THE HAMPTONS: NOW MORE THAN EVER Talking with local resident and real

THE HAMPTONS: NOW MORE THAN EVER

THE HAMPTONS have always been a safe haven, and now in a world where space and fresh air are highly valued, the area’s appeal is skyrocketing.

It’s not just a reactionary event; according to data from a Harris Poll survey, migration to suburban and rural areas will be the state of affairs for the medium term.

That’s been good news for Andrew Saunders. Saunders, the CEO of Saunders & Associates—popularly known as the most efficient brokerage in the Hamptons—has a full schedule right now. After an initial shock in March, activity has been up. “Our offices were closed for 86 days,” Saunders told Quest, “and those 86 days were some of our busiest.” He said that once people saw the dust settle, they started leaving New York City and coming to the Hamptons.

As a result, the rental market got frenetic. “There was a big imbalance in supply and demand,” said Saunders.”

From above: Megan Johnstone-Lamaze riding in The Hamptons Classic; Saunders & Associates is listing 51 Sandpiper Lane for $24.995 million; Shelter Island’s Sunset Beach. Opposite page, from above: The 1770 House in East Hampton; Andrew Saunders, CEO of Saunders & Associates.

During a phone conversation, he mentioned that would-be tenants were coming out and finding there was no rental inventory. But they wanted to be there, hoping to make a lifestyle change. “So,” Saunders explained, “they started buying homes.”

Some even bought sight-unseen, highlighting the significance of a digital presence in the real estate world. “Our narrative has been: You have to have infrastructure and the most elegant offices in the country. But that is changing. We don’t have to grow with offices, we have to grow with technology.”

Saunders, who says he has meetings on Zoom three to five times a day, is excited about the advances in technology and how it has allowed his business to thrive during a global pandemic. “There are very smart people out there who are working on new ways to interact.”

The Hamptons, which has always been a very social community, is starting to see activity come back, and people have been very smart and cautious. Spas and hair salons are open. Restaurants can operate indoors at 50 percent capacity. (The famous 1770 House, for instance, is hosting outdoor diners and offering takeout.) Shops and boutique stores are operating as

well. “It’s a much better than it was four weeks ago,” Saunders informed. “We are seeing people out, and they are observing social distancing protocols.”

Coronavirus cases in other states like California, Florida, and Texas have been spiking lately, causing even more desire to come to the Hamptons, where the population has been vigilant about wearing masks and distancing. “We’re seeing normalcy that has been constructive to the Hamptons.”

Luckily, normalcy in the Hamptons has always involved a lot of outdoor activities like biking, dining, golf, horseback riding, and going to the top-rated beaches—all of which attracts a tremendous diversity of interesting people from all walks of life.

Saunders says that families have been enjoying all these outdoor activities together, spending more quality time with one another. “Families are exercising together, playing sports together,” he observes, noting that bonding is even more important when we’re all faced with a hard situation.

Things are looking up, however. Fortunately, the coronavirus numbers are stable in the Hamptons and, Saunders adds, “It’s just a beautiful place to be.” u

Clockwise, from above: Sant Ambroeus in Southampton; outdoor dining and social distancing in Quogue—residents of the Hamptons have been extra cautious and wear masks; a map of the Hamptons by Libby Vander; the Montauk Lighthouse. Opposite page: Tate’s Bake Shop in Southampton.

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THE YOUNG & THE GUEST LIST

BY BROOKE KELLY

Jayma Cardoso stands before a cardboard audience at The Surf Lodge in Montauk during the virtual festival, The Sun Still Sets.

Clockwise from top left: Sofi

Tukker in Miami; Snoop Dogg; the Surf Lodge’s virtual festival, The

Sun Still Sets; Brendan Fallis and Hannah Bronfman; Bob Moses.

THE SURF LODGE’S VIRTUAL “THE SUN STILL SETS” FESTIVAL

EVERY YEAR, Memorial Day Weekend kicks off the Surf Lodge’s concert series in Montauk. This year, Surf Lodge founder Jayma Cardoso instead hosted a virtual festival, coined The Sun Still Sets, over the long weekend in collaboration with Governors Ball and Bumble. The livestreamed event opened with residents of Malibu and Montauk applauding essential workers, and featured acts by Snoop Dogg, Sofi Tukker, Bob Moses, and more, who all performed from their homes throughout the country. Cardoso, who tuned in from the Surf Lodge, decorated the deck with cardboard fans featuring the venue’s regulars like Christie Brinkley. The event also revealed special concert merchandise that was available for purchase, with all proceeds benefiting World Central Kitchen.

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A NIGHTLIFE FAVORITE out East, Southampton Social Club recently opened for the season with updated safety precautions in place. While the club will resume its normal operating hours for outdoor entertainment, reservations are required—whether it’s for dinner or bottle service later on. All employees will be masked, and tables properly spaced for social distancing. Dancing with table mates is welcomed for guests, but masks are required beyond your designated area. Club owner Ian Duke is also preparing the opening of a new restaurant, Union Steak and Sushi, in Southampton in early July. Like Social Club, Duke noted that the modern steakhouse will have the same “Supper Club” feel as dinner wraps up, featuring music and lounging, but will be targeted toward a slightly older, more sophisticated crowd.

Bouncers at the entrance of Southampton Social Club

Outdoor tables spaced for proper social distancing

Silverware, which is santitized for guests

LAST MONTH, the Young Patrons of Save the Children hosted a virtual COVID-19 Relief Festival to raise money for children and families affected by the pandemic. The event featured performances by John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls, Caroline Jones, David Shaw of the Revivalists, and more, and raised more than $20,000. Since its founding, the organization has been a leader in supporting the needs of children living in poverty throughout the world, with a focus on education.

John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls

Smallpools

Caroline Jones

Ryan Cabrera