Big, Bigger And Biggest Deals

Various reports released thus far in 2016 and subsequent news stories based on them have maintained that sales of high-end properties in the Hamptons have slowed considerably. How then to explain that recently there were eight sales ranging from $5 million to $22 million in just one week?

Leading the pack of big purchases was 207 Highland Terrace in Bridgehampton, at $22 million. (The original ask was $29.5 million, so indeed there may be some softening.) Described as a “15,000-square-foot modern masterpiece,” the house sits on 3 acres, with 358 feet fronting on Sagg Pond. There are 10 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms, a four-car garage, 1,800-bottle wine cellar, three fireplaces and a two-story guest wing. Sure seems like the new owner can accommodate a good crowd. Of particular interest, then, is that the buyer, Hampton Highland LLC, traces back to the Omni Providence Hotel in Rhode Island.

Also enjoying big bucks are the sellers of 1225 Flying Point Road in Water Mill. They recently closed with Illawarra LLC and walked away with $15,990,000. The 5,500-square-foot dwelling on the gated oceanfront property has five bedrooms and five baths, gourmet kitchen, living room with a stone fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows, three guest bedrooms and a staff bedroom, and of course right outside are a pool and extensive decking. For recreational types, a dock allows direct access to 50 feet on Mecox Bay.

Another big buy: 65 Dunemere Lane in East Hampton went for $11,460,000. The purchaser was, yet again, an LLC, and the seller was Douglas Mercer, who some may know via the Wellness Center he founded in the Hamptons. On this 1.4-acre lot is a single-family home with very lovely views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Oh, and Bridgehampton was especially hot that week. In addition to the Highland Terrace sale, 81 Meadowlark Lane was sold for $10,700,000. (This makes two high-end deals in one week for Harald Grant of Sotheby’s International Realty.) Two blocks from the ocean, this new construction has an open floor plan, high-ceilinged living spaces, glass-enclosed wine room, and even an elevator.

Also of note: Apparently, the local and New York paparazzi won’t have Betsey Johnson to photograph anymore. The fashion designer sold her house on Grape Arbor Lane in East Hampton for $1.5 million. Hey, not everything can be a big deal in the Hamptons.