Elie Tahari Puts Sagaponack Home On Offer For $45 Million

There is a saying in Iran, “How are you going to keep them down on the farm after they’ve seen the Hamptons?” Okay, that saying has actually nothing to do with either of those places, but the Iran-born Elie Tahari did become enamored with the Hamptons, especially Sagaponack, more than a decade ago. Alas, he has put his home in that village on the market for $45 million. This might seem like a lot of dough, but could be a bargain for the next owner, considering that a Wall Street wiz paid $800,000 to stay there for just July and August.

The 2.3-acre site at 135 Crestview Lane and what it contains is indeed quite impressive. The 3,800-square-foot, contemporary, two-story residence has 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, an exercise room and an office, and the exterior features an in-ground pool, basketball court, and most alluring, 250 feet right on the Atlantic. According to Sotheby’s International Realty—the listing agents are Keith Green and Ann Ciardullo—there are partially approved plans to expand the dwelling by up to as much as 10,000 square feet, if the inside feels a tad tight.

Mr. Tahari is one of the world’s most well-known fashion designers. He’s known in these parts, too, thanks to his store that anchors the intersection of Main Street and Newtown Lane in the Village of East Hampton. He grew up in both Iran and Israel and emigrated to the United States with only $100 in his pocket. His introduction to the Garment District in Manhattan was working as an electrician there. But in 1973, Mr. Tahari designed and popularized the tube top and a career was launched. His first full fashion show was at Studio 54 in 1977.

What had to have been a peak event came on September 4, 2013, when then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg declared “Elie Tahari Day” in New York, recognizing both his business success and many years devoted to philanthropic causes, such as the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. If his far-south-of-the-highway house sells, will that mean no “Elie Tahari Day” in Sagaponack?