Dans Hamptons

The amount of money that has been circulating around the Hamptons real estate world in the past few years is enough to make anyone’s head spin. A recent listing in North Haven has East End realtors buzzing. The unique 55-acre property, listed at $80 million, is located on the very private north side of the exclusive hamlet and faces Shelter Island. Even if the property sells somewhere near the asking price, it will still surpass all records to date. Billy Joel, who sold an estate directly across the Shelter Island Sound on Shelter Island just a few years back is said to have his eye on the estate. It is currently the highest-priced piece of residential real estate to hit the Hamptons market thus far. It would make sense that “the piano man,” being the boat enthusiast he is, would choose this very secluded compound that has not one, but two deepwater docks, with enough room to accommodate all three of his boats, The Vendetta, The Alexa and a pontoon landing craft. His $37 million Center Island estate on Oyster Bay Harbor went on the market a few months ago. Reportedly, the singer tired of the many restrictions the town imposed on the building of adequate dockage to accommodate the vessels.

Many high-profile buyers choose estates in areas such as this because they usually contain large parcels of land set far back from any main road, making them difficult to find. This insures the famous residents the privacy they require. Those desirous of the very ultimate in privacy may even choose to buy their own island. Islands such as these can include amenities such as landing strips or heliports, as well as dockage for multiple vessels. Saratoga Island on the river in Saratoga NY, which is currently for sale, already has its own ferry and landing strip. There are 26 buildable acres and 7,000 sq. ft. of waterfront.

Off the shore of Connecticut, Christine Swenningsen has spent $33 million over the past few years buying up a string of tiny islands known as the Thimble Islands. She now owns ten islands right in the Long Island Sound. Of the 100 Thimble Islands, only 25 are inhabitable. In 2003, Ms. Swenningsen purchased Rogers Island for $23 million. The island includes a Tudor-style mansion, tennis courts, docks, a pool and pool house. She now owns more than 20 percent of habitable islands there and the party goods magnate is said to have her eye on yet another. For more information on these or any other private islands for sale, contact Morrison’s Private Islands or Coldwell Banker Australia, who specialize in the sale of private islands all over the world.

Locally, Shelter Island has always been know for its anonymity and has subsequently become home to those who prefer it. Because it is tucked between both Forks, and is only accessible by ferry, it remains a popular retreat for those looking to keep a low profile. Of course, that kind of privacy will cost you. The exclusive Bumble Bee Manor, currently valued at $35 million, is still available and is a prime example of what that kind of cash buys here in the Hamptons. The lavish, state of the art, 16,000-foot waterfront mansion on 3.2 acres also boasts a deepwater dock that can house both a sizable yacht and seaplane. It has 8 bedrooms, 10.5 baths, seven fireplaces, a fitness center, media room, office and elevator. There is an infinity-edged pool, pool house, guesthouse and three-car garage. All overlook the water’s edge. The pool house alone includes an expansive studio, living room, kitchen with balcony and a glass cupola. The guesthouse consists of three bedrooms, a grand living room and garden room. This elegant estate is equipped to satisfy the most discriminating of buyers. It is listed with Brown Harris Stevens in Bridgehampton.

In Montauk, a project is already underway to reconstruct The Panoramic View, an oceanfront resort on Old Montauk Highway. The new owners are transforming the resort and landmark into 75 duplex-style co-ops, renamed The Panoramic Luxury Villas. The units are expected to start at $1.5 million. The property is on 1,000 feet of prime oceanfront. The Shepherds Neck Inn, also in Montauk, is undergoing a transformation of its own. It too changed hands this past year and will also make its entrance onto the luxury market. This 1929 Montauk hotel has 60 rooms on 2.5 acres will be completely renovated by its new owners, Wavestone Properties.

Real Estates