If you wanted a condominium on the beach without the hassle of fees, board approvals and HOA rules, then this oceanside perch might be for you.
Built in 1984 as part of a three-unit condo compound, this 1,400-square-foot, three-bedroom home offers a no-frills casual getaway just steps from the beach.
“We’re not selling bells and whistles: What we’re selling is that you’re on the ocean in Montauk for under $5 million,” says Mary Lappin Marmorowski, the Douglas Elliman listing agent for 90 South Emerson Ave.
Famous for its pristine beaches and reputation as the least Hampton of the Hamptons, Montauk is also known for its fishing-village lifestyle, considered a top destination for saltwater seafarers. It was the setting for the 2004 movie, “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” and the Showtime series, “The Affair.”
And, in the real estate world, recently and famously known for being the site of a luxury mobile home selling for $3.75 million in Montauk Shores. At 800 square feet, that’s a record-breaking $5,000 per square foot.
Compared to that, this condo offers considerable bargain, Marmorowski says.
One of three shingled units on half an acre of beachfront, together they comprise a condominium, but operate independently. “It’s just like owning a home. It’s very unique—nothing like this exists anywhere,” the agent says.
The units share a pathway through the dunes to the beach, but No. 90 has the most direct access. With the ocean as a front yard, there was no plan nor room for gardens. But its small footprint on the lot allows for an outdoor shower, nearly 800 square feet—about the size of that trailer!—of decks for entertaining and four cars in the driveway.
As typical at the beach, this house is an “upside down” plan with the three bedrooms on the first floor and the upper level commanding the ocean views. Downstairs, the bedrooms share a bathroom. The largest, at 165 square feet, has a double closet and access to the outdoor shower. A second bedroom at 129 square feet is currently furnished with two sets of double-sized bunkbeds (hello, pajama party!) and offers access to a cottage-vibe sunroom, which could accommodate a day bed for a pop-up guest. The third bedroom is 106 square feet.
Upstairs the compact open plan is all about the light and the views, with cathedral ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that almost seem to let the ocean in. Hardwood oak floors are seamless throughout, complementing the overall light and airy feel to the home. The living area’s fireplace is electric.
A generously sized dining island separates the kitchen from the dining area and seats six; on the kitchen-facing side, the island contains two refrigerated drawers. The dining deck is about 280 square feet—”enough for two tables and a dinner party for 16,” says Marmorowski.
The owners kept it simple with black granite counters, stainless steel appliances, semi-custom white cabinets and over-the-sink oversized windows. The half bath on this floor is tucked alongside the kitchen, accessible from the hall.
Marmorowski says Montauk has always been on the wild side, thanks to it being surrounded by nature preserve. “It has more park land than any town, yet it’s close to everything—restaurants, the library and markets.”
Yet, she said, it remains almost like an outpost. “It’s very low key—you rarely see a pair of high heels out here.”
Located just east of Kirk Park Beach, the condo is 1.5 miles from Shadmoor State Park, 2.3 miles from both Hither Woods Preserve and Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course and 5.7 miles from the Montauk Point lighthouse museum.
90 Emerson Ave. lists for $4,999,000, and the details (and the views!) can be seen here.
