Martha Stewart

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

In 1991, the poster woman of American homelife Martha Stewart purchased an East Hamptons residence for $1.7 million. The Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia founder stated that, “It was the oldest house on the block and a total wreck,” yet “[she] decided [she] had to have it.” Over the years, the property would be renovated and become her longtime vacation home. However, she is now bidding farewell to the humble abode. While the transaction is an off-market deal, it is reported that the initial asking price was listed at $8.4 million but was finalized at a whopping $16.5 million. At nearly double the asking price, Stewart has made a massive profit and left her former residence to Kenneth Lerer, the former chairman of BuzzFeed and co-founder of the Huffington Post, and his wife, interior designer Katherine Sailer.

Built in 1873, the shingled cottage has been restored and renovated into a more contemporary space while maintaining its initial charm. Stewart, well known for her design skills, claims “it’s an old-fashioned house, but it has a clean, pristine vibe.” Although not much is known regarding the interior layout of the home, decorative elements include unique pieces acquired from various yard sales and consignment stores. With its original paneling and built-ins, the lovely vacation home features a glass-enclosed porch with teal-blue Mexican cement tiling which acts as dining area. Additionally, the space boasts newly leaded glass windows and plentiful wainscoting. Notable distinctive features consist of a marble vanity in the primary bathroom, a pink and yellow Venetian-glass chandelier in the formal dining room, and a collection of antique taxidermized fish throughout the residence.

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Calvin Klein

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

In 1891, the historic East Hampton estate was built by acclaimed Grey Gardens architect Joseph Greenleaf Thorpe for the homeowner’s wife, Laura Brevoort Sedgwick. Following a near century and list of elite owners, Calvin Klein purchased the property from the son of Juan Trippe, the founder of Pan American World Airways. The real estate sale took place in 1987 with Klein’s second wife, Kelly Rector, where the formerly married couple spent $3.6 million to acquire the impressive property.

Following the first few years after purchase, the duo executed substantial renovations to the home and eventually had it featured in the 1992 edition of Vogue Decorations. While the celebrity couple officially divorced in 2006 and were reportedly separated for a decade prior, Rector continued to reside within the Hamptons home. Despite her stay nearly fifteen years following their split and her former initials “K. K.” plastered on the front gate, the deed was still in Klein’s name. This past week, the estate was sold in two off-market transactions to undisclosed buyers hidden behind an LLC. The sale consisted of the main property which sold for $75 million as well as the adjacent strip of undeveloped land for an additional $10 million.

The lavish Hamptons estate built in 1891 is situated on 8.4 acres of lush land and features a main mansion as well as a boathouse. Shortly after Klein and Rector purchased the residence over three decades ago, they summoned the help of renowned architect Thierry Despont to modernize the interior space. Spanning over 10,100 square feet, the primary house is a shingle-style mansion including five bedrooms and eight bathrooms. While information in regards to the home’s interior design is limited, Klein and Rector are infamously infatuated with sleek white interiors and perfectly executed construction projects. Some notable renovations to their former Hamptons estate consist of a swimming pool and boathouse on Georgica Pond pictured in the aforementioned 1992 issue of Vogue Decorations.

For more on the latest in luxury real estate, visit dev.hauteresidence.com.

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The webinar was hosted by Haute Living's Seth Semilof. Watch it below.

About today's panelists:

Susan Breitenbach is the #1 broker in The Hamptons, NY. with over $5 billion in career transactions.

Chris Cortazzo is a top agent for Compass in Malibu, CA, with over $5 billion in career sales.

Jill Eber is one of the founders of The Jills Zeder Group, with closed sales of over $5 billion affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty.

Chris Cortazzo, Jill Eber, Susan Breitenbach

Highlight quotes from today's webinar:

Susan Breitenbach: "For newer agents, you can't give up. Put your head down, work hard, communicate. There's a lot of business out there for everyone... You have to work hard and have determination. Keep your mind open; do everything you possibly can to be the best."

Chris Cortazzo: "People want to buy in Malibu now. They are not going to Europe this summer. We are getting a lot of people from Aspen, San Francisco, New York, and obviously Los Angeles... It's a challenging but exciting time. I'm optimistic about when things start opening up."

Jill Eber: "To sellers, you have the opportunity right now because you can get your house in order, make it shine. Go in, get things in order, make it as beautiful as you can... We have a very big rental market. A lot of people are looking for short-term, but there are some now starting to look for longer-term."

The post Real Estate Market During Quarantine: Top Agents In The Hamptons, Malibu and Miami Weigh In appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo courtesy of The Petrie Team

7 Chauncey Close, East Hampton, NY 11937 | Agent: James Petrie 

This stunning 2.4 acre home sits on a quiet waterfront peninsula on Georgica Cove. The home boasts five bedrooms and six and one-half baths plus a 60 ft. heated swimming pool and pool house. Built in 1997 by Caramagna Builders and designed by architects Zwirko & Ortmann, this home features a two-story entrance foyer, living room with bay windows, library, circular dining room and a country kitchen with fireplace, porch/sunroom with radiant heat. The Master bedroom with fireplace and balcony is on the second floor along with a stunning circular sunroom. The full basement is finished and houses a recreational room, laundry, storage closets, and full bath. This property is adjacent to a five+ acre reserve.

Photo courtesy of Cynthia R. Barrett

21 Kellis Way, Bridgehampton, NY | Agent: Cynthia R. Barrett

Exquisite 7,000sf Sustainable traditional completed in 2014 is set on 1.9 acres with southerly views, 40 foot covered blue-stone patio, outdoor living room and kitchen overlooking 43 acre Kellis Pond in the heart of Bridgehampton. The home exterior has a cascading infinity edged gunite pool and spa with spectacular water views, a private beach for sunbathing or pond access for a day on the water, kayaking, sailing or paddle-boarding. The first floor has double height ceilings, one of 3 master suites, 2 additional bedrooms, study, living room, den, and spectacular kitchen with double appliances,2 glass door sub zeros, Bosch dishwashers, double Wolf ovens and an 8 burner Wolf range and full brick pizza oven all accented by a 20 foot island with a subtle palette polished marble counter-top seating 6+, highlights that exceed all specialty cooking and dining expectations. The second floor is complete with a full-service bar, grand great room with a wall of glass doors leading to a 100 ft mahogany deck to savor the sunrise and sunsets over the expansive spring-fed freshwater lake. The home also has four additional bedrooms, 3 en-suite, a zen yoga retreat and a 3rd-floor lookout deck. The 2,000sf finished lower level includes a top-shelf gym, living-room, game room, laundry, 1 bedroom guest quarters and room for media room. The house is masterfully built with geothermal, radiant and solar heat. Tree lined and gated street provides for the ultimate security and privacy yet close proximity to Main Street shops, restaurants and transportation and ocean beaches.

Photo courtesy of Debbie Brennaman Team

20 Hook Pond Lane, East Hampton, NY | Agent: Debbie Brennaman Team 

Down a private lane in the Hook Pond estate area in the heart of East Hampton village is a new home that masterfully blends a Hamptons traditional with modern sensibilities. Designed and built by Abstract Builders, LLC, the 10,000 sq ft ( on 3 levels) home is perfectly sited on this 1.6-acre lot to take full advantage of the sweeping upper floor views of Hook Pond and the Atlantic Ocean. Open and light-filled interiors are enhanced by white oak floors and the expansive use of glass-including panoramic glass sliding doors imported from Greece-allowing for seamless transitions between indoors and out. The main entrance to the home is through a sleek industrial, steel-and-glass wall that opens to a double-height entry with an adjoining oak-paneled library/den. But the hub of any home today is the kitchen/living area. Here, an open kitchen with a dramatic island of a single slab of luminous Zimbabwe granite-flows into a dining area and generous gathering room with a glamorous smoked-mirrored wet bar, all open to the outside through glass door walls. On the other side of the shared fireplace is a more intimate, formal living room. A junior master suite with direct access to the outside completes the first floor. Ascend the gracious stairway, or take the elevator, to the second floor and to the master bedroom which includes two full baths (one with a soaking tub and vanity), a windowed closet room with custom high-gloss enamel cabinetry with inset lighting, a fireplace of Arabescato marble (which matches the marble in the bathrooms), plus its very own secluded deck where you can sip your coffee and watch the swans glide on Hook Pond. Time to sit back and enjoy the view and listen to the sound of the ocean.

Photo courtesy of Mark Greenwald

99 Schwenks Road, Water Mill, NY | Agent: Mark Greenwald 

Photo courtesy of Deborah Srb

236 Quimby Lane, Bridgehampton, NY 11932 | Agent: Deborah Srb 

A rare opportunity to own waterfront on prestigious Quimby Lane, this just shy of 4-acre property with 300' of frontage has had only 2 owners since 1917. This spectacular offering on Sagg Pond has commanding 180-degree views north to the bridge and to the south with views of the sparkling ocean very close by. A small sandy beach presents itself according to the water level, but there is no history of flooding as it sits in the best non-flood zone, out of harm's way. The Nantucket-style traditional with pool, tennis, 5 bedrooms, 6 full bathrooms and 2 half baths, boasts grand salon-style entertaining rooms which catered to the many important friends of the present owner, a world-famous ballerina who debuted with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo as a young girl. Though not recently updated, the opportunity to renovate or start afresh are both options for this expansive one of a kind property that offers privacy and a chance to create an exciting estate-like setting nestled among famous neighbors who also crave all the fun waterfront activities enjoyed on this equally famous pond. Boat to the beach, paddle board, sail, kayak or just soak up the beautiful light reflected from all the water around you!

The post The Hamptons Is Heating Up With These Jaw-Dropping Summer Getaway Homes appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

This home has them all, with a modern layout open spaces and filled with light, 8 large bedrooms with high ceilings, 9.5 baths, a gourmet eat-in kitchen, a formal dining room and a living room.

Details including outdoor entertaining areas with relaxing zen resort feel, includes Heated gunite 20X40 pool with waterfall features and spa pool, pool bar, LED lighting and gas fire pit all controllable from your smart phone.

The residence rests on immaculate grounds with room for tennis. This is a must see.

Address: 26 Parrish Pond Ln, Southampton NY 11968

Price: $4,995,000

Bedrooms: 8

Bathrooms: 9.5

View the listing here.

For more information contact Douglas Sabo at 516-382-5727 or douglas@nestseekers.com

Douglas Sabo is the real estate agent exclusively representing the Southampton, New York market as a part of Haute Residence real estate network. View all of his listings here. 

Images courtesy of Douglas Sabo

The post Stunning Southampton Masterpiece appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Here you will find wide open and modern-style living spaces harmoniously distributed on 2 levels blending a most gracious interior with the breathtaking waterfront vistas and the ultimate outdoor lifestyle this spectacular new waterfront provides anytime of year. Attention to details and the perfect summer lifestyle can be found around every corner. From its multiple entertaining spaces to its European style Chefs kitchen to its formal dining, or the 2 car garage, this Exquisite Hamptons residence truly impresses at every turn. Complete with 5 ensuite guest bedrooms along with a 1st-floor Jr Master Suite and a 2nd floor Master Suite with balcony providing unsurpassed privacy.

Here you will enjoy a summer lifestyle like no other entertaining Bayside from your wonderful outdoor spaces adorned in bluestone and mahogany where you will find your sunsoaked saltwater heated Gunite pool and it's incredible finished Cabana that takes center stage all summer long . Watersport enthusiasts and Boaters of all ages will love the private boardwalk that leads to your deepwater Dock inviting one and all to explore the magnificent waterfront and open seas. Whether your relaxing pool side, on your boat , or on your pristine white sandy beach located just feet from your front door , this Incredible waterfront offering provides the ultimate lifestyle and Hamptons Summer getaway !! Ready and waiting your arrival. To be delivered June 2018.

Address: 102 Dune Rd, Westhampton Beach, Westhampton Beach NY 11978

Price: $6,750,000

Bedrooms: 7

Bathrooms: 7

View the listing here.

For more information contact Robert Canberg at 631-816-0998 or robertc@nestseekers.com

Robert Canberg is the real estate agent exclusively representing the Westhampton and Quogue, New York market as a part of the Haute Residence real estate network. View all of his listings here.

Images courtesy of Robert Canberg

The post Expansive New Construction Residence In Sought-After Westhampton Beach appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Haute Residence talked with Avigdor to learn more about the team’s recipe for success and the current state of the market.

The team has a diverse makeup. Given that the Hamptons attract buyers from around the world, how have the team’s diverse backgrounds, expertise and perspectives led to success?

Between all the members of our team we speak eight languages. Certainly this helps us to cater to an international clientele in that people often feel more comfortable speaking in their native tongues. We are successful because we are good communicators despite what language we are speaking in. It is the research, facts, and truthful valuations that we can provide that added value to the process.

The whole team dedicates its time working with each client. What are the benefits of doing so compared to having different team members working with different clients?

It does take a village. We have members of the team who are experts in land use and zoning, while others have architecture backgrounds. Others are excellent negotiators. We allow each team member to interact with our clients and customers to bring their special knowledge to the table and get the job done.

What is the dynamic like in the office on a typical day?

Ha. Well, one thing is certain, we are all super busy. We hold brief team meetings at least twice or three times a week to communicate the essential things the team needs to be up to speed on. Different members are tasked with different responsibilities so in the end everyone does their job in the production line and we deliver “service” and next “sales” as an end product.

Raphael, you have been in the real estate industry for years now. How has the Hamptons evolved in the last decade or so as a luxury real estate market?

The Hamptons has always been a luxury real estate market. Changes I have seen over the years is that the buying power seems to be ever shifting to a younger and younger demographic. Or, is it simply that I’m getting older? Money flows to the Hamptons because the market realizes that not only can they see returns on their investment but that there is a tremendous quality of life improvement that comes with breathing the fresh air, walking on the beach, or watching the stars. It’s the perfect place for love, art, athletics, healthy living, and family.

485 David Whites Ln, Southampton, NY 11968 is offered at $5,295,000 by The AVIGDOR / PENKOVA Team

Pricing homes is often a daunting – yet crucial – task and could be such especially in a high-profile market like the Hamptons. What is your approach to home pricing?

We are quite cold-blooded and mathematical about our valuations. Simply enough we compare like or similar properties in terms of size or year built with similar amenities such as tennis or pool house and look for what the last 10 “comps” traded for in the past year. We look for the average dollar per square foot for those comps and apply that metric to the square footage of the house we are appraising. We adjust our end figure for special circumstances such as fantastic landscaping, curb appeal, water views or the general “hopefully pristine” condition of the property.

How did the market fare in the last year? What are your expectations for this year?

We has a very strong year last year. Despite that, the market seems to have flattened out just a bit this year. But it might be too soon to tell as we are very active presently and the next two months could very well define the year. Everyone on the team is an optimist. All brokers have to be. I believe this will be an even stronger year than last.

475 David Whites Ln, Southampton, NY 11968 is offered at $5,975,000 by The AVIGDOR / PENKOVA Team

What advice do you have for buyers looking to purchase or invest in a property in the Hamptons this year? What about sellers?

For buyers I always say, “Get your credit in order… and step up to the negotiating table as a “cash” buyer." This does not preclude your right to bring a bank to the closing table but sends the right signal to the seller that you are not looking for an “out.” Same goes for inspections. Go ahead do an inspection prior to signing the contract but don’t burden the deal with an inspection contingency.

For sellers, I have lots to share with them. For starters, never turn away a showing opportunity. Whether your kid is having a birthday party, or guests are over or not – just show the house! It only takes one buyer to get the job done and that one that you reject might be the one that was going to buy it.

My second piece of advice to a seller is simply, “Don’t get cocky.” It’s easy to reject an offer, but it might take you another six months to see another one. If you are prepared for that, ok no argument here, but if you are going to get anxious after two months on the market, don’t be so cavalier with the first offers that come in.

What are the team’s professional goals for 2018?

To conduct ourselves professionally at all times. To provide superior service at all times. To attend each and every customer and client with focus. And, of course, the most important goal – to sell a ton of houses!

The AVIGDOR / PENKOVA Team is the real estate team exclusively representing the Sagaponack, New York market as a part of the Haute Residence real estate network. View all of the team’s listings here. 

Images courtesy of The AVIGDOR / PENKOVA Team

The post The AVIGDOR / PENKOVA Team: “It Takes A Village” To Offer The Best Real Estate Service appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Haute Residence talked to Sabo to learn more about his motivation to venture into real estate, his secrets to success and insight on the exclusive market.

How did you get into real estate?

I got into real estate shortly after finishing my graduate degree in Boston. While I had received my degree in classical music I always knew I wanted to get into real estate as well. Geoff Gifkins, my regional manager who I have known for years was the one who gave me the push to get licensed. It’s been such a perfect fit for me and I really enjoy working with both buyers and sellers.

You joined Nest Seekers in 2016 and a year later received the Privet Hedges Rookie of the Year award. What do you attribute your success to?

I have always had a very intense work ethic, which is something to which I attribute a lot of my success in all aspects of my life. I put my all into a project and won’t stop until it is completed, which is why I believe I was able to find some success in my first year in business. That being said I was given so much support from Nest Seekers and help from other agents who helped me navigate that first year in business. Having a strong support network to refer back to is critical to any business but especially in real estate.

The Hamptons is a world-renowned real estate market. What does it take to successfully navigate it as a real estate agent?

The most important thing is the knowledge, really knowing and understanding the market not only as it exists today but where the trends are happening. The Hamptons is predominantly a second-home luxury market, the buying and selling process takes longer as both buyers and sellers need the most up-to-date information to make sound, informed decisions. Service is vitally important, time is money, and my clientele demand fast response times and assurance that the information they are getting is true and accurate.

You are a Long Island native and have always been passionate about the Hamptons. How has the region changed over the years?

My family has been vacationing out here for more than 50 years, and I spent most of my summers out here until making it my full-time residence in the last 3 years. Clearly there has been a lot of building and expansion over the last 20 years with many people opting to make this a full-time residence especially after 9/11. However, the Towns have gone to great lengths to protect the beaches and open spaces, preserving farmland and agricultural reserves to ensure the uniqueness and character of the area remains.

How did the Southampton do in 2017? How does it compare to the larger Hamptons region?

Southampton did very well in 2017 and had some of the largest growth in sales volume than other regions in the Hamptons. In the Village of Southampton, especially, we have seen many new construction projects selling. Southampton is in the central Hamptons with close access to everything, and an easier commute to NYC especially in peak summer traffic.

84 David Whites Ln, Southampton

You have traveled and lived abroad. How does that experience inform your real estate career?

Living abroad gives an appreciation and understanding of different cultures and values. That experience shapes how I look after each client and make sure I truly understand what their needs are and that I deliver a service that focuses on what exactly is the most important thing to them. Living abroad also alters how you think and problem solve, which I use a lot in real estate. When living abroad you can’t always face a challenge the same way as you would in the States and you need to get creative on how to overcome that obstacle. That very tool of being flexible or looking for a different way to reach your goal is one I use often in this career.

You often work with foreigners. What are the challenges of doing so? How is it working with foreign buyers different from US citizens or residents?

Nest Seekers has an international platform with locations throughout the world, and many of our clients have houses in each of these markets. I recently got certified as an international expert as it is imperative I understood not only the differences with buying and selling in these markets, but also the cultural differences and ways of doing business. An international-buyer company to this market is normally investment-focused, and they are very diligent and thorough in their decision-making, hiring the best attorneys, and advisors. They want to enjoy the area and the property but also know that if they need to sell their investment is secure.

What are your expectations for this year? Are there any trends you are excited to see develop?

It’s looking to be an exciting year in real estate in Southampton. Not only have rentals been much stronger than average, partially due to the US Open being in Southampton this year, but home sales have been steadily increasing. Sales were up 20 percent in both the village and the town of Southampton in 2017 and we are only seeing more and more demand as we move toward the summer. A trend I have been excited to see is that there are more buyers looking to renovate and update homes rather than tear them down and rebuild. While new construction will always be a hot item, it’s refreshing to see more people take the time to put love and respect into pre-existing homes.

What is your advice for buyers and sellers who are looking to make a transaction in Southampton this year?

Right now we are still in a buyers’ market so it’s imperative that buyers see the inventory, educate themselves on the market and make informed decisions. It’s a process and it takes time. For sellers, they need to price to sell, therefore they need to know the market and what is selling, what hasn’t and why? Buyers have many options so again it comes down to the right advice and being educated on the market. Many make the mistake of pricing too high and chasing the market down. Logic and sound research has to prevail.

The post Douglas Sabo: Breaking And Succeeding In The Hamptons appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

While the summer and the "High Season" is quickly coming to an end, the Hamptons continues to enjoy a increased year-round demographic as there are many wonderful happenings all year long.  That said, The LIII group which is a composition of my three vertically integrated companies - First Hampton International RE(global full services realty services), Citadom Holdings (acquisition and development) and Lawrence III corp. (award winning design and construction) is arguably the only firm out here that truly services other markets. They include reciprocal type markets as in SW/SE Florida, Telluride, Aspen and other west coast high end luxury type destinations and specifically Latin America and the Caribbean. Notably I just signed an $18,000,000 trophy property in Telluride that is ideal for the "Hamptons elite".

Do you have any events coming up that our readers should know about?

August 19th - All For the East End (AFTEE)  is a new concept that supports the entire not-for-profit community of all five East End, New York towns also known as the Hamptons and the north fork wine country, rather than a singular charity. We anticipate this may become a national model for non-profit collaboration. The primary fundraising vehicle is an inaugural concert that hopes to net $500,000.

Martha Clara Vineyards ( the Entemann Property) has donated the venue, 5 acres of its 112 acre farm and vineyard. 5,000 tickets will be sold. Gates open at 5pm and the concert ends at 10pm.

There will be an After Party at the new Suffolk Theater and three levels of tickets:  BNB Lounge ($450) VIP ($300) GA ($149). The VIP and BNB Lounge includes food and wine tastings from the best restaurants in the Hamptons and NYC. GA will have access to a variety of Food Trucks.

The celebrated Nile Rodgers and Chic ( We are family, Dance, Dance, Dance, Freak Out) will be followed by a renown DJ and several other special guests still to be announced.  Both artists have millions of Facebook followers.

·       The evolution of dance music – a dance party for all ages.

·       A truly signature concert

What do you do to stand out among all the other luxury realtors in the Hamptons?

We offer a Karma driven model that in every way gives back via real transparency, quantifiable analytics, an unrivaled sphere of influence, aerial tours in our plane and a proven humanitarian component built on a win/win/win scenario for all parties...most importantly those who are less fortunate. Notably, I have received a congressional award from the Dominican Republic Government for our humanitarian efforts on the back of our Cristal Beach Resort Development - www.cristalbeachresort.com

To learn more about Lawrence Citarelli, visit his Haute Real Estate Network Profile and personal website.

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The post Lawrence Citarelli Talks Hamptons Season and Standing Out From Competitors appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.