $55. With starters like a Brussels sprouts salad served with Granny Smith apples and toasted sunflower seeds and a choice of entrees — don’t skip the homemade pastas, like the rigatoni with a braised lamb ragu, smoked bacon, and Pecorino Romano — this is one spring meal that’s almost too good to pass up.
With an easy, breezy, down-home feel, Myles on Main, open since last summer in Riverhead in the Preston House & Hotel, recalls a sweet front porch. Clad in shiplap, this familyfriendly spot has a casual menu that’s easy to love (a giant meatball is, in fact, as large as a plate, but there are plenty of things to meet
every palate, from seafood entrees to steaks to pastas to a simple chicken paillard served in a lemon-caper sauce). And how could anyone feel anything but spring-like at meal’s end, with an Oreo dirt cup for dessert? Yes, it’s that kind of dirt cup: the one served with pudding, cookie crumbs, and even a gummy worm, just for kicks.
In 2023, Duffy Griffiths and Stephen Wirth opened Alizé Brewing Company, in Mattituck. Last July, they added a clam bar to the mix. What began as a pop-up operation has now become permanent. The bright, clean interior — matched by an outdoor seating area — is the ideal place to while away a spring afternoon or evening. Fried clams, of course, are a star attraction, but there is plenty more to draw hungry diners (steamed lobsters, seafood risottos, little necks, shrimp cocktail, fried fish sandwiches, all manner of salads, and plenty of options for landlubbers, too). They started as a brewery, and the beer still flows freely, but the seafood — and the vibe — is what’s on offer here this spring.
Ram’s Head Inn
Myles on Main
JAMESPORT: Waterfront post-modern home with sandy beach and easy beach access from your very own sunset viewing deck. World class sunsets are yours daily and a vast expanse of a beachcomber’s dream walking beach. This home boasts a fabulous great room with gas fireplace, snack bar island kitchen with open floor plan to be part of the fun. Front rocking chair porch to welcome friends and family and rear covered deck for al fresco dining together. Two bedrooms on the main level with one en suite, additional bedrooms and upper sitting room on 2nd level with balcony overlooking the great room and Long Island Sound. This home is welcoming to large families with room for all. Experience all the North Fork offers, from farm to table restaurants, farm stands, vineyards, wineries and craft breweries. So much to discover and enjoy. Let the fun begin now!
MLS#822874
$1,790,000
MATTITUCK: Beautiful waterfront with deep water boating and sandy beach. This is the one home you’ve been dreaming of! So much to see and enjoy with wide open blue water views and nature at your doorstep. Sunfilled days are yours with room for family friends. This spacious one level home offers a fabulous great room with wood burning fireplace. The gourmet kitchen with center island, wet bar and pantry is perfect for entertaining. Main bedroom with fireplace and en suite bath. Three additional bedrooms and 2 full baths. Hardwood floors. Enclosed heated grand sunroom with slate floor. Floating deepwater dock for your own boat at your door. Deeded association bay beach and your own sandy beach too. One of the most sought-after private communities — The Salt Lake Village lifestyle awaits you on the North Fork!!!
MLS#823903
$3,295,000
JAMESPORT: Dreamy Seaside artist cottage by the bay. Experience afternoon bay breezes as you enjoy your garden on this quaint and quiet lane. Close to Jamesport town beach with playground, lifeguard, lighted tennis and pickle ball courts, and boat ramp! Two bedrooms, kitchen with stainless appliances, living room, full bath, hardwood floors and spacious 3 season porch. Deck and patio with a gazebo for summer get togethers and for added outdoor enjoyment. Established gardens and room to expand. Separate storage barn for your bikes, paddle boards, kayaks and more! Plus, separate garden shed. Isn’t it time to have your own place on the North Fork!!! You will be delighted with your own year-round getaway.
$699,000
MLS#829110
SOUTHOLD, NY | $950,000
This charming 4 bed 2 bath cape is your perfect North Fork retreat in all seasons. Lovingly maintained with updated baths, wood-burning fire place, family room, formal dining room, generously sized bedrooms and peaceful side porch. Set on a shy acre, the sprawling yard has plenty of room for tennis or pool.
| $1,495,000
ELKIN TEAM
Fully renovated in 2023, this dreamy seaside escape is the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Step inside and be greeted by sweeping, unobstructed views of Peconic Bay. A thoughtfully curated coastal-inspired aesthetic sets the tone for the open-concept living space, where a waterside living room seamlessly flows into an inviting eat-in kitchen. Down the hall, two spacious bedrooms each boast their own dedicated bathrooms, offering comfort and privacy.
Set on a generous 1.25 acres, complete with a guest cottage and a separate art studio. Retaining period details, the main home has been thoughtfully updated and features two wood-burning fireplaces, wood floors throughout, a living room and family room bathed in natural light, a dining room with exquisite wainscoting, and a brand-new chef’s kitchen.
Experience sweeping panoramic views of Peconic Bay from this elegant, custom-built waterfront estate in the sought-after Nassau Point neighborhood of Cutchogue. Set on two acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, this 5,500-square-foot home offers 200 feet of private bay beach, a heated gunite pool, and a covered waterside cabana, creating the perfect coastal retreat.
Bridget & Eric Elkin | Elkin Team
The Beauty of Spring Bulbs in Gardens and Landscapes.
BY MILA EVERHART
Spring begins with bulbs, bringing vibrant color and life back to gardens after the long winter. Here on the North Fork, some of the earliest and most welcome signs of spring emerge from the ground in the form of bright, cheerful flowers. Their warm hues are a joyful reminder that the seasons are changing. While bulbs are planted in the fall, their brilliant blooms in spring serve as an inspiration for planting even more for the following year.
PLANTING FOR MAXIMUM IMPACT
Bulbs create stunning displays when planted in masses, transforming dull winter landscapes into vibrant scenes. Placing clusters along sidewalks, at the front of garden beds, or within perennial gardens adds a striking touch. Imagine the golden glow of daffodils or the deep red of tulips standing out against the first hints of green on trees — an image of renewal and beauty that welcomes the season.
EARLY BLOOMERS TO WATCH FOR
The first to emerge in late winter are snowdrops and species crocuses, appearing as early as February or March. These tiny flowers, in shades of white, yellow, and purple, offer an early burst of color. Soon after, Dutch hybrid crocuses take center stage with their chaliceshaped blooms in shades of deep purple, yellow, orange, and white. Growing just 4 to 6
inches tall, they are among the first flowers to brighten gardens on the North Fork.
DAFFODILS AND NARCISSUS: TIMELESS FAVORITES
Daffodils and narcissus bring delight to spring gardens, thriving in beds, borders, and any spot where their cheerful flowers can be appreciated. A major advantage of planting these beauties is that deer tend to avoid them, making them a reliable choice for many gardeners. These flowers come in a variety of forms, all featuring a distinctive central “cup” surrounded by outer petals. Classic trumpet daffodils feature bold yellow or white blooms, while others display combinations of yellow, white, orange, or pink. There are also doubleflowered varieties, adding even more charm to the spring landscape.
THE ELEGANCE OF TULIPS
Tulips, often regarded as the stars of spring gardens, come in thousands of varieties, offering a vast range of colors, heights, and bloom times. From soft pastels to vibrant jewel tones and dramatic bicolors, there is a tulip for every garden style. Some feature fringed, curled, or twisted petals, adding unique texture. Tulips range from a modest 8 inches to over 2 feet in height, allowing for endless creative combinations in garden beds and containers.
While tulips are undeniably stunning, they are also a favorite snack for deer. If you don’t have deer problems, you can enjoy their beauty in a wide variety of arrangements. For those battling wildlife, high fences and secure gates may help protect these flowers. Alternatively, potted tulips can be displayed on decks or porches for an easy burst of springtime color.
For a small effort in fall, planting bulbs yields a magnificent reward come spring. Whether naturalized in a woodland setting, carefully arranged in formal beds, or grouped in colorful pots, bulbs create breathtaking displays. Their emergence after a long, gray winter is a welcome sight, reminding us of nature’s resilience and the promise of warmer days ahead.
Photo: Maarten van den Heuvel/Unsplash
Gary R. DePersia
Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker m 516.380.0538 | gdp@corcoran.com
Rare 8 Acre Estate Size Vacant Parcel
In Coveted Dering Harbor
Shelter Island Heights. The charming 200-acre, seaside Village of Dering Harbor with just 35 homes has been dubbed “The Smallest Village in New York”. And in the heart of this quaint Village an 8-acre undulating parcel, once part of the private arboretum and gardens of famed horticulturist Alice Fisk, has just come to market with infinite possibilities in a privileged setting. With room for a substantial house, pool, pool house and tennis court, this beautiful, mostly cleared lot, will appeal to that buyer looking for location and privacy. Unlike other areas of Shelter Island, Dering Harbor has its own municipal water source allowing for both pristine drinking water and the ability to irrigate the property. This sublime property sits across the street from Gardiner’s Bay Country Club and is within easy walking distance to beaches and the quaint waterfront commercial district with its multiple shops and restaurants. With easy access to both the North and South Forks as well as proximity to the shops and various restaurants that dot the 29 square mile island oasis, this singular new offering deserves your attention today. Exclusive. $3.595M WEB#915097
12 Acre North Fork Soundfront Permits In Place On Each 6 Acre Lot
North Fork | East Marion. You remember the feeling. You’re on holiday on the coast of some Caribbean isle or on the cliff of a European town overlooking the Mediterranean. Each morning when your head leaves the pillow you know you are on vacation with broad expanses of water dotted with boats and vistas of other shores. Much closer to home, only 100 miles from Manhattan, you can recreate that feeling each and every day when you develop this very private, nearly 12 acre waterfront, meadow-like parcel composed of two 5.7 acres lots spanning 350’ along the North Fork’s Long Island Sound. With all permitting work done on each lot, a savvy buyer would save hundreds of thousands of dollars and months of waiting to begin construction of a significant house, waterside pool, tennis court and even a guest house for those who would undoubtedly flock to help you enjoy your grand, new estate. The low, but stable bluff, provides easy access down a gentle pebbled path to the beach from where you’ll enjoy an abundance of aquatic activities while conversation and laughter will resound around the inevitable nighttime beach fires. The property affords ample opportunity to create your own vineyard, apple orchard or a field of wildflowers through which your driveway will meander right to your front door. Only a few miles from both the ferries of Greenport and Orient Point, this well positioned property provides easy access to everything that has made the North Fork the new sought after destination. At night, go into town for dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants overlooking Shelter Island or head to one of the many vineyards for a wine tasting. But on clear evenings, eat early as you might want to get back for some of the most beautiful sunsets anywhere, as the sun seems to disappear somewhere into the Sound leaving the horizon a purplish haze. Best of all, you won’t need a passport, a pat down or a plane ticket. Just get in your car and head East. When you get there, you’ll know...and remember. Exclusive. $7.495M WEB# 888798 | Lot 1 $3.75M WEB# 888799 | Lot 2 $3.75M WEB# 888847
The Future of Outdoor Living
biodiversity, and multifunctionality in mind. Whether you have a sprawling estate or a compact village back yard, these cutting-edge garden trends will shape the way we interact with nature in the coming year.
CLIMATE-RESILIENT GARDENS
With climate change causing unpredictable weather patterns, drought-resistant and climate-adaptive gardens are gaining popularity. Homeowners are choosing native plants, xeriscaping, and waterwise landscaping to create gardens that thrive with minimal maintenance.
• Drought-tolerant plants like lavender, succulents, and ornamental grasses are replacing water-hungry lawns.
• Rain gardens that capture and filter runoff water are becoming a sustainable way to manage heavy rainfall.
• Permeable paving and gravel pathways help reduce flooding and increase soil absorption. These sustainable solutions are not only practical but also help preserve natural resources while maintaining a lush, vibrant garden.
WILDLIFE-FRIENDLY AND BIODIVERSITY GARDENS
As awareness grows about the importance of biodiversity, more gardeners are designing spaces that attract and support pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects.
• Pollinator gardens filled with nectar-rich flowers like bee balm, coneflowers, and milkweed provide a haven for bees, butterflies,
• The focus is shifting from purely aesthetic landscapes to thriving, self-sustaining environments that benefit both people and wildlife.
LUXURY OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES
Gardens are no longer just for planting — they are becoming outdoor extensions of the home, designed for relaxation, entertainment, and wellness.
• Al fresco dining areas with fire pits, pergolas, and outdoor kitchens are turning backyards into social hubs.
• Garden spas with hot tubs, saunas, and meditation corners offer a private retreat for mental and physical well-being.
• Integrated technology — from smart irrigation systems to outdoor lighting controlled via smartphones — is making gardens more functional and user-friendly.
Luxury meets sustainability in 2025, with ecoconscious designs blending seamlessly with comfort and style.
INDOOR-OUTDOOR BLENDING
The line between indoor and outdoor spaces is blurring as biophilic design becomes mainstream. More homeowners are incorporating elements of nature into their homes and vice versa.
• Floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors enhance natural light and provide uninterrupted garden views.
• Green walls and potted plant installations bring the garden inside, improving air quality and
nature-connected living experience that promotes relaxation and productivity.
COTTAGECORE AND ROMANTIC GARDEN STYLES
The cottagecore aesthetic, with its nostalgic, fairytale-like appeal, is influencing garden design in 2025. Soft, whimsical, and overflowing with blooms, this trend brings back English-style gardens and informal planting schemes.
• Overflowing flower beds with roses, peonies, and daisies create a dreamy, vintage feel.
• Winding stone paths, antique garden furniture, and rustic trellises enhance the charm.
• Edible flowers like chamomile, violets, and nasturtiums add beauty while serving culinary and medicinal purposes.
• This romantic, free-spirited approach to gardening is perfect for those who love a natural and slightly untamed aesthetic.
THE FUTURE OF GARDENING IN 2025
Gardens in 2025 are about more than just aesthetics — they serve as wellness retreats, food sources, and sustainable ecosystems. Whether you’re growing your own produce, designing a climate-resilient landscape, or creating a luxury outdoor sanctuary, the latest trends reflect a deeper connection between people and nature.
As we move forward, the focus will remain on harmony, innovation, and sustainability, ensuring that gardens continue to be both beautiful and beneficial for generations to come.
Spruce up your home with this year’s latest design trends.
BY HEATHER SENISON
Spring has finally arrived. At least, that’s what we’re telling ourselves. To get in the mood for sunshine, warmth and a break from this unrelenting snow, it’s time to plan your decor update (and your garden, if you’re into that sort of thing).
We asked experts for this year’s design trends plus tips to include them in our spruce-ups. Just don’t go overboard, they said.
“Trends are fun and keep things fresh but your home should always reflect you first,” advised Susan Strauss, founder of Susan Strauss Design. “I love weaving in small touches of current styles without losing comfort or myself in the decor.”
NATURAL TEXTURES
One big trend for 2025 is the return to natural textures. Think warm woods, rattan and linen fabrics, Strauss said. For spring, “playful new pastel tones, like sunny yellows and sky blue, add a fresh pop of energy,” she added, while “organic shapes in furnishings make spaces feel soft and inviting.”
To incorporate these ideas, add a rattan chair or woven basket for texture, with pastel cushions or throws to brighten things up. “Swapping in a rounded coffee table or arched wall decor creates a softer, welcoming vibe,” Strauss added, “and let’s not forget pretty
BIOPHILIC DESIGN
Plants are having their moment, said Magda Callery, a United Kingdom-based designer and founder of Style by Magda who’s had projects Out East: “Bring on the fiddle leaf figs and monsteras.” Lacking a green thumb? “Fake plants have come a long way — just dust them occasionally so your secret stays safe,” she said.
Libby Langdon, founder of Libby Langdon Interiors, calls the look “a nod to nature, and bringing the inspiration of the outdoors to your interior.” For an update to the traditional coastal vibe, she suggested pairing a modern area rug with shades of slate blue, white, and cream with mixed metals in the furniture.
STATEMENT LIGHTING
Every home has that one spot that feels like nothing more than a path of egress. To dress it up, try adding a double-height fixture, Langdon said. Go for a multi-pendant with an adjustable height that hangs tight or loose “for a dramatic look,” she said.
“Make guests say, ‘Is that art or a light?’” Callery agreed. If a full lighting overhaul is a little much, a dramatic floor lamp in the corner can do wonders. “Plus, it gives your reading nook main-character energy,” the designer said.
BOLD COLOR ACCENTS
“A trend we’re seeing is painting your fifth wall, which is the ceiling!” Langdon said. A bold color overhead instantly draws your eye up, she explained, while neutral walls and trims maintain balance.
Pops of color like cobalt blue or mustard yellow in throw pillows, vases and wall art are stepping up as the life of the party, Callery said. “In Spring 2025, the goal is to keep things fresh, fun, and a little bold while still maintaining that North Fork chic vibe,” she noted, “so update your home, enjoy the compliments and pretend you didn’t just steal all these ideas from the latest trends!”
florals that make us smile.”
Photo: Joel Danto/TheLux Level for Susan Strauss Design
Photo: Linsey Kromer for Libby Langdon Interiors
SPECTACULAR CUSTOM HOME WITH PRIVATE DOCK
960 WILLIS CREEK DRIVE, MATTITUCK
Introducing an exceptional bayfront residence featuring 370 feet of pristine waterfront in one of the North Fork’s most sought-after locales. This exquisite home offers unparalleled elegance with breathtaking panoramic views, a private dock, and association beach access. Meticulously renovated in 2014 using the highest-quality materials, the attention to detail and design is unmatched. The foyer opens to a magnificent great room with 10-foot ceilings and glass sliders that lead to a sprawling waterside wraparound deck that can be shaded by an electric awning. Totaling over 7,000 square feet of living space, this home features five spacious en suite bedrooms, including a stunning primary suite, a fully-finished basement, and an elevator. Offered at $5,250,000. Web# 827737
Transforming your outdoor space into a haven of inner peace.
BY MILA EVERHART
Ito help you design a tranquil space tailored to your needs.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT LOCATION
The foundation of a meditation garden begins with selecting the right spot. Look for a quiet area where you can minimize outside distractions. If possible, choose a space that offers natural shade or soft sunlight for added comfort.
DEFINE YOUR SPACE
Establish boundaries to create a sense of enclosure and privacy. You can use natural elements like hedges, bamboo, or tall grasses to frame your garden. Fencing, trellises with climbing plants, or even a simple row of potted plants can serve as an effective boundary. If the area is small, strategic placement of greenery or screens can still evoke a sense of seclusion.
INCORPORATE PATHWAYS
Pathways guide movement and provide a symbolic journey toward mindfulness. Use natural materials like gravel, stone, or stepping stones to create a meandering trail. Curved paths encourage slower walking and reflection,
a simple bench. Water features are particularly soothing, as the sound of trickling water masks outside noise and fosters relaxation.
CHOOSE MINDFUL PLANTINGS
Select plants that evoke calmness and fit the mood you want to create. Lavender, bamboo, ferns, and moss are popular choices for their serene qualities. Fragrant plants like jasmine or gardenia can enhance sensory experiences, while
evergreens provide year-round greenery. Avoid overly bright or busy landscaping to maintain a
Balance is key in a meditation garden. Combine soft, natural elements like wood, stone, and sand with living plants. A Zen garden, for example, often includes a raked sand or gravel area that symbolizes water and creates visual simplicity. You can also add small seating areas with wooden benches or stone stools for meditation sessions.
LIGHTING FOR AMBIANCE
Soft, ambient lighting is ideal for a meditation garden, especially if you plan to use it during early mornings or evenings. Solar-powered lanterns, string lights, or strategically placed candles can provide a warm, calming glow without being overpowering.
PERSONAL TOUCHES
Finally, incorporate elements that reflect your personal style or spiritual practice. Wind chimes, prayer flags, or a favorite piece of art can add meaning and make the space uniquely
By combining thoughtful design with natural elements, your meditation garden can become a peaceful retreat that nurtures both body and mind. Take your time building it — after all, mindfulness begins with the process.
Local Pros Weigh in on How to Train your Taste Buds and Stock your Cellar.
BY LANA BORTOLOT
ASurveyMonkey trend story published last fall on wine consumption revealed that 75% of respondents said they drink wine routinely (at least twice a week), with about 38% calling it “a sophisticated activity.” One respondent commented even further, describing wine drinkers as “fancy, conscientious and smart. They know a lot about wine and are able to enjoy it by using their sophisticated taste palates.”
Building your palate takes some drinking practice and what better way to do that than stocking your own cellar? Whether you have a designated wine room or a standalone wine cave, selecting bottles for your current and future enjoyment and having a tasting strategy is “a beautiful learning experience on how wines evolve,” says Gabriella Macari, third-generation director of operations at Macari Vineyards in Mattituck.
Marshall Tilden III, Wine Enthusiast’s, chief revenue and education officer, advises customers on storage options and bottle purchases and says “the biggest problem is people are not looking ahead.” He advises people to think about all the life stages of their wine consumption. “The beauty of this is learning where everybody likes their wine — just because a wine can age for 20 years, doesn’t mean that you’re going to like how it tastes in 20 years,” he said.
For this reason, Melissa Rockwell, director of operations at Sparkling Pointe in Southold, recommends buying bottles in multiples and performing taste tests every so often.
“As you taste and discover, if you really fall in love with something, buy two or three bottles – one to drink now and another that you can go back to and do a taste check to see how it’s evolving, then you can judge how long to keep the third bottle in your cellar.” She recommends investing
in a Coravin, a preservation tool that pierces the bottle cork with a hollow needle and extracts wine in small amounts so you can sample the wine without compromising the seal or the wine.
Macari agrees with the multi-bottle approach: “For consumers who really want to build a cellar, it’s an investment, but it’s also a strategy,” she says.
Rockwell, who serves as president of Long Island Wine Country, recommends finding those bottles in your own North Fork back yard by visiting local tasting rooms and getting to know grape varieties and styles. The region offers an opportunity to educate your palate with quality wines that have aging potential, but without the high price tags of unicorn wines.
“Long Island reds have great longevity, especially blends based on Bordeaux varieties,” she said, but she also called out the region’s sparkling wines, noting that those with extended fermentation time in the bottle “age really well, so they are good investments.”
Macari also is very keen on leveraging local sources to build your wine cellar and, at the same time, exercise your taste memory.
“Befriend a wine shop owner or clerk, or a tasting room educator,” she says. “From my perspective, someone who’s doing their job is learning about your tastes — not always recommending wines that they like — so find someone you trust and who can learn your palate.”
Another strategy: join a wine club. Most producers offer them and members do, indeed, have privileges such as specialized tastings, access to highly prized vintages and insider advice on what to drink and what to hold.
“If you use [membership] in tandem with your visits to a wine educator and a tasting room, [collecting] will make more sense,” Macari said. “We’re not just there to throw dates and numbers around, but to offer an approachable way to talk about vintages.”
It’s never too soon to plan your garden. You’ll need plantings and planters, tools, and gloves, watering cans and hoses, and decorative accessories. Here’s a selection of the practical and the fanciful to get you started.
BY BEVERLY STEPHEN
PLANTED
WELL EQUIPPED
Urn-shaped and adorned with garlands and medallions, these Anduze indoor/outdoor, hand-glazed ceramic planters are a staple in French gardens. $399 to $1,698 frontgate.com
HOSPITALITY SYMBOL
St. Simons Pineapple Lantern provides a soft glow when paired with natural candlelight. Battery operated candles sold separately.
ORGANIZED TOOLS
Niwaki’s canvas tool roll features five lined pockets for your essential kit. $26 gardenheir.com
This exclusive Sneeboer x Gardenheir Master Gardener set features five of Sneeboer’s most popular tools for digging, transplanting, weeding, and cultivating. $378 gardenheir.com
NEAT HOSE STORAGE
This Basketweave Hose Pot in a grey stone finish includes a spigot for connecting a garden hose and a drain hole to prevent standing water. $299 frontgate.com
Laurel | $2.55MM | 400’ of Bayfront | 1.6 Acres | From the moment you enter Salty Lane, time stands still. Memories of childhood exploration and never-ending days at the beach, abound. From Jetty to Jetty there is approximately 400 feet of Bayfront and beach. Resting on 1.6 acres and built in 1949, this gem maintains all its charm yet has been lovingly renovated with modern amenities. Three bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, a wood burning fireplace and panoramic water views. This exceptional property offers a safe haven for all of your guests to wander, play, or simply enjoy the solitude. This seaside escape is the magic of a bygone era. This, could be you!
