THE WORD “HAMPTONS” generally conjures up a picture of oceanfront chateaux behind impenetrable hedges, or modernist cubes in the dunes with infinity pools and five-car garages.
The modest circa-1940s cottages in this post are typical of the Maidstone Park neighborhood, a short walk from the sandy beaches of Gardiner’s Bay.
They’re in the unincorporated area called Springs, 5 miles north of the picture-postcard Village of East Hampton, but very much in the Town of East Hampton, with East Hampton taxes and an East Hampton ZIP.
I enjoy fantasizing about buying and fixing up one or more of these unpretentious summer houses (some now occupied year-round).
But they rarely come on the market — they’ve been in families forever — and when they do, it’s often with unrealistic price tags.
The cottage, above, totally spiffed up and kitted out inside, sold recently for over half a million. (That wasn’t unrealistic, but I’ve occasionally seen others with asking prices of 700K and more.)
Take a walk with me down Richardson Avenue, when the stark winter landscape lays bare houses that in high season are mostly hidden behind tangles of shrubbery and brush. It’s a fine thing to do on a dreary February day.
13 comments
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February 27, 2011 at 9:53 am
hamptontoes
You are so right, when people think of the Hamptons they generally think of mansions and hedgerow…so fun to see these other gems!
February 27, 2011 at 11:06 am
Jo
So nice to take a virtual stroll with you this morning, Cara!
Now I’m off for a real work. Great photos of late (as always), keep ‘em coming.
February 27, 2011 at 11:37 am
Coppermaven
These houses look even smaller than the ones in your part of the Springs. Were they specifically built as summer only?
Coppermaventravels.wordpress.com
February 27, 2011 at 12:02 pm
Terry
Didn’t you show that yellow house with the curved gate before. One of my faves.
February 27, 2011 at 3:03 pm
GAP
The “other” other Hamptons: Far Rockaway. I just last month bought one of those derelict bungalows pictured on a number of website photo essays; renovation begins at the end of the week. Been watching for your bathroom renovation pictures because I have one on the horizon myself. Right now, far out on the horizon! Lots of more important stuff to do first. I love small places too, and I’d much rather have one of the cottages you feature than one of those huge mansions. I plan to make mine unpretentiously adorable–and comfortable.
February 27, 2011 at 3:15 pm
Jeanne
How fortunate for the families who have held onto these cottages over the years. They look like they could really be adorable.
February 27, 2011 at 3:47 pm
Jo
hehe
*s/b ‘real walk’
real work can wait another day
;)
February 27, 2011 at 8:43 pm
Allegra Dioguardi
I was in Springs today! It’s beautiful there! Thanks for sharing these Cara.
February 28, 2011 at 8:50 am
cara
Gosh, folks, thanks for all the comments! I’ll have to take you on walks more often;-)
Cop, they look like they were built as summer cottages; many still are. Terry, yes, I blogged about that yellow house twice before; there’s a link to one of the previous posts in this post. GAP, best of luck with your Rockaway cottage — I hope you’ll keep us posted on your progress! I have long had a soft spot for them, too. Did you see this? http://casacara.wordpress.com/2010/07/28/the-bungalows-of-rockaway/
February 28, 2011 at 9:22 am
GAP
I did see your post! I was delighted to see it but at the time it was an “uh-oh”–not easy to buy one of them and I was afraid the coverage would create a stampede. It took me about a year and a half to get a deal to work out. The one I finally was able to buy needs a complete rehab. Weather permitting, they start on the roof and the facade late this week.
Love the way your bathroom came out. I think mine is a bit smaller, but I’m going to keep it simple too. Wanted a clawfoot tub in there because I think that’s what was original, but I noted you said they were expensive. Will probably buy some light fixtures from that great place you found.
February 28, 2011 at 9:26 am
GAP
Just clicked on your post again, and yes, that is my colony and the one I bought is your third photo down, the one boarded up! Had no idea that one was going to be “the one” when I read your post in July. It did not come up for sale until September. When I sent pictures to my friends they thought I had bought my next re-hab in New Orleans.
February 28, 2011 at 9:36 am
cara
GAP, wow, well, good for you!! You should start your own renovation blog so we can all follow… Re claw-foot tubs, they’re expensive new, that’s for sure. You can probably find a vintage one for a few hundred. Try Moon River Chattel in Williamsburg (did a post about that too) — and you should also know about a place called Build it Green in Astoria http://www.bignyc.org/ They sell recycled building materials. Haven’t been there myself yet, but I’ve heard it’s a fantastic resource.
February 28, 2011 at 10:17 am
GAP
Thanks for the tips re: vintage and recycled. I will have to look into that. Though I have to admit, my renos are starting to get like yours: I have people I trust to do this work and I plan to leave them to it, for the most part. Not sure I will spend a lot of time sourcing on this one. I simply don’t have the time now. But maybe, by when I get to the interior, things will ease up a bit.
Will have to think about a blog too.