The nuts and bolts
4 bedrooms
5 bathrooms; 1 half bath
2,645 square feet (approximate)
.66 acres
House proud
Built in 1906, this home was once owned by local artist Bill Durham, who rented rooms to summer visitors and made his studio in the backyard barn. The residence known as Sunset View Lodge has been reimagined over the years, restored in 2013-2014 and has a license to operate as a small inn.
“The house had been restored but kept the old world charm,” says Kim Slater, who is representing the listing with Rick Slater at Sotheby’s International Realty, East Hampton Brokerage. Kim adds that the large cleared lot with the barn is a rare bonus in the village. “When you walk to the back yard, you feel removed from Main Street in a private, wonderful space — it’s the best of both worlds.”
It is easily converted back to use as a personal residence, she says.
What’s the plan?
The home is entered through a covered wrap-around, rocking-chair porch into a classic foyer with the original staircase and trim intact. The original pocket doors lead to the living room with a corner fireplace, and the dining room follows, leading to the kitchen in the back with an adjacent pantry, mudroom and half bath. There is an ensuite bedroom on this level. The second level features three ensuite bedrooms, one with a sitting room. Originally used as staff quarters, the finished attic offers potential for other use. The lower level has plenty of flexible space, with an 11 x 26 rec room, full bathroom, storage and laundry areas and a walk-in closet.
What’s cooking?
The kitchen is outfitted with appliances by Electrolux, Studio LG, KitchenAid, and Bluestar, installed with white cabinetry topped by a soapstone counter, offering ample storage and work space.
Amenities and more
- Outdoor shower
- Adaptable barn/studio
- Multiple seating areas in back yard
One cool thing
The barn is a rare offering in Amagansett village. As used by Durham, it includes a 15 x 15 studio space, dressing room, loft, deck and an outdoor shower. According to his 2011 obituary, the Michigan native came to Amagansett by way of New York City and was a “restaurant troubleshooter,” cook and caterer when his artwork wasn’t selling. He and wife came to Amagansett in 1966 to manage Martell’s, which, in 1976, The New York Times called “a swinging singles bar,” and bought the house on Main Street, where Durham established his studio in the backyard barn.
Agent’s callout
“A buyer will inherit all the heavy lifting that has been done,” says Rick, referring to the recent renovation, which replaced the mechanicals, windows and more. He also called out the backyard barn as a “unique and grandfathered opportunity” that offers the ability to do more with the property than with most other such properties in the village.
Location, location, location
The home is south of the highway and across from the Amagansett Golf Club. Of local interest are: East Hampton Marine Museum, Indian Wells, Atlantic Avenue and Amagansett Beaches; the Amagansett National Wildlife Refuge and Atlantic Double Dunes Preserve.
Details
The home at 434 Main St. lists for $6,500,000 and the details can be seen here.
