Wellness has also evolved dramatically in the luxury space. Saunas, steam rooms, massage rooms and fully integrated wellness programs within the home have become high priorities. Outdoor living continues to advance as well, with buyers seeking thoughtfully designed spaces that offer multiple experiences, from fire pit gathering areas and outdoor wellness retreats to fitness zones and entertaining spaces, all connected through exceptional landscape design.
“Turnkey” continues to be one of the most sought-after qualities in a home. What does turnkey luxury mean to today’s Hamptons buyer?
Turnkey luxury should feel like a truly unique experience. It’s about thoughtful design inside and outside the home, a well-considered floor plan and meticulous attention to detail. The best turnkey homes create a sense of place that is immediately felt as you move through the property.
The ultra-luxury market has remained remarkably resilient. What continues to drive demand at the top end of the market?
It comes down to a severe shortage of high-quality inventory. Very few truly exceptional homes are being built and brought to market, particularly custom properties. Many buyers have been searching for years without finding the right opportunity.
That pent-up demand remains strong, supported by a strong stock market and the unparalleled lifestyle the Hamptons offers. For ultra-high-net-worth buyers, the Hamptons remains one of the premier destinations in the world, and that appeal continues to grow.
An aerial view of 250 Old Montauk Highway, Montauk
In an era when buyers have unprecedented access to market data, how has the role of the real estate advisor evolved?
No amount of AI or data can replace elevated service, market knowledge and an understanding of the East End’s micromarkets. A true advisor offers insight that goes far beyond publicly available information. Knowing the properties individually, understanding the nuances of each location and providing highly tailored guidance remain essential.
You represent some of the East End’s most exceptional properties. In your view, what distinguishes a truly extraordinary Hamptons home?
A truly extraordinary Hamptons home is remarkably unique— something that can genuinely be described as one of one. Those properties are incredibly difficult to find and even harder to create. Designing and building a remarkable home can take many years, so acquiring one that is already completed is exceptionally rare.
The best homes combine location, architecture, experience and individuality in a way that creates a feeling that can’t be replicated. For example, I’m currently representing a privatemarket oceanfront estate at 254 Old Montauk Highway in Montauk, offered at $60 million. The home took more than five years to design and build and brings together SAOTA architects and Rafael de Cárdenas Ltd. in what I consider a true collectible on the ocean.
My portfolio also includes other exceptional one-of-a-kind properties, including the Noa Santos-imagined home on Cooks Lane; the oceanfront estate at 15 Dune Road in Bridgehampton; and 250 Old Montauk Highway, another SAOTA-designed oceanfront masterpiece. elliman.com; @nycsilversurfer