If you always wanted to live in an artist colony but, say, lacked the credentials, this home on Artist Colony Lane may be the next best thing. The newer community of homes sited near the historic Shinnecock Summer School of Art and Art Village offers an off-the-beaten path lifestyle, while not too far from village amenities and conveniences.
“Artist Colony Lane is perfect because you have privacy and community. There are some really unique homes in this area for people who don’t want a suburban neighborhood,” said Martha Gundersen, the agent at Douglas Elliman representing the listing. “The value for buying something like this is to go outside the village [where] you get all the amenities but you pay less for the house.”
Built in 2001 with a traditional shingle exterior, this Hamptons-style “cottage” was renovated by the current owners in 2016 with contemporary updates throughout. As a second home, Gundersen said the 6,600-square-foot, six-bedroom house has been “lightly used.” It sits on just over an acre ringed by perennial plantings, such as hydrangeas and other flowering shrubs, and specimen trees. There’s also a tennis court and a heated gunite pool with an integrated spa.
“It’s unusual to have a pool and tennis court on a lot of this size; it’s like you have a mini estate,” says Gundersen.
The open atrium-style entrance foyer sets the tone for this light-filled house, thanks to oversized transoms in the windows that maximize the light throughout the three stories. The first floor features multiple open-plan spaces that contribute to the sense of airiness. At about 420 square feet, the formal great room offers ample space for entertaining, while a 225-square-foot family room adjacent to the kitchen is a more intimate and leisurely space. Warm-toned oak flooring throughout gives the house a finessed country feel and complements the other fine finishes and trim.
At the heart of the large eat-in kitchen is a custom-made island that serves as both a work space and a spot for casual dining or morning coffee—or a glass of wine from the integrated beverage fridge. Other top-brand appliances include a Wolf six-burner range, Sub-Zero refrigerator and dual Miele dishwashers. The two half baths are on the main floor, one conveniently near the mudroom.
Four of the six fireplaces are gas operated and those in the living room and master bedroom are wood burning. All six bedrooms are on the second level, four having an ensuite bathroom, and the two smaller guest rooms share a bathroom. The nearly 300-square foot master bedroom includes two walk-in closets, as well as a home office/study of about 100 square feet.
The finished basement level features a large open recreation room, media room, wine cellar, a full bath and access to the attached two-car garage.
The village of Southampton (pop. 3,109) has long been designated a summer colony, since a New York City physician first promoted the restorative benefits of the area in the 1860s to his affluent patients. Established in 1891, the Shinnecock Summer School of Art, was the first “plein-air” art school in the country. People came for the change of scenery and to paint the scenery—and the rest is history. The village is two miles away from Artist Colony Lane, and Coopers, Cryder, and Gin Beaches less than three miles.
“One thing that’s special about this area is you’re near Southampton Village but out far enough so that you’re not subject to the traffic and the noise,” Gundersen said.
The listing price is $8,495,000 and the full listing can be viewed here.
