The Hamptons, an idyllic cluster of villages on the east coast of Long Island, New York, has been a highly sought after holiday destination for many decades. With rolling beaches and pristine, open farmland, the Hamptons’ charm lies in its perfect tranquillity, an ideal respite from the hustle and bustle of New York City. The lovely, quiet towns and the beautiful summer homes are often a welcome change of pace for wealthy holiday makers both inside and outside the United States.
From Farmland to Mansions
First settled by English colonists in the mid-17th century, the Hamptons was primarily a hub for agriculture. The fertile soils were perfect for growing corn, wheat and potatoes, and so a thriving community of farmers was born, tending the land until the late 1800s. It was then that the wealthiest people in New York began to flock to the Hamptons, drawn by the picturesque locale and the desire to own their very own piece of this coastal utopia. Not long after the arrival of some of the most influential characters in the country, a vibrant social scene was established. Days were filled with tennis matches and games of polo and the night was occupied by exclusive soirees and elaborate parties hosted by the richest, most famous families in New York. Not least the family of America’s first billionaire, John Rockefeller.
Rockefeller, who founded the Standard Oil company in 1870, decided to invest in and build a summer property on the Hamptons’ Gold Coast in the late 1800’s, and the famous estate is still standing today. His Hamptons home, a Tudor-inspired mansion set on a vast 57-acre plot, is complete with a large outdoor swimming pool as well as numerous outbuildings, bringing the total area of the house up to 21,000 square feet. The main house has 16 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms and, in the Hamptons’ fledgling years, sat at the very epicentre of the holiday hotspot.
Today, the most affluent areas of Long Island extend far further than they used to, all the way up to The North Fork creating a coastline that is decorated by some of the most lavish homes in all of America.
700 Meadow Lane, Southampton
With a prestigious location in an area known as Billionaire’s Row, the property at 700 Meadow Lane is mere minutes away from high-end shopping and fine dining in Southampton village. Situated behind two gated entrances, the 15,000 square foot estate boasts a vast, unobstructed view of the Atlantic Ocean, complete with a private boardwalk. It is an impressive mansion with a modern Tudor-style twist, offering 11 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms. Formerly belonging to advertising executive and philanthropist Marcia Riklis, the mega-mansion sold in October of 2023 for over $100 million dollars.
160 Ox Pasture Road, Southampton
Sitting proudly on 10 acres of lush greenery, this extensive property on Ox Pasture Road is another of the Hamptons most highly valued estates. The 12 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms and private staff quarters are set across three floors and are accompanied by indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a paddle court and a grass tennis court. The woodland surroundings afford the property with an almost park-like privacy, despite the mansion’s convenient proximity to Cooper’s Beach and Southampton village. With a valuation of $75 million dollars, this is another of the area’s more exclusive properties.
121 Further Lane, East Hampton
This 7-acre East Hampton colonial home, called Lasata, was where former US First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis spent many of her childhood summers. It was purchased in August of 2023 by the renowned American fashion designer Tom Ford for around $55 million dollars, making it one of the most expensive houses in the area. The house’s rich history and remarkable beauty have led to Lasata being considered one of the most important residences in the Hamptons. With 8 bedrooms, perfectly picturesque grounds and plenty of well-kept period features, it is easy to see why this mansion is considered a diamond among the many gems present in the Hamptons.
115 Beach Lane, Wainscott
This sprawling, architectural masterpiece in Wainscott is 11,000 square feet of glass, granite and stylish design. The modern feel of this property does not stop at the front door, with high ceilings and an airy, open floor plan, an expansive gym and a golf simulator, every corner of this vast 3-acre lot is completely contemporary. There are six bedrooms and 11 bathrooms across the house’s 3 separate, integrated pavilions and floor- to-ceiling windows throughout to maximise the sunlight on those bright summer months. Outside on the pristine grounds there is a sizable swimming pool as well as a private walkway that leads directly down to the beautiful sands of Wainscott Beach.
5 Fair Lea, Southampton
Nicknamed ‘Ocean Dream’, this expansive, shingle-style home sits just a few metres away from the beach. With panoramic, waterside views and a 3.7-acre plot, Ocean Dream is one of the most desirable properties in Long Island. It boasts three floors, nine bedrooms and 12 bathrooms, as well as 2 sweeping wrap-around porches, a large swimming pool and a well-kept grass tennis court. Located a mere 15-minute walk away from the village, and only a 10-minute drive to the nearest National Golf Links of America, this oceanfront property has something for everyone to enjoy throughout those warm summer months.
Whether it is for the pristine beaches, the sparkling social scene or the laid-back atmosphere, wealthy people have flocked to the Hamptons for generations. What was once a Golden Coast hub has since grown into an entire community of beautiful mega-mansions perfect for those seeking a relaxed summer holiday without venturing too far outside of the city limits. There are a whole host of different architectural styles on display in the Hamptons, ranging from modern to colonial, Tudor-inspired to the popular shingle style homes. Loved by wealthy socialites, business tycoons, artists and celebrities alike, this historically rich and stunning stretch of Long Island will certainly not disappoint those hoping to pay it a visit.
