Chef Colin Ambrose Serves Up East Hampton Home For $16 Million

When a well-known chef puts his house on the market, one would expect that it has a top-notch kitchen. That is certainly true of the house on Egypt Lane in East Hampton just listed for $16 million by Colin Ambrose, but it is what else goes with it that is truly impressive. And, while we’re at it, this is one of those opportunities to write about the people behind the people behind the property.

First, the dwelling. It is, of course, south of the highway and only a 7-iron from the Maidstone Golf Club. The property consists of 2.53 acres, some of that on Hook Pond, and the residence, constructed only two years ago, is 5,600 square feet. Within that, you’ll find 6 bedrooms and 6.5 baths and, inevitably, a professional chef’s kitchen (with a fireplace!). There is a separate wing for guests, and outside there are patios and entertaining areas overlooking the pond-side lawn. Every room offers a view of the historic Maidstone Club, which was incorporated in 1891.

The cooking business must have done well by Mr. Ambrose. His first venture in the Hamptons was Estia’s Kitchen, founded in Amagansett in 1991. It no longer exists, but what does is Estia’s Little Kitchen, located just on the southern outskirts of Sag Harbor. Mr. Ambrose crossed the Long Island Sound in 2012 to open up Estia’s American in Darien, Connecticut. He must be a bit of a soft touch because Mr. Ambrose’s culinary creations can often be found at local charity events, such as the annual “Empty Bowls” benefit and fundraisers for Project Most.

Is it too much of a detour to bring Tom Hanks into this piece? Okay, an explanation: Mr. Ambrose the artistic chef had an artistic uncle, the historian and writer Stephen Ambrose. Before he died in 2002, the elder Mr. Ambrose included such books as “The Supreme Commander,” “Band of Brothers,” “Undaunted Courage,” and “Citizen Soldiers” on his extensive resume. He served as the historical consultant for the film “Saving Private Ryan,” which starred Mr. Hanks and was directed by East Hampton’s Steven Spielberg, and Mr. Hanks and his company produced the much-lauded HBO miniseries based on “Band of Brothers.” Like his nephew, Mr. Ambrose was also involved in philanthropic efforts, including a donation of $500,000 to launch the National D-Day Museum, which is located in New Orleans.

Those wishing to check out the Egypt Lane house being offered by Colin Ambrose can contact the listing agents, Tyler Mattson and Brian Buckhout at Compass.