Sands Point's Lands End goes on market for $30 million

Tuesday November 10, 2009 12:39 PM By Laura Mann

Lands End, the 13.35-acre Sands Point estate which may have been the inspiration for Daisy Buchanan’s home in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s "Great Gatsby," is back on the market with an approval for a five-lot subdivision.

The property has been on and off the market in recent years. Listing agent Susan Stein of Accents on Real Estate in Port Washington says that the estate is priced and marketed at $30 million in its entirety, but the owner, Bert Brodsky, will entertain offers for purchase of individual lots. There is a minimum two-acre zoning in place.

The home is also listed with Kathleen Collins of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty.

The 20,000-square-foot mansion was designed by Stanford White and built in 1902. The waterfront home has 25 rooms, including 10.5 baths, as well as 10 fireplaces, a pool and a poolhouse, a guest cottage and a tennis court.

Originally called Keewaydin, the estate was once owned by Herbert Bayard Swope, Pulitzer Prize winner and executive editor of the New York World newspaper. Swope’s weekend guests at the estate included the Marx Brothers, Conde Nast and William Randolph Hearst.

Newsday File Photo

Half of Sagaponack Greens has been sold

Monday November 2, 2009 1:51 PM By Laura Mann

Even though half the buildable lots at Sagaponack Greens have now been spoken for, if you’re looking to establish an estate near the ocean, there is still hope.

Four contiguous parcels of vacant land, totaling more than 6.5 acres, remain available. Each lot stretches over 1.63 acres and is priced at $5.95 million if purchased individually. There also is a 25-acre reserve next to the lots, available for $4 million.

The property is owned by Alan Schnurman, partner in the law firm Zalman and Schnurman of 1800lawline.com.

The land is co-listed by Gary DePersia of The Corcoran Group and Paul Brennan of Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate.

Sagaponack Greens originally went on the market for $64.5 million for the entire 41 acres comprised of the reserve and eight buildable lots. The price was lowered early this year to $47 million. The remaining four lots and reserve can now be had at $27.8 million. Schnurman reportedly purchased the spread in 2005 for $25 million.

DePersia told Newsday earlier this year that no matter how a builder positions a house on the land, each lot would afford “first-floor views” of the ocean. Ira Rennert’s 60-acre spread is a stone's throw away.

New luxury homes look for a niche in the market

Friday October 23, 2009 11:31 AM By Valerie Kellogg

Luxury builders are hoping doing something a little different will give them an edge in the market. For instance, the ultracontemporary style of this five-bedroom, six-bathroom house -- asking price $3.995 million -- is said to be quite unusual for Montauk, where it's located. See more unique newly constructed homes on the market here.

Permission The Corcoran Group

Rolling Stone publisher buys Montauk house in bidding war

Thursday October 22, 2009 3:11 PM By Valerie Kellogg

Rolling Stone publisher Jann Wenner closed Oct. 16 on a Montauk house following a bidding war on the oceanfront property, real estate sources say.

The eight-bedroom, 6.5-bath three-story home is a half-mile away from the house formerly owned by Bernard Madoff, one source says.

The house originally went on the market for $9.5 million, but after several offers were made above the asking price it was adjusted to $14.9 million, a source says.

Wenner and partner, fashion designer Matt Nye, bought the property for $11.975 million, a source says.

The house is 6,300 square feet.

Krae Van Sickle of The Corcoran Group represented the seller; Paul Brennan of Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate represented the buyers. Neither could be reached for comment.

Permission The Corcoran Group

Michael Jackson Pepsi ad exec's North Haven house for sale

Thursday October 22, 2009 11:12 AM By Valerie Kellogg

The North Haven property belonging to the advertising executive who did the Michael Jackson Pepsi commercial in which the late pop star's hair caught on fire has just gone on the market for $18 million.

Property records show that the five-bedroom, 6.5-bath waterfront house belongs to the late Philip Dusenberry and his wife, Susan. Dusenberry died in 2007 of lung cancer.

Hamptons architect Peter Cook, the ex-husband of Bridgehampton supermodel Christie Brinkley, designed the house.

There is a separate 5.1-acre parcel being offered. If not sold with the house, it will be put on the market for $7 million.

The 6,800-square-foot, two-story, traditional-style house overlooks Sag Harbor harbor and Great Pond.

Cee Scott Brown, David Bray and Jack Pearson of The Corcoran Group are the listing agents. None of them could be reached for comment.

Dusenberry came up with many legendary ad slogans throughout his career, including General Electric’s “We Bring Good Things to Life” and Pepsi’s “The Choice of a New Generation.” He also co-wrote “The Natural” with Robert Redford. He was once named one of the 20th century’s 100 most influential advertising figures.

Permission The Corcoran Group

Bernard Madoff Montauk house sells for $9.41 million

Saturday October 17, 2009 11:37 AM By Valerie Kellogg

The Montauk beach house once owned by financier felon Bernard Madoff has closed, says a spokeswoman for The Corcoran Group, which listed the property.

The price was $9.41 million. The asking price was $8.75 million.

The U.S. Marshal Service has not yet released the name of the buyer.

Newsday Photo / Karen Wiles Stabile

Rufus Wainwright buys into Hamptons rock enclave

Tuesday October 6, 2009 11:08 AM By Laura Mann

If there’s a rock and roll haven, it’s got to be the Hamptons, where musicians have quietly and not so quietly been putting down roots for years.

Billy Joel and Paul McCartney are probably the most high-profile rockers to call the Hamptons home. Joel owns several properties on the East End, including two adjacent homes in Sagaponack, now on the market for a combined $35 million, listed with Biana Stepanian of The Corcoran Group. Joel had purchased one of the homes from late actor Roy Scheider; both homes were a present for his soon to be ex-wife, Katie Lee.

McCartney has been vacationing in Amagansett since the early days with his late wife Linda. He owns a two-acre spread in the town. This past summer, rocker Lou Reed and wife Laurie Anderson bought a 1.4-acre compound not far away in East Hampton for $1.495 million. The property had been listed with Christopher Stewart and Sonia Gaviola of Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate.

Designer Lorraine Kirke, who is married to Bad Company drummer Simon Kirke, is selling her East Hampton digs for $8.995 million. The 11-bedroom home sits on 1.14 acres in the Georgica section. Ed Petrie of Sotheby’s International Realty has the listing. Public records show the couple own two other properties in the town.

Rufus Wainwright, who reportedly recently purchased his own home out east, has Long Island ties that go back generations. In August, he told The Sag Harbor Express: “I was born in New York, but brought up in Canada ... My grandfather is buried in East Hampton. All of our family is from the East End, so I’m really a native Hamptonite returning home after two generations.” Wainwright’s father, Loudon Wainwright III, has owned a home on Shelter Island since 1998.

Other rockers who have called the Hamptons home include Jimmy Buffett (North Haven), Suzanne Vega (Sag Harbor), Roger Waters (Southampton), and Jon Bon Jovi (East Hampton). Jam session anyone?

Los Angeles Times photo by Carolyn Cole

'Today' host Matt Lauer buys Southampton home

Friday October 2, 2009 3:42 PM By Laura Mann

Real estate sources confirm that deer-dodging Matt Lauer has purchased a 1,500-square-foot waterfront home in Southampton for $2.15 million. While this new home sits on less than an acre, public records show Lauer already owns two properties a few miles away, totalling nearly 25 acres.

Lauer’s new home, according to listing information, has three bedrooms, two baths, a wraparound porch, a dock and 85 feet of bulkheaded waterfront.

The home was listed with Pat Petrillo of Sotheby’s International Realty. Barbara Sloan of The Corcoran Group brought the buyer.

Earlier this year, the “Today” show host injured his shoulder in a near collision with a deer while riding his bicycle near his current home. 

AP Photo

Sources: Tory Burch involved in Westerly deal

Tuesday September 29, 2009 4:52 PM By Laura Mann

Seems designer Tory Burch has designs on another property in Southampton. Details are sketchy, but real estate sources say that Burch is one of the persons involved in a deal to purchase the Westerly estate owned by late attorney Howard Gittis. The property is currently listed for $45 million with Tim Davis of The Corcoran Group.

The Westerly estate features a 25-room brick Georgian Revival home built in 1929, a carriage house, tennis court, indoor pool, and outdoor pool with pavilion. The property spans over 15 acres, with subdivision potential, making it, “an exceptional opportunity for a user or investor,” according to the listing.

Burch, who also owns an oceanfront property in Southampton, could not be reached for comment.

Permission The Corcoran Group

Entenmann house in Montauk sells for $2.2 million

Tuesday September 29, 2009 3:37 PM By Laura Mann

After dropping a few crumbs off the asking price, the Montauk home of Charles and Nancy Entenmann recently sold for $2.2 million, records show.

The 4,500-square-foot, five-bedroom house had gone on the market in late 2007 for $3.295 million. The traditional cedar shake dwelling was built in 2005 and has views of Lake Montauk and Gardiners Bay. The home sits on 1.15 acres and has a two-story lighthouse motif. There are 61/2 baths and crown moldings throughout, even in the garage.

Charles Entenmann is the grandson of the founder of the Entenmann’s baked goods company, and at one time ran the firm with brothers Robert and William.

Lois and Peter Moore of The Corcoran Group had the listing. Corcoran's Raymond Hagner was the selling agent.

Permission The Corcoran Group

Bernard Madoff house in Montauk goes into contract

Thursday September 17, 2009 12:28 PM By Valerie Kellogg

Yes, a spokeswoman for The Corcoran Group has confirmed that Bernard Madoff's beachhouse in Montauk has gone into contract. And the winning bid was for more than the $8.75 million asking price. Now the question is: Will the thieves return the statue stolen from the front porch?

Newsday/Karen Wiles Stabile

Corcoran to donate commission on Madoff house

Friday September 4, 2009 6:09 PM By Valerie Kellogg

Bernard Madoff's victims will get a little something back when the federal government sells his Montauk beachhouse.

Pamela Liebman, president and chief executive of The Corcoran Group, says that the real estate firm, and the listing agents marketing the $8.75 million property, will donate their commission from the sale of the property to a fund for the financier felon's victims.

'We're just happy to be able to help," Liebman says. "We don't want to make money for this."

Real estate sources say the commission on such a property -- a 3,000-square-foot shingled home on the ocean -- would be anywhere from 2.5- to 6 percent.

Read more about the house -- and see video -- here. 

See an updated photo gallery of the house interior.

Check out a video of the Madoff property in Montauk.

Newsday Photo / Karen Wiles Stabile

Realtors get two offers on Madoff house in Montauk

Friday September 4, 2009 1:43 PM By Lee Fryd

Financial ponzi scheme: $65 billion. Montauk beach life: priceless. But set a price we must.

The U.S. Marshal Service, which confiscated Bernie Madoff’s relatively modest Montauk hideway, have put an $8.75 million price tag on the four-bedroom, three-bath, 3,000-square-foot 1980s period home whose 182 feet of direct waterfront is its greatest asset. They gave Corcoran senior vice president Joan Hegner and her husband, Raymond, the listing on Tuesday. She put it on the market Wednesday. Two people made offers by Thursday. Could we be on the verge of an old-fashioned bidding war?

That would be in keeping with the retro nature of the house. The property, which covers 1.2 acres, was purchased in 1980 for $250,000. A perfect example of 1980s postmodern design, the house is preserved in situe, with its formica built-ins, grey stucco walls, industrial bathroom tiles, old fixtures and rusty shower door. Why didn’t the Madoffs renovate?

It doesn’t matter. It is one of a handful of houses situated so close to the dunes, on Montauk’s Gold Coast, and irreplaceable. There are beach views from all but bathroom windows. The living room spills onto a deck with pool and a path that leads directly to a full sandy beach. “You could never build a house like this today,” said Hegner, who has been selling Montauk property for 35 years. “The setback regulations are much stricter now.” At 50 feet off the dunes, it’s 100 feet closer than currently allowed. With no other house visible, and almost twice the average amount of private beach front, there is total privacy.

Besides, says Scully and Scully interior designer Jonathan Tait, “This '80s style is making a return.”

“People just don’t sell these kinds of properties," Hegner explained. “They keep them in the family.” Other Montauk notables have included Paul Simon, Robert DeNiro, Julianne Moore, Peter Beard, Dick Cavett, J Crew chief executive Mickey Drexler, Andy Warhol and Richard Avedon.

It was a family retreat for the Madoffs as well. “Ruth spent every summer there, and Bernie commuted back and forth,” remembered Town & Country Montauk Realtor Theresa Eurell, who knew the Madoff sons. “It was the kind of place where you could let your hair down and not be noticed. No one knew who they were. Maybe that’s why she never renovated it. Not one of the locals were ever approached to buy into his club, and none ever asked. Their friends out here are still in shock.”

See video of the house -- and read the latest -- here.

Newsday Photo /Karen Wiles Stabile

Price drop for 2006 Hampton Designer Showhouse

Wednesday September 2, 2009 4:44 PM By Valerie Kellogg

The asking price for the 2006 Hampton Designer Showhouse has been reduced to $15.4 million.

The Bridgehampton home went back on the market in June for $16.9 million. The 14,000-square-foot house, which was designed by architect Peter Cook, had been listed for $24.5 million when it went on the market three years ago.

Read all about the listing here.

Permission The Corcoran Group

Downsizing is in when it comes to real estate

Friday August 21, 2009 2:34 PM By Valerie Kellogg

McMansions are out, says Fire Island's Barbara Corcoran, who founded The Corcoran Group. In fact, for a family of four the new magic number is 2,000 square feet. "The status that was once associated with owning a huge home to impress your friends is over with. The bubble burst that image," she says. Read more about why -- and see photos of smaller homes, like this 1,400-square-foot house in Wantagh on the market for $499,000 -- by clicking here.

Photo by Rob Cuni

Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley compete for big Hamptons buyers

Thursday August 20, 2009 12:28 PM By Laura Mann

Seems that ex-spouses Christie Brinkley and Billy Joel like to keep real estate agents on Long Island busy ... really busy. Between the two of them, they have bought, sold or tried to sell at least a dozen properties here since they married in 1985. The pair have been divorced since 1994, but remain friends, sharing family occasions in the Hamptons with their 23-year old daughter Alexa Ray, according to published reports.

But now these friends may become adversaries of a sort, both vying for buyers for their respective Hamptons properties in a tight real estate market. Joel has just recently placed two adjacent Sagaponack properties on the block for an asking price of $35 million; Brinkley has been looking for a buyer for her Bridgehampton home, Tower Hill, for several years. The estate is now priced at $30 million.

Brinkley’s Tower Hill is a 20-acre, 12-bedroom compound in Bridgehampton, which has been on and off the market since 2002. The home was built in 1898, and sits 200-ft above sea level, with an imposing 8-story tower that affords view of the Connecticut shore. Records show that Brinkley purchased the estate in the late 1990’s for $2,776,500. It’s listed with Susan Breitenbach of The Corcoran Group. Brinkley also owns homes in Water Mill, North Haven and Sag Harbor.

Over in Sagaponack, Joel is selling two homes he purchased for soon-to-be ex-wife Katie Lee in 2007. The Gibson Lane properties are an oceanfront 3-bedroom bungalow purchased for $11.6 million (he’s now asking $12.5 million) and the house next door, a four bedroom, 6 bath beach house formerly owned by the late actor Roy Scheider. That home was purchased for $16.75 million, and is now on the market for $22.5 million. Both homes are listed with Biana Stepanian of The Corcoran Group. Joel owns an estate on Centre Island, property in Sag Harbor and a Manhattan townhouse.

Newsday Photo / Jeff Schamberry

Tuesday Weld lowers price in Montauk

Monday August 3, 2009 3:45 PM By Laura Mann

Actress Tuesday Weld has lowered the price of her oceanfront home in Montauk to $7.75 million.

The five-bedroom, 4.5-bath Contemporary manse originally went on the market more than two years ago for $9.9 million.

Weld was once was married to the late actor Dudley Moore as well as violinist Pinchas Zukerman.

Early in her career, she was a regular in the Dobie Gillis television series. She also starred in many films, and in 1977 was nominated for an Academy Award for her work as a supporting actress in “Looking for Mr. Goodbar.”

The 1.2-acre property is listed with Town and Country Real Estate’s Theresa Eurell, who formerly represented the home for The Corcoran Group.

 (Handout Photo)

Kekorkian house in Bridgehampton sells for $6M

Friday July 24, 2009 5:16 PM By Laura Mann

Lisa Kerkorian, former tennis pro and ex-wife of billionaire Kirk Kerkorian has closed on the sale of her Bridgehampton home, a real estate source confirms.

The buyer paid $6 million for the two-acre property.

Kerkorian has been trying to sell for two years, originally listing it with Sotheby’s International Realty for $16.3 million.

She subsequently listed the home with The Corcoran Group’s Susan Breitenbach, lowering the price several times. The last listed asking price was $7.995 million.

The 10,000-square-foot barn-style home had a lis pendens (pre-foreclosure document) filed against it on June 5, according to public records. Kerkorian had a mortgage outstanding of about $4 million.

Shelter Island compound on market for first time

Thursday July 23, 2009 3:45 PM By Laura Mann

For the first time in almost a century of private ownership, a nearly 25-acre property on Coecles Harbor in Shelter Island is now available.

The compound has been owned by the Passionist order of priests since 1911, and the grounds have been home to St. Gabriel's Spiritual Center for Youth since the 1960s.

The Passionists decided to leave the property since they no longer have the personnel to operate the center and need to sell the land to help pay for health care for their aging members, a representative told Newsday last year.

The 24.8-acre property is listed with Chris Burnside of Brown Harrs Stevens for $19.9 million. There are 10 buildings, including a 29-room guesthouse, a long boat dock, a pool and a chapel. The property also has 1,500 feet of beach frontage, tennis and basketball courts.

If you don’t need quite that much room, but still want a spectacular Shelter Island hideaway, a 7,500-square-foot Mediterranean-style home with six bedrooms and 7½ an baths on 3.6 acres has also come on the market.

Amenities include guest quarters, elevator, a courtyard with fountains, a roof garden and a fresh water pond stocked with fresh water bass.

There’s also a tennis court with a pavilion, a croquet court and a dock on Shelter Island sound. It's all for $4.9 million, listed with Seth Madore of The Corcoran Group.

North Haven's Tyndal Point now priced at $49.9 million

Tuesday June 23, 2009 2:19 PM By Laura Mann

Tyndal Point, the 55-acre waterfront estate in North Haven that went on the market in early 2007 for $80 million, has just seen a price reduction to $49.9 million. The property is co-listed by Scott Strough of Strough Associates and Gary DePersia of The Corcoran Group.

Strough tells REAL LI that since the price reduction was announced the property has had significant interest from potential buyers, both in the financial and celebrity worlds. "We've been contacted by high-profile players from all points of interest in the country," he says.

There is a subdivision plan that would divide the land into three estate parcels of two lots each, but Strough says that the interest has been in the property as a whole. The land stretches across 3,000 feet of beachfront, with views of Shelter Island, Sag Harbor and Northwest Harbor. There are also two deepwater docks.

The owner of Tyndal Point is former Baldwin resident and retired lawyer Robert Rust, who inherited the property from his aunt. In 2008, Rust temporarily pulled the property off the market, re-listing it a few months later for $75 million. He said that his aunt had paid about $200,000 for the land more than 50 years ago.

LAURA MANN

Lisa Kerkorian in contract on Bridgehampton home

Monday June 22, 2009 3:07 PM By Laura Mann

Lisa Kerkorian has a buyer for her Bridgehampton barn-style home, which is listed as “in contract” on The Corcoran Group’s Web site. The 10,000-square-foot, six-bedroom home had been on and off the market for a few years. The original price was $16.3 million; it was listed most recently for $7.995 million.

New York Magazine reports that the selling price may be closer to $5 million, about $1 million more than the mortgage owed on the home. Public records show that a lis pendens was filed June 5 on the property.

The interior features 200-year-old beams, 30-foot ceilings in the dining area and an open custom Bulthaup "floating" kitchen and double-sided fireplace. The two-acre estate is next to a horse farm owned by Calvin Klein's ex-wife, Kelly Klein.

Kerkorian is a former tennis pro and ex-wife of billionaire Kirk Kerkorian.

— LAURA MANN

Architect Peter Cook comes to East Hampton unveiling

Thursday June 11, 2009 1:55 PM By Valerie Kellogg

Architect Peter Cook turned out Wednesday for the unveiling of his latest home design -- a six-bedroom, 7.5-bath house in East Hampton that recently went on the market for $19.95 million. He's seen here with co-listing agent Evan Kulman of The Corcoran Group, developer James Fantaci of By Design Properties, and to Cook's right, Kulman's partner at Corcoran, Gene Stilwell.

- VALERIE KELLOGG

2006 Hampton Designer Showhouse back on market

Thursday June 4, 2009 6:18 PM By Valerie Kellogg

The 2006 Hampton Designer Showhouse is back on the market, now for an asking price of $16.9 million.

The 14,000-square-foot Bridgehampton home, which was listed for $24.5 million when it went on the market three years ago, had been in foreclosure; earlier this year, through a series of legal maneuvers, it was turned over to a holding company that is now trying to sell the property, says exclusive listing agent Mary Slattery of The Corcoran Group.

The investors behind the holding company are now paying to have the house completed, she says. The media room was never finished, and neither was the patio, she says. Even some trim and knobs are missing — "the kinds of things you'd expect to see in a house on the market for $16.9 million," she says.

Still, she says, "It's a spectacular property. It's just under four acres in one of the most beautiful spots in Bridgehampton south of the highway."

The eight-bedroom, 9.5-bath Arts & Crafts style house on Sagg Pond was designed by architect Peter Cook, Christie Brinkley's ex-husband. There is a wine room, a pool and a tennis court.

— VALERIE KELLOGG

Southampton's Westerly reduced to $45 million

Thursday May 21, 2009 4:21 PM By Valerie Kellogg

Southampton's Westerly has a new agent -- and a new asking price. Now listed with Tim Davis of The Corcoran Group, the 14.5-acre estate is on the market for $45 million.

The property has been listed with Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate for $59 million.

The 25-room brick Georgian Revival country was built in 1929. There is a separate carriage house, a pool pavilion, a pool and a tennis court.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to own this gracious historic estate with subdivision potential,” says Davis, senior managing partner.

The late attorney Howard Gittis was the most recent owner. Gittis hosted many fundraisers and benefits at the house, including a $1,150-per-person party for Sen. John McCain in 2007.

In 1955, the estate hosted a "Night in Baghdad" event, complete with camels, and in 1966 there was an Indian-themed party with a baby elephant.

- VALERIE KELLOGG

The Southampton house that Jack Nicholson rented

Friday May 15, 2009 3:32 PM By Laura Mann

Jack may not have built this house, but he rented it a few years back while filming scenes in the Hamptons for the movie “Something’s Gotta Give.”

Jack is Jack Nicholson and the house is a 5,800-square-foot, five bedroom, 7 ½ bath oceanfront contemporary in Southampton. The property is available for Memorial Day through Labor Day for $400,000, but listing agent Gary DePersia of the The Corcoran Group says that the owners would also rent the home for various periods throughout the summer, including weekly or monthly.

The 4.5-acre spread includes a heated pool with an outdoor fireplace and a private walkway to the beach. Amenities include a great room with a fireplace, a sitting room with views of Shinnecock Bay, and a master suite with two fireplaces and his-and-hers baths with ocean views.

— LAURA MANN

Rent like Lindsay Lohan in Wainscott

Wednesday May 13, 2009 2:27 PM By Laura Mann

If you're looking for a summer rental with star appeal, then this oceanfront contemporary may be just the ticket. The five-bedroom, 4 1/2-bath spread in Wainscott is available for Memorial Day to Labor Day for $350,000.

The Beach Lane home has a history of celebutenants, including Dina Lohan and daughter Lindsay, as well as designer Calvin Klein. Listing agent Gary DePersia of The Corcoran Group says that "it's a wonderful spot for sunsets, and one of the most sought-after streets in the Hamptons."

The home is furnished and newly renovated, and comes with a heated pool and a cabana. If you want to settle in for a full year, that'll cost you $400,000.

— LAURA MANN

Peter Cook design goes on market in East Hampton

Monday May 4, 2009 1:09 PM By Valerie Kellogg

A six-bedroom, 7.5-bath house in East Hampton designed by Peter Cook has gone on the market for $19.95 million.

The 7,206-square-foot, two-story house overlooks a 17-acre nature conservancy. The 1.43-acre property includes an infinity edge pool with a hot tub and a pool house.

Cook, an architect who was once married to supermodel Christie Brinkley, built the house with Lettieri Construction and By Design Properties. There is a double-height great room, a circular screened porch with indoor and outdoor fireplaces, second-floor terraces with winter water views of Georgica Pond, and a gym with a separate sauna and steam room.

The property is listed with Evan Kulman and Gene Stilwell of the Bridgehampton office of The Corcoran Group.

— VALERIE KELLOGG

Water Mill South house closes for $8.3 million

Thursday April 30, 2009 4:43 PM By Valerie Kellogg

A custom-built house in Water Mill South recently sold for $8.3 million.

The original asking price for the 1.4-acre property was $11.5 million. The last listing price was $10.25 million.

The 7,100-square-foot house was constructed by the Farrell Building Co. The nine-bedroom home includes a media room, a wine cellar, a gym and an elevator serving all three levels.

There also is a heated gunite pool and a tennis court.

Gary DePersia of The Corcoran Group was the listing agent.

Annual taxes are about $14,300.

- VALERIE KELLOGG

East Hampton's Stone Meadow Farm goes into contract

Wednesday April 22, 2009 9:05 AM By Valerie Kellogg

The East Hampton estate where Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon stayed last summer has gone into contract, according to The Corcoran Group's Web site.

Stone Meadow Farm was on the market for $19.995 million when the newlyweds took residence there. It is now listed for $15.9 million. Gary DePersia, a Corcoran senior vice president, is listing the property.

So far, there's no word on who the buyer is.

The main house has 15,000 square feet. There are two guest cottages, a spa, a media room, tennis courts, a heated gunite pool, a stable for five horses and riding fields.

Last summer, the eight-acre property also hosted a star-studded celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Suffolk County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

- VALERIE KELLOGG

Sagaponack home rents for record-setting $900,000

Thursday April 16, 2009 11:26 AM By Valerie Kellogg

An oceanfront home in Sagaponack belonging to the ex-wife of New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine recently rented for $900,000, real estate sources say.

Susan Breitenbach of The Corcoran Group brought the renter, says a spokeswoman for the agent. She declined to identify the customer's identity, but did say that it might be a record-setting price for a seasonal rental in the Hamptons. Beate Moore of Sotheby's International Realty, the listing agent for the property, agrees. "It is a big number," she says.

The lease is for Memorial Day to October.

The 6,200-square-foot, six-bedroom, 5.5-bath home is on a gated property. The 6.64-acre estate includes a heated gunite pool, a Har-tru tennis court and more than 500 feet of ocean frontage along Gibson Beach.

The house was signed over to Joanne Corzine in 2002 as part of her divorce settlement from Gov. Corzine.

- VALERIE KELLOGG

Emanuel and Elizabeth Stern sell Bridgehampton home

Friday March 27, 2009 7:30 AM By Laura Mann

Elizabeth and Emanuel Stern have sold their 1.84-property in Bridgehampton for $8.5 million, public records show. The 6,500-square-foot home was built in 2005 and has eight bedrooms, 9.5 baths and a heated pool.

Emanuel Stern is president and chief operating officer of New Jersey-based commercial real estate developers Hartz Mountain Industries, Inc. His father, Leonard Stern, founded the real estate company in 1966 and is a former owner of the Village Voice newspaper.

Max Stern, Emanuel's grandfather, founded the Hartz Mountain pet supply company, which the Stern family sold in 2000 after 76 years of ownership.

The house was custom-built for the Sterns. A half-mile from the beach, the home includes a wine cellar and a steam room. There also is a suken HAR-TRU court, a spa, a 1,500-square-foot two-story pool house and a golf hole.

Gary DePersia of The Corcoran Group was the listing agent.

- LAURA MANN

Want a Hamptons rental? Come to the city

Friday March 13, 2009 1:16 PM By Valerie Kellogg

It's a tough market in the Hamptons, so some 40 agents from The Corcorcan Group's East End offices will head to Manhattan Thursday for the brokerage's first-ever rental expo. "We're trying to jumpstart the season," says Pamela Liebman, Corcoran's president and chief executive. "The season seems to be getting off to a late start."

The wine-and-cheese event will begin at 5 p.m. on the 12th floor at Corcoran's headquarters at 660 Madison Avenue, where agents have been asked to "come in with their best rental deals and present them directly to potential customers," according to a news release.

Liebman says that many people are waiting out the market, hoping for better deals. "We want to show them there are great values now," she says, adding that the company hopes to entice those who've always wanted to rent but may now have a chance to for the first time.

Agents will present listings on their laptops. Prices on the couple thousand or so houses available range from $15,000 a month to more than $500,000 for the season, she says.

In the recent past, foreigners have been big rental customers out east. With the economic crisis now affecting those abroad, the real estate community is reaching out to its more traditional customer base in the city. "If we can't bring them to the rentals, we'll bring to rentals to them," Liebman says.

Oceanfront estate in Amagansett sells for $11.8 million

Friday March 6, 2009 7:52 AM By Valerie Kellogg

The sale of a six-bedroom, six-bath oceanfront estate in Amagansett proves that the Hamptons market isn't dead, says the listing agent.

Property records show that the seller is Danny Errico, who founded the Equinox gym chain. He recently sold the 1.5-acre property for $11.875 million.

Annual taxes are $36,270.

The 7,000-square-foot, two-story, traditional-style house was built in 2002. There are seven fireplaces, as well as a heated pool, with a guest house. The house was designed by decorator Anthony Ingrao.

"Prime real estate is still selling in the Hamptons," says Susan Breitenbach of the Bridgehampton office of The Corcoran Group.

The house was originally listed in 2007 with an additional lot for $24 million, Breitenbach says. According to a newspaper report, it had been listed in 2006 with another agency for $35 million.

- VALERIE KELLOGG

Corcoran's Gary DePersia sells Amagansett home

Wednesday March 4, 2009 1:21 PM By Valerie Kellogg

Top Hamptons real estate agent Gary DePersia recently sold his home in Amagansett for $4 million.

DePersia, senior vice president at The Corcoran Group, where he is associate broker in the East Hampton office, said he and his wife, Charlotte, also a senior vice president with the brokerage, built the 5,000-square-foot house to sell.

"We moved into it while we marketed it," says DePersia, who was Corcoran's top agent last year in terms of sales volume and his East Hampton's office top producer for 2008.

The traditional-style house has five bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, a finished basement and four fireplaces. There is a heated pool. Designer Celerie Kemble did the interiors.

The house was completed last year.

Public records show that the DePersias bought the 2.25-acre property for $645,000 in 2005. Gary DePersia said it was vacant at the time.

The property is located near homes owned by Gwyneth Paltrow, Alec Baldwin and Paul McCartney. In fact, the former Beatle's house "is right around the corner from me," says DePersia.

Photo by Chris Foster

Remsenburg 'Magical Mansion' is now almost half off

Tuesday February 24, 2009 12:47 PM By Valerie Kellogg

A Remsenburg estate that first went on the market in 2007 for almost $8 million is now being offered for $4.25 million.

The fire sale for the "Magical Mansion," as the listing agent describes it, does come with some restrictions: Financing must be secured within 30 days, the sale must close within 60 days, and the buyer will be required to put down 10 percent.

The sale of the English Tudor manor house fell through in December, says Meredith Murray of the Westhampton Beach office of The Corcoran Group, who is co-listing the property with Thomas Mangel.

The house is owned by the estate of Frank Smith, who was chief designer for Evan Picone. Smith died in 2007. He had moved to the property in 1973 with his longtime partner, Norman Leavitt, an antiques dealer known for his volunteer work at the East End Hospice.

Leavitt, the trustee, has organized the fire sale "as a bottom-line offer" with his attorneys and accountants to raise money for estate taxes owed on the property, Murray says. The group has been "bargaining with the government on the penalties," she says.

The 6,400-square-foot, three-story house is on 14-plus acres of land that includes a pond and formal gardens. The stone and brick house was built in 1934 by the EW Howell Co. It has a slate roof. There are seven bedrooms, five baths and two half-baths, in addition to seven fireplaces and a heated three-car garage.

Of the more unusual features that make the place magical -- a fur vault, a telephone room under a staircase, and a pipe organ that is still behind a wall Leavitt and Smith built to cover it.

"It's a little piece of Brigadoon," says Murray, who is holding an open house from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday.

Price slashed on Sagaponack property

Wednesday January 28, 2009 6:26 AM By Laura Mann

There’s been a price cut on Sagaponack Greens, the 41-acre property owned by Manhattan attorney and real estate investor Alan Schnurman. The property had been listed with Prudential Douglas Elliman for $64.5 million. It is now co-listed with The Corcoran Group’s Gary DePersia for $47 million, a 27-percent reduction in the asking price.

The property, which Schnurman purchased in 2005 for a reported $25 million, is also available in eight estate-like lots from 1.4 acres to 2.3 acres and ranging in price from $5.25 million to $5.75 million, says DePersia. “It’s the largest combination of land available in Sagaponack so close to the ocean. Nothing compares in size and quality,” DePersia says, adding, “It’s a great opportunity for someone to buy one or more lots, and build a good-sized house with pool and tennis courts, or build a family compound with house and guest house.” No matter how a builder positions a house on the land, DePersia says that each lot would afford “first-floor views” of the ocean.

The lots border a 25-acre agricultural preserve, and are within walking distance to the ocean. Ira Rennert’s 60-acre spread is a stone’s throw away.

Alan Schnurman is partner in the firm Zalman and Schnurman of 1800lawline.com.

Why Bridgehampton's Christie Brinkley is smiling

Friday January 23, 2009 2:01 AM By Valerie Kellogg

She may not yet have sold her Bridgehampton estate, but Christie Brinkley is not letting that or her recent divorce get to her.

"I want to seize the day and take advantage of this year," she told People in unveiling her new "Got Milk?" ad.

"I am so energized," she went on, adding, "I see this as a huge time for opportunity. This is the time for change. I am so appreciative of everything I have."

Brinkley's Tower Hill, where she lived with ex-husband Peter Cook, remains on the market with The Corcoran Group for $30 million.

AP photo

Cleveland Browns owner sells Amagansett property

Tuesday December 9, 2008 5:43 AM By Laura Mann

Public records show that Randolph Lerner, owner of the Cleveland Browns NFL football team, just sold a 2.5 acre property on Further Lane in Amagansett for $7.895 million. The land comes with deeded ocean access by private path across a Nature Conservancy preserve. Zoning would permit the building of a 10,000-square-foot home.

The land had been listed with Frank Newbold of Sotheby’s International Realty. Mala Sander of The Corcoran Group, who brought the buyer, says that it is “an absolutely beautiful piece of property.” Lerner, who also owns a 15-acre estate on Town Lane, next to Alec Baldwin’s home, purchased the Further Lane tract in 2007 for $7 million.

Lerner and his wife, Lara, founded the Amagansett Applied Arts School of Visual Arts. Forbes Magazine estimated Lerner’s wealth at $1.3 billion. His father, Al Lerner, created the MBNA credit card company, which the family sold to Bank of America in 2002.

Lisa Kerkorian lowers price of Bridgehampton estate

Monday November 10, 2008 12:50 PM By Laura Mann

What a difference a year makes. When last we mentioned Lisa Kerkorian’s 10,000-square-foot barn-style home in Bridgehampton, the asking price was $12.7 million. That was just over a year ago. Today the home is still on the market, now at $7.995 million. The listing agent is Susan Breitenbach of The Corcoran Group.

The 2-acre estate has been on and off the market over the past few years. It had previously been listed with Sotheby’s International Realty for $16.3 million.

The six-bedroom, 7-½-bath home is a mix of old and new; just off the media room is a barn constructed of 200-year-old beams. The home is next to the horse farm owned by Calvin Klein’s former wife, Kelly Klein.

Kerkorian, once a professional tennis player, is the ex-wife of Kirk Kerkorian, who is worth $16 billion, according to Forbes Magazine.

Modell's chief executive buys in Bridgehampton

Sunday October 26, 2008 10:02 AM By Laura Mann

Modell’s Sporting Goods Chief Executive Mitchell Modell has just purchased a Hamptons home with his wife, Robin, for $6.95 million, according to public records. The Bridgehampton home has seven bedrooms and 7 ½ baths, a pool and tennis courts. It was listed earlier this year at $8.495 million, and the price was later lowered to $7.995 million.

Susan and Matthew Breitenbach of the Corcoran Group listed the property.

Water Mill estate listed for 2009 summer rental for over $1 million

Wednesday October 8, 2008 2:18 PM By Laura Mann

Despite the recent economic downturn, there's already a 2009 summer rental listed in the Hamptons for more than a million dollars.

Sources tell REAL LI a 12-bedroom mansion on 42 acres in Water Mill is being listed with The Corcoran Group for $500,000 for July 2009 and $600,000 for August 2009. The property, called Fordune, was once part of Henry Ford 2nd's estate.

Fordune once comprised over 200 acres and according to published reports was awarded to Ford's first wife, Anne McDonnell after the pair divorced. She reportedly sold the property in 1975 and it has since been subdivided.

Rick and Kathy Hilton, parents of Paris Hilton and Nicky Hilton, own property in the area.

Listing agent Tim Davis could not be reached for comment.

Alistair Cooke's Cutchogue home for sale

Friday September 12, 2008 9:25 AM By Laura Mann

The Cutchogue home of author and BBC journalist Alistair Cooke is on the market for $5.2 million. The four-bedroom, 2 ½-bath contemporary house sits on 1.4 acres on the southern tip of Nassau Point, on a bluff overlooking Peconic Bay. There is also a separate guest studio with a half-bath.

British-born Cooke, who died in 2004 at age 95, is perhaps best known for his 22-year stint as host of public television’s "Masterpiece Theatre." The home is being sold by Cooke’s heirs.

The home was built for him in the 1940s by architect William Muschenheim, who also designed the Marine Transportation Building at the 1939 World’s Fair, and the exhibition space which was the precursor to Manhattan’s Guggenheim Museum.

Listing agent Nicole LaBella of The Corcoran Group says that the scenery, with 248 feet of waterfront and views of Shelter Island, is reminiscent of the south of France. “It’s a rare opportunity to find a property like this on the bay.”

Stone Meadow Farm is site for Red Cross benefit

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:30 AM By Laura Mann

When LA Reid threw a summer wedding reception for Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon at his Sagaponack estate last week, no expense was spared to make guests like Mary J. Blige, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kelly Ripa and LL Cool J happy. The luxury applied to the menu as well, which was catered by celebrity party planner Andrea Correale, owner of Elegant Affairs, based in Glen Cove and Manhattan.

“It was a beautiful summer night,” says Correale, “everyone enjoyed themselves.” The menu included treats like Amagansett lobster rolls, Kobe beef, a gourmet pizza grill and a New York steakhouse grill.

On Aug. 23, Elegant Affairs will once again be catering a grand soiree, this time at Stone Meadow Farm, the East Hampton estate that Carey and Cannon had recently rented while they were in town.

Hundreds of guests, including Tory Burch, Aretha Franklin and Russell Simmons are expected to attend the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Suffolk County Chapter of the American Red Cross. The event is hosted by WABC-TV's Ken Rosato. Tickets are $250 each ($300 at the door). To RSVP call (631) 924-6700 from 9am - 4pm or email your request to Suffolk@crossnet.org.

Stone Meadow Farm is on the market for $19.995 million, listed with Gary DePersia of The Corcoran Group. The main house features 10 bedrooms and 18,000 square feet of living space. There are also two separate guests cottages, spa, tennis courts, gunite pool, and a stable that accommodates five horses.

Cole Haan CEO selling Shelter Island home

Friday August 1, 2008 11:49 AM By Laura Mann

The Corcoran Group’s Penelope Moore is listing a four-bedroom, four-bath, three-story cedar clapboard home on Shelter Island for $1.485 million.

Moore says that the house is surrounded by cherry trees and Japanese maples. “It’s like being in an elegant treetop house …hidden on top of a hill with peek-a-boo water views of Gardiners Bay.”

The nearly 3,300-square-foot dwelling sits on .88 acres, with wraparound decks, a media room, a heated Gunite pool with mahogany decking and sound system, a bamboo garden and a blue stone driveway. The property is adjacent to the golf course of the Gardiners Bay Country Club, and is only a block from the beach.

The current owner of the home is James Seuss, chief executive of Cole Haan, the luxury footwear, accessories and outerwear company owned by NIKE, Inc. Moore says Seuss is selling the property since he can no longer spend as much time there due to his hectic work and travel schedule.

Shelter Island celebs include designers Jonathan Adler and partner Simon Doonan, who own two homes there, and hotelier Andre Balazs, who has lived on the island for 14 years and who also owns the Sunset Beach hotel there.

Price drop of $2 million on Montauk horse ranch

Monday June 16, 2008 10:08 AM By Laura Mann

There’s been a $2 million price drop on Startop Estates, the 16-plus acre former thoroughbred horse ranch in Montauk. The hilltop estate, which encompasses up to seven parcels of land, is listed with Raymond and Joan Hegner of The Corcoran Group for $15.5 million.

Joan Hegner says that the property can also be purchased in smaller parcels at various price points starting at $1.2 million. The main parcel, which includes 14.4 acres and the original five- bedroom ranch house, can be purchased for $10.5 million.

Startop Estates borders a 6-acre agricultural reserve and a 1,000 acre county park with trails that lead to the Montauk Lighthouse. The vistas include views of the Atlantic Ocean, Lake Montauk and Block Island Sound.

The estate once encompassed 50 acres and was home to 30 thoroughbreds; today a handful of horses remain. Startop was originally owned by surgeon Dr. Leon Star, who passed away in 1987.

Price drop for Quogue mansion in Martha Stewart book

Monday June 2, 2008 10:20 AM By Laura Mann

There’s been a price drop on Belle Meade, the Greek Revival mansion in Quogue once owned by Ford Models founders Eileen and Jerry Ford.

The 11-bedroom home originally went on the market with The Corcoran Group last year for $10.5 million. It is now listed with Michael Shaheen of Prudential Douglas Elliman for $8.999 million.

Belle Meade was built in 1906 and is attributed to architect Stanford White. The home is being sold by the heirs of the latest owners, Dr. Robert and Robin Cushing, whose daughter Hilary married at Belle Meade in 1985. The wedding, catered by Martha Stewart, was featured in Stewart’s 1987 book, “Weddings”.

Belle Meade sits on 3.5 acres enclosed by privet hedges. Amenities include a heated Gunite pool and a Har-Tru tennis court.

Hamptons real estate magazine identifies top designers

Tuesday May 27, 2008 1:04 PM By Lisa Doll-Bruno

If you're interested in learning how designers work with clients to bring their vision to life, then scope out the Corcoran Group’s book, “Properties for Living.” The real estate agency partnered with HC&G magazine to write about the designers. The book showcases more than 400 exclusive East End properties with editorial that includes a look at this years 10 most sought after designers, which in turn builds on Corcoran’s branding campaign “live who you are.”

Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan buy Shelter Island home

Monday May 19, 2008 12:34 PM By Laura Mann

Style gurus Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan have purchased a second home on Shelter Island. The couple already owns an 1,800-square-foot, three-bedroom beach cottage on the island, and recently closed on the sale of a three-bedroom, 2,800-square-foot ranch there.

Penelope Moore of the Corcoran Group represented the buyers in the deal and says her clients were drawn to the bulkheaded bayfront home because of the wide-open water views. Moore says that “Top Design” judge Adler and Doonan, creative director for Barney’s, are both avid swimmers and plan to build a 50-foot swimming pool on the 1.4-acre property.

The home was built in 1998, has 2.5 baths and two fireplaces, and views of Bug Lighthouse. Moore says the new owners plan to do a “big renovation” and will likely retain their current Shelter Island digs until work on the new house is complete. The home was listed for $1.95 million and sold for $1.9 million.

Last year, Adler told Newsday about what drew the couple to Shelter Island: "My husband, Simon, and I just sort of randomly rented there one summer -- the first summer we met. I'd spent tons of time going to the Hamptons, and we stumbled upon Shelter Island and just instantly fell in love. It's just so mellow and chill, and there's something about that five-minute ferry ride, it keeps it all away."

Doonan recently published his fourth book, "Eccentric Glamour: Creating an Insanely More Fabulous You" (Simon and Schuster, $24).

Update: Dick Cavett selling 77 acres in Montauk

Thursday May 15, 2008 6:01 AM By Laura Mann

As REAL LI reported yesterday, comedian and talk show host Dick Cavett is selling off part of his Montauk holdings.

Listing agent and Corcoran senior managing director Krae Van Sickle today has confirmed that Cavett is asking $30 million for a 76.8-acre waterfront parcel on DeForest Road.

Van Sickle tells REAL LI that Cavett is not selling Tick Hall, the home he owned with late wife Carrie Nye. That house, which was rebuilt after a fire in 1997, sits on adjacent land. The rebuilding of Tick Hall is the subject of a documentary film, From the Ashes.

Van Sickle says that Cavett has been in talks for many years with Suffolk County and the Town of East Hampton to purchase the nearly 77-acres for conservation purposes, but that deal has not yet been sealed and the land is now also available on the open market.

Is Dick Cavett selling his Montauk home?

Wednesday May 14, 2008 7:04 PM By Laura Mann

Sources tell REAL LI that talk show host and comedian Dick Cavett may be selling some of his Montauk property.

Cavett, who moved to Montauk when it was still a sleepy village in the 1960's, lived in the the Stanford White-designed Tick Hall he purchased with his wife actress Carrie Nye. The home and several nearby structures burned down in 1997. The couple painstakingly rebuilt Tick Hall, with the rebuilding project made into a documentary film. Nye died in 2006.

When contacted by REAL LI, Corcoran's Krae Van Sickle denied that Cavett was his client. Among Van Sickle's listings, however, is an 77-acre oceanfront parcel in Montauk. Coincidentally, public records show that among Cavett's Montauk holdings is a 76.8 acre tract of land on DeForest Road. He also owns another nearly 20-acre tract nearby.

Dottie Herman to get 'Heart of the Hamptons' award

Friday May 9, 2008 5:14 PM By Valerie Kellogg

Dottie Herman, chief executive officer of Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate, will be honored June 21 at the 12th annual "Heart of the Hamptons" gala for the American Heart Association. The part-time Hamptonite will join honorees Robert McMahon, president of U.S. Pharmaceuticals, Merck & Co., Inc., Dr. Michael Wolk, past president of the American College of Cardiology, and super model Christie Brinkley, whose Bridgehampton house is on the market with Prudential rival The Corcoran Group. WNBC newsman Chuck Scarborough will be the master of ceremonies for the event, which will be held on the grounds of the Hayground School in Bridgehampton.

Newsday file photo

Corcoran Cares fund-raiser held in Southampton

Monday April 28, 2008 12:31 PM By Laura Mann

Agents and employees of The Corcoran Group kicked off the company’s annual Corcoran Cares Charity fund-raiser in Southampton last week.

The event was held at a six-bedroom, 7-½-bath Federal-style home on North Main Street, which incidentally, is on the market for $6.995 million, listed with Corcoran’s Roger Blaugh and Michael Forestano. The home sits on 1.2 acres with ocean views, a two-story, 1,700-square-foot poolhouse, seven fireplaces and a Gunite pool with integral spa.

During the 2007-2008 fiscal year, Corcoran Cares will distribute more than $33,000 to six East End charities, including The Retreat, East End Hospice, Have A Heart Community Trust, Peconic Bay Keeper, The Southampton Hospital Foundation and ARF (Animal Rescue Foundation).

Southampton's Old Trees reportedly sold and then flipped

Friday April 11, 2008 4:09 PM By Laura Mann

The Old Trees saga continues…

As RealLI reported last week, the 10-acre Southampton estate that had been on the market since 2006 finally sold two weeks ago for $39.25 million. The asking price was $48 million.

The buyer and seller of the property, as revealed last week in the The Palm Beach Daily News, were financier Donald Burns, who sold Old Trees to Harlem real estate developer Rodney Propp.

The plot thickened this week when the New York Post and The Wall Street Journal provided further details on who might actually be putting out the welcome mat at Old Trees this summer. Both papers report that shortly after purchasing the estate, Propp flipped the property to hedge fund manager John Paulson. The Journal says that Paulson paid $41.3 million.

When RealLI asked Don Burns for a comment on the sale, Burns declined to name his buyer, but said, “I know the identity of the current owner, and I have a sense that his family is an excellent match for this one-of-a-kind home.”

Incidentally, as RealLI has reported, Propp’s Bridgehampton home is currently on the market with Susan Breitenbach of the Corcoran Group for just under $14 million. The Journal reports that Prudential’s Michael Shaheen is now listing Paulson’s Southampton home. The asking price $19.5 million.

So if Propp sold off Old Trees quickly and is also selling his Bridgehampton home, inquiring minds want to know if he’s already got another home lined up in the Hamptons. A source tells RealLI that he just may be the person who purchased that $60 million Gin Lane home that last month was rumored to have gone to Tiger Woods. Propp did not return calls for comment, so we’ll have to wait and see.

Despite reports, Hamptons real estate is still selling

Wednesday April 2, 2008 12:16 PM By Valerie Kellogg

A seven-bedroom, 10-bath traditional home on three acres in Sagaponack closed yesterday for $12.5 million. The asking price was $13.95 million. The 8,400-square-foot home has an ocean view, as well as a heated gunite pool, covered porches with an outdoor fireplace, and tennis and basketball courts. Built by Michael Davis, the interior features custom-designed stonework and mahogany detailing. There is a gym, a sauna and a wine cellar.

Public records show the house belongs to financier Paul Scharfer and his wife, Joyce.

The listing agent was Susan Breitenbach of The Corcoran Group.

The Hamptons real estate agent who knew John Lennon

Tuesday March 25, 2008 10:07 AM By Valerie Kellogg

"I once got a customer because I knew John Lennon and Yoko Ono," Arlene Reckson, a Corcoran Group senior vice president, tells Dan's Papers. "I was part of their entourage in the '70s and when the Daily News did a piece on the anniversary of Lennon's death, I was mentioned. The customer had seen my name ... and made the connection." The article's other goodies: Beth Troy of Town and Country Real Estate in East Hampton got a client because of a great haircut, Christopher Stewart of Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate in Amagansett finds customers on the playground with his son, and Katia Delouya of Devlin McNiff Real Estate in East Hampton hooks them in with her French accent.

Composer's East Hampton compound for sale

Tuesday March 25, 2008 7:04 AM By Laura Mann

In what certainly is one of the more unique features of a Hamptons property, one of the cottages in this East Hampton compound has its own built-in orchestra pit. Another cottage houses a gym.

The main house is an 1888 restored East Hampton Dutch Colonial with six bedrooms and 5 ½ baths near the center of the village and close to the beach. The property also includes all-weather tennis courts and a heated Gunite pool with spa.

The home is listed for $18.5 million with Jack Pearson and Cee Scott Brown, senior vice presidents of the Corcoran Group. Pearson tells RealLI, “In terms of Hamptons historic homes, this one is the real McCoy. When it was built, it was ahead of its time … It was built with such integrity and the owners have preserved and updated the property with great care.”

Public records show that the current owner is Jonathan Sheffer, composer and conductor who studied under Leonard Bernstein, spent a decade composing in Hollywood, and later founded the Eos Orchestra, an experimental arts group based in Manhattan that operated until 2004. Sheffer is a board member of the VH1 Save the Music Foundation.

Blythe Danner building next door to Gwyneth Paltrow

Thursday March 20, 2008 2:19 PM By Laura Mann

Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow will soon have Mom nearby when she's out in the Hamptons.

Sources tell RealLI that Paltrow's mother, actress Blythe Danner, is set to build a house on a vacant parcel adjacent to her daughter’s home in Amagansett.

The Bluff Road property was purchased last month by West Fourth Street Trust for $3.4 million. The Paltrows are said to be the name behind that trust. The sellers were the heirs of author and editor Joel Carmichael, who had lived on the land for 40 years.

In 1966 Carmichael was instrumental in salvaging the circa 1902 Amagansett Life Saving Station by purchasing the building for 75 cents. He paid $10,000 to move the structure to his property where it sat until last year, when it was donated by the family to the Town of East Hampton. Today, it sits behind the East Hampton Marine Museum.

The 2.3-acre Carmichael property was put on the market over a year ago for $6.25 million with Martha Perlin of The Corcoran Group. The property was later subdivided, and sources say that Danner won out in a lively bidding war over the 1-plus acre parcel she will build on. The remaining parcel with a two-bedroom cottage is still for sale at $3 million. Perlin declined to comment on the sale, as did Danner and Paltrow.

Paltrow and rocker husband Chris Martin -- parents of Apple and Moses -- purchased their nearby home for $5.4 million in 2006. The home was featured last year in Home and Garden. See photos here.

Getty Images photo

Water Mill South mansion on 'Open House NYC'

Wednesday March 5, 2008 8:36 AM By Laura Mann

Summer rentals these days have reached $1 million in some parts of the Hamptons, but Russian heiress Anna Anisimova made headlines in 2006 when she leased a Water Mill South mansion for $635,000 for three months -- an almost unheard of sum at the time.

Anisimova is now building a Hamptons home of her own, and the 8,500-square-foot, seven-bedroom home that she rented on Cobb Road is listed for sale with Gary DePersia of the Corcoran Group. Originally listed at just under $20 million last year, the asking price has recently been lowered to $17.5 million.

This past weekend the house was featured on WNBC’s “Open House NYC.” You can see the video here.

Edgar Bronfman Jr. lowers price of Amagansett home

Friday February 15, 2008 8:11 PM By Laura Mann

The former Namagansett Club, which went on the market back in 2006 for $15.8 million, now has a lower price. Harald Grant and Ed Petrie of Sotheby’s International Realty are listing the six-bedroom, 7½-bath home on 3.5 acres for $14.75 million. William Wolff of the Corcoran Group is representing the property as well.

The owner is Edgar Bronfman, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Warner Music Group. Bronfman purchased the three-parcel property in 2005 for $12.5 million and finished renovations that had been started by a previous owner. In 2006, Wolff told Newsday that Bronfman had never actually moved into the house.

The home features wraparound porches, a wine cellar, a billiard and media room, a heated Gunite pool, a pool house, his-and-her offices and gardens designed by Deborah Nevins.

Hamptons summer rentals, from $48G to $1 million

Friday February 8, 2008 3:30 PM By Valerie Kellogg

"It's the strong rental market I've ever seen," says Susan Breitenbach of The Corcoran Group, who has listings ranging from $12,000 to $400,000 for the summer. This season, there are two for $1 million. This one, on Shinnecock Bay, is listed with Brown Harris Stevens for $400,000. Read all about it -- and see a video of one of the $1 million summer rentals -- by clicking here.

$14 million Sagaponack house in contract

Friday February 8, 2008 1:05 PM By Valerie Kellogg

A seven-bedroom, 10-bath traditional home on three acres in Sagaponack is in contract. The asking price is $13.95 million. The 8,400-square-foot home has an ocean view, as well as a heated gunite pool, covered porches with an outdoor fireplace, and tennis and basketball courts. Built by Michael Davis, the interior features custom-designed stonework and mahogany detailing. There is a gym, a sauna and a wine cellar.

Public records show the house belongs to financier Paul Scharfer and his wife, Joyce. The house is expected to close in April.

The listing agent is Susan Breitenbach of The Corcoran Group.

Publisher reduces price of Bridgehampton home

Monday February 4, 2008 3:13 PM By Valerie Kellogg

Publisher Richard Ekstract has lowered the asking price of his eight-bedroom Bridgehampton home to $15 million. It had been listed for $18 million. The 7,500-square-foot home had been the 2005 Hamptons Cottages and Gardens Idea House. It was designed by San Francisco, Calif., architect Hugh Huddleson, East Hampton designer Robert Stilin and landscape stylist Mario Nievaro. The house is on 3.7 acres. The listing agent is Gary DePersia of The Corcoran Group.

Record-breaking sale on the North Fork

Thursday January 31, 2008 4:00 PM By Laura Mann

The Corcoran Group has announced a record-breaking sale on the North Fork.

According to the company, broker Sheri Winter Clarry recently completed at $19.5 million transaction for 135 acres in Peconic. The property, known as Indian Neck Farms, has a 5,000-square-foot, four-bedroom, five-bath mansion, a working organic farm and a 19-acre vineyard. Fourteen buildings, including two barns and a two-bedroom guesthouse, dot the estate.

Property records show that the land belongs to Pat and Phil Marco. He is an internationally renowned photographer and the recipient of numerous awards for his still-life advertising photography. Marco, who was raised in Brooklyn, has also worked on numerous commercials, and has done filmography for movies such as "The Color of Money," "The Last Temptation of Christ," "Casino" and "Gangs of New York."

VitaminWater inventor buys Sagaponack house

Thursday January 31, 2008 3:14 PM By Valerie Kellogg

Darius Bikoff, who sold his Queens-based Energy Brands line of VitaminWater and other enhanced drinks to Coca-Cola last year, recently bought an oceanfront home in Sagaponack for $19.250 million. The six-bedroom, 4.5-bath Contemporary is on Daniels Lane. Built in 1986, the 8,000-square-foot house has 170 feet of private waterfront. The 2.50-acre property has a pool and a tennis court.

The owners are Leonard and Phyllis Rosen. Leonard Rosen is the retired founding partner of New York-based law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, which counsels many of the nation's largest companies. According to the firm's Web site, Rosen specialized in representing major institutional lenders in the restructurings and reorganizations of large corporate borrowers

Paul Brennan of Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate was the listing agent. The deal closed Jan. 4. The Corcoran Group's Jennifer Mahoney brought the buyer.

Bikoff founded his company, also known as Glaceau, in 1996. He sold the company last year to Coca-Cola for $4.1 billion. He is now running a Coke stand-alone unit.

Entrepreneur Adam Lindemann buys in Montauk

Sunday January 27, 2008 6:40 PM By Laura Mann

Musician Paul Simon’s newest Montauk neighbor is Adam Lindemann, art collector, polo player and media entrepreuner. Sources have confirmed to REAL LI that Lindemann is the purchaser of the private, six-acre blufftop property built by developer Tom Gessler.

The home, which had been listed with Bonny Aarons and Janette Goodstein of the Corcoran Group for $25 million, went into contract in October, with the sale to be completed by March of this year. The property sold for $21.5 million.

Other neighbors include photographer Peter Beard, New Jersey Nets owner Bruce Ratner and J.Crew chief Mickey Drexler, who purchased the nearby estate once co-owned by Andy Warhol.

Lindemann is married to Amalia Dayan, granddaughter of the late Israeli politician and military leader Moshe Dayan. The couple wed in 2006 in Jerusalem in a ceremony attended by actress Uma Thurman.

'PURE' house in Peconic sells for $1.9 million

Friday January 25, 2008 4:51 PM By Laura Mann

The so-called "PURE" house on Leslie Road in Peconic has sold for $1.9 million, says listing agent Sheri Winter Clarry of The Corcoran Group. What drew her client to the house, she says, was “the light that comes into it in any weather…the light is so pure and brilliant.” The home, aptly named “PURE” by its builders, is one of several that the Three Pillars Group has constructed overlooking the Raphael Vineyard.

The exterior design of this newly constructed five-bedroom, six-bath dwelling was influenced by traditional North Fork barns. The loftlike interior is “clean and sleek, with beautiful modern lines,” and lots of windows, Winter Clarry says.

The 5,200-square-foot home has 20-foot ceilings in the great room, a detached guest suite, an art gallery, a library, a pool and a fireplace. The most recent asking price for the one-acre property was $2.25 million.

Record rental price on the North Fork

Friday January 25, 2008 4:22 PM By Laura Mann

More summer renters are setting their sights on the North Fork, says Patricia Gleason, senior vice president of The Corcoran Group’s Cutchogue office. Many of these renters, she says, are looking for high-end properties and are opting for extended season leases into September and October.

Gleason just clinched a deal on what she says may be a record price, $90,000, for an extended season rental for a home in Mattituck. “I have not heard of anything higher for this area.” The five-bedroom, 6.5-bath home on Lloyd’s Lane has been leased from the end of April to the end of September. The Long Island Sound-front home is also for sale for $3.4 million.

“There’s a whole different feeling on the North Fork…it’s much more laid back,” she says. “We have beautiful beaches, all with public access, open rural spaces, vineyards and no traffic problems.” Gleason says that renters in September and October enjoy “beautiful weather, changing leaves and fall pumpkin festivals.”

Gleason says that while North Fork rents are still less expensive than those on the South Fork, “the prices are getting closer and closer.” Other recent deals she has closed are a $60,000 summer rental and a $25,000 rental for the month of August.

Steven Spielberg closes on Georgica Pond property

Wednesday January 16, 2008 7:47 PM By Laura Mann

Oscar-winning director Steven Spielberg has added another property to his Georgica Pond holdings in East Hampton, a source tells Newsday. Spielberg closed on the purchase of the three-acre lot this week on Apaquogue Road for a bit less than the asking price of $19.95 million.

Sources say the transaction was handled by Spielberg’s lawyer, California-based Gerald Breslauer, whose company name appears on records for nearby tracts that Spielberg owns. Included in the purchase is a 4,500-square-foot, six-bedroom home that a local agent told Newsday last month was likely being purchased as a tear-down. “It’s all about land value,” the agent said. It has been reported that Spielberg is also in talks to purchase an adjacent lot owned by the estate of the late philanthropist Arthur Ross.

Spielberg’s neighbors include writers Nora Ephron and Nick Pileggi, who last summer reportedly rented their home to Paul McCartney’s ex, Heather Mills.

The listing involved a four-way exclusive with the The Corcoran Group, Sotheby’s International Realty, Brown Harris Stevens, and Prudential Douglas Elliman, sources say.

Harlem developer's Bridgehamton home for sale

Tuesday January 15, 2008 11:56 AM By Laura Mann

If it’s privacy you’re looking for, drive down a quarter mile hedge-lined driveway to this 5.9-acre Bridgehampton traditional shingle-style home, listed at $13.995 million. The 6,900-square-foot Ocean Road mansion was built in 1995, has six bedrooms, 7.5 baths, and a tennis court and a heated Gunite pool with a pool house.

Listing agent Susan Breitenbach of the Corcoran Group would not identify the owner, but public records show that real estate developer Rodney Propp purchased the home in 1999. Among the luminaries who have attended parties there are musicians Wyclef Jean and Damon Dash, actor Hugh Jackman and models Christy Turlington and Taye Diggs.

In December, the New York Post reported that Propp and his wife, Eleanor, had purchased a condo on Central Park North in Manhattan for $6.6 million, a record for a Harlem residence.

Hamptons summer rental goes for $1 million

Monday January 7, 2008 6:17 PM By Laura Mann

Beate Moore of Sotheby’s International Realty is listing a Sagaponack home for rent for Memorial Day through Labor Day 2008 for $1 million. That works out to a little over $10,000 a day for the summer season. The house is also for sale for $19.9 million.

Records show the owner of the eight-bedroom, 12,000-square-foot traditional home on Parsonage Lane is Andrew Saunders, a real estate agent for Sotheby’s in the company’s Bridgehampton office. Moore says that Saunders, a former Wall Street executive, is not representing himself in either the sale or rental of this property.

According to Moore, the home was briefly listed for sale last year for just over $20 million, and during a showing of the property, Saunders was offered $1 million to rent it out for the summer. At the time, Moore says, “The owner did not entertain the idea of a rental,” but the $1 million offer, “put the idea in his head.” Saunders, who currently lives in the home, now owns a second home in the area.

A $1 million pricetag for the season is not unheard of, but it is rare. Harald Grant of the Southampton office of Sotheby's confirmed to REAL LI this week that he had rented out a Southampton home for $1 million for the summer of 2007. Although Grant declined to give any details of the transaction, real estate sources say the property was an oceanfront mansion on Gin Lane.

A spokeswoman for the Corcoran Group says that company's highest rental for the summer of 2007 was $750,000. Of the asking price, Paul Brennan, senior vice president of Prudential Douglas Elliman says, "That's very ambitious...I have not heard of anything over a million."

While this new listing in Sagaponack does not set a record, it "might be setting a record for something that is not on the ocean," according to Janet Hummel of Town & Country Real Estate in Southold. "It’s a beautiful house," she adds.

Hummel says that the rental market for the summer season looks strong. Despite jitters about the real estate market in general, "people still want to be out in the Hamptons…we’ve had 20 rentals already in the Bridgehampton office, and three or four are pretty high end, in the $300,000 to $400,000 range."

Whoever winds up renting this home will be in good company. Rocker Billy Joel purchased two adjacent properties in Sagaponack last year. In June, Joel purchased actor Roy Scheider's home for $16.75 million for wife, Katie Lee. In November, the singer closed on the purchase of the house next door for $11.6 million.

Rent like a celebrity in Wainscott South

Monday December 31, 2007 11:31 AM By Laura Mann

Looking to party like a Hollywood celebrity next summer?

There may be no better place than Goose Creek, a 5.5 acre estate in Wainscott South that is available for rental for summer 2008 for $400,000. While that may seem a tidy sum, it’s a relative bargain compared to the $600,000 asking price for summer 2007.

The 25,000 square foot home overlooks Georgica Pond, and has a steam room, sauna, tanning bed and its own barber shop. There is even a theater that can seat more than 100 of your closest friends. Former renters have included music mogul Jay-Z and Brookville’s own Jennifer Lopez. Academy award winner Geena Davis married there in 2001 and Rosie O’Donnell hosted Madonna’s 40th birthday at the mansion.

But you may have to act fast. Listing agent Susan Breitenbach of the Corcoran Group says that the property, which is also for sale for $19.95 million, has seen some, “good interest lately. It seems that the strong Euro is quite a factor.”