Dan's Papers - October 19, 2007 - Imaginative And Delightful Real Estate Gems

Far from the multitude of classic cedar-shake shingled McMansions that occupy the East End, there are homes on the Hamptons real estate market that are original and available, if you look hard enough.

We may not be able to control the elements of nature, but a three-bedroom home in Montauk specifically designed to provide the ultimate in light, sun and air is as good as it gets and currently for sale. "The entire house is oriented on the property to relate to the sun during the different seasons," the home's architect, Robert Young, explained. "The exact angle of the glass wall and overhang along the back of the house to the sun was precisely calculated so that in the summer months the sunlight reflects off the deck and doesn't cause a glare, and in the winter months, when the sun is lower in the sky, the overhang doesn't block the sunlight." Mr. Young chose to situate the driveway and entrance to the home on the north side of the property so the house faces south, making what would normally be the front yard the backyard. This allows an abundance of natural sunlight to enter each room in the house.

Although the home is equipped with central air conditioning, Mr. Young believes it to be unnecessary because the "long and skinny" design of the house offers plenty of cross ventilation, which creates a natural cooling effect in each room. The light and airy ambience is accented with stainless steel appliances, white cabinetry, bleached white oak floors and a steel stairway with tension cable railing, making this home a refreshing slice of heaven available right here on the East End.

This property is listed for $1.5 million with the Corcoran Group. For more information, call Helen Stubbman at (631) 899-0412 x412.

One of the most whimsical listings on the Hamptons real estate market is a three-bedroom home in Noyac that radiates a touch of fantasy, serenity and humor in every corner. There is truly something for everyone on the grounds of this unique property, which includes several fishponds, a doggie park complete with AstroTurf and a doghouse, a meditation garden, a large swimming pool, bridges, a gazebo and a permanently docked sailboat named the "Love Boat," which now serves as a large flowerpot. No matter what style home you're looking for, the realtors dare you to see this house and not come away smiling, and guarantee that you won't find anything like it on the East End.

This property is listed for $895,000 with the Corcoran Group. For more information call Jennifer Mahoney at (631) 702-9212.

Nestled in the Amagansett dunes, a three-bedroom home that was originally the guest cottage on architect Alfred Scheffer's 2-acre compound is also for sale. It is no surprise that the current homeowners are avid polo players, as a ten-foot-tall horse sculpture designed by Argentine artist Lautaro Cuttica sits - or should I say jumps - on the front lawn (the horse, made completely from driftwood, is mounted on a metal pole and appears to be in mid-air). But the equestrian inspired décor doesn't end there. The interior of the home is adorned with barn stars, horse paintings and the like. A farm sink is used in the kitchen and a wall standing in one of the two bathrooms is made from original reclaimed barn wood, while the exterior includes a distressed horse weathervane atop a cupola.

Amongst the barn-like details are features such as dark wide plank floors, board and batten closet doors with strap hinges, crown molding made from pressed steel and a long wall of French doors that comprise the backside of this renovated and restored home, leading each bedroom out to a private patio and extensive gardens. Set far back from the road while remaining just a short walk to the beach, this rustic cottage is equally elegant and an ideal Hamptons getaway.

This property is listed for $2.35 million with Nest Seekers International. For more information, call Dawn Neway at (631) 725-7070 x106.