THE PREMIER LUXURY HOME AND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
HITHER LANE ESTATE EAST HAMPTON VILLAGE
PRESENTED BY MARTHA GUNDERSEN DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE SEE PAGE 30
Your beach house can make waves this summer.
There’s never been a better time to rent your East End home with Corcoran.
Gary R. DePersia
Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker
m 516.380.0538 | gdp@corcoran.com
Sagg Pond Oceanview Estate for Rent
Bridgehampton. Stretching across almost 250’ of Sagg Pond, this grand waterfront estate is poised on 4.5 manicured acres, a vision of refined elegance and timeless beauty. The traditional 9 bedroom, 10 bath home, custom-built and curated to perfection by stylish owners, including stimulating art and one-of-a-kind furnishings, stands as a testament to luxury as the residence unfolds over nearly 11,000 +/- SF on 3 levels of living space with breathtaking views of the pond and the endless ocean beyond. Step inside to find a soaring two-story living room, anchored by a stately fireplace, a space where sunlight dances through expansive windows. An informal living room with wood clad ceilings is encased on three sides by windows and glass doors allowing the outside in. The heart of the home, an expensive kitchen, is equipped with the finest appliances, complemented by an enormous center island, a cozy sitting area with its own fireplace, flat screen TV and a charming breakfast banquet seating 12. Formal dining accommodates both sides of the family while intimate conversations find their places in the home’s richly paneled library or sun-dappled sunroom with couches, ping pong and large screen TV, each featuring its own fireplace. Upstairs, the primary suite, a haven of serenity, with vaulted ceilings, luxurious bath, expansive dressing room, a private balcony, and an air of understated grandeur reigns over 4 guest suites plus an office. Four additional bedrooms are sprinkled about the residence with the staff quarters discreetly nestled on the first floor and finished lower level. A professionally outfitted gym, including a Smith machine, double cable machine, a full array of dumbbells, Peloton, treadmill, Elliptical and more informs your daily workouts. Outdoors, the estate is transformed into an entertainer’s paradise thanks to the brilliance of landscape architect Edmund D. Hollander. A barbecue terrace invites convivial gatherings, complete with a pizza oven, a commercial-grade grill and a fire pit. The grounds are a sanctuary of leisure and recreation with both covered and uncovered patios. A 60’ pool is complemented by a cabana with indulgent amenities including kitchen, bath, sauna, and outdoor shower. Nearby, a sunken Astro-Turf tennis court awaits spirited matches. Down by the water, a teak dock beckons, outfitted with storage racks and a shower for rinsing off after aquatic adventures. From here, windsurf, paddleboard, or row your way to the ocean beach, just a gentle journey away. This Bridgehampton waterfront is more than just a home; it is a realm of unparalleled elegance, offering every imaginable comfort. A jewel of the Hamptons, it stands as a sanctuary affording a fortunate few the opportunity to savor summer within its embrace.
MD-LD: $1.5M | July - LD: $1.25M |
Gary R. DePersia
Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker
m 516.380.0538 | gdp@corcoran.com
Along
Rent 11,000 SF+/- of Summer Opulence
Bridgehampton’s
Serene Oceanfront
Bridgehampton. An amazing oceanfront experience awaits with this magnificent ode to Hampton beachfront living available for various time frames off season and Summer 2025. The ultimate in luxury, this modern edifice offers an unparalleled experience along 125’ of pristine oceanfront within more than 11,000 SF of luxurious living space. With 10 bedrooms along with 11 full and 2 half baths, a privileged renter will be able to share their good fortune with family and favored friends who will enjoy areas flowing seamlessly among indoor and outdoor spaces. With spacious interiors under soaring 12’ ceilings, a floating cantilevered staircase and elevator service all levels as stunning panoramic ocean views are captured equally from outdoor decks and interior living spaces as the first floor includes a lounge, pool living room with TV, dining and kitchenette, large screening room, 6 en-suite guest bedrooms and laundry room. Outdoors, 3,450 sq. ft. of deck embrace a 18’ x 50’ heated Gunite pool, separate spa, outdoor living room pavilion, 350+/- sq. ft. pool house with steam shower, an outdoor grill and dining area. Upstairs the open eat in kitchen with separate butler’s prep area overseas the living room as well as the dining room, all looking seaward through a 10’ high continuous glass wall. Begin and end your days in the palatial 1,200+/- sq. ft. primary suite with dual bathrooms. Two additional en-suite bedrooms are also found on this level along with another private screening room. Outside the 1,200+/- SF outdoor terrace offers dining and gas grill as well as couches surrounding 2 fire pits. The concept of the roof deck has been redefined as 2,900+/- sq. ft. of space awaits on top with retractable pergolas, additional couches with fire pits, hot tub, outdoor bar with 2 serving stations and 10’ dining table. The lower level offers home gym, golf simulator and game room. A private path meanders to the white sandy beach. Contact us today to discuss this consummate oceanfront experience. Co-Exclusive. Any Two Weeks MD-LD: $600K WEB #539315
Fully Furnished 11,600 SF, 7 Bedroom Estate
in Bridgehampton South for Sale or Rent
Bridgehampton. Informed by an aesthetic that transcends centuries while celebrating the best of what’s new, Matthews Lane joins the growing resume of highly styled, fully furnished Hampton estates originally produced by James Michael Howard, the renowned ICAA award-winning designer, that exemplify coherency in the abstract world of architecture, interiors and the landscape that contain them. In collaboration with McAlpine-Tankersley Architecture and Landscape Details, Howard completed this 7-bedroom residence in 2017 spanning 11,600 SF on three levels of fully articulated living space. Now being made available by stylish owners on the move who have put their own stamp on the estate, the journey begins as you pass under the porte-cochere and into the reception hall. The dramatic great room, under 30 ft. beamed ceilings, incorporates multiple seating areas, dining room and gallery, all warmed by a custom fireplace that anchors the room while walls of windows allow for an abundance of natural light. The state-of-theart, eat-in kitchen, with 10-seat breakfast area, is warmed by its own fireplace. Additional common spaces include the media room and an intimate living room. The 1st floor primary wing with sitting area, fireplace and luxurious bath is joined upstairs by 4 guest suites including a secondary primary suite with roof terrace. The bedrooms are purposely positioned so that none have common walls. An elevator connects all floors to the lower level with two more-bedroom suites, a tiered state-of-the-art theater with plush 16-person seating, powder room, gym and large recreation room with fireplace and custom billiards table. Antiqued, hand-hewn oak flooring, geo-thermal heating, Control 4 technology, Lutron lighting and a full audio/visual package enhance the property’s list of amenities. The lush, manicured grounds behind stone walls, including specimen trees, espalier apples and verdant lawn, are enhanced by the 18’ X 60’ heated pool and spa serviced by a covered cabana area that incorporates the pool house with full bath and dressing room, outdoor fireplace and built-in kitchen which connects over broad stone patios to the two-car garage. Being made available turnkey to the extreme, Matthews Lane lies midway between village and ocean beaches off Bridgehampton’s iconic Ocean Road and close to everything that makes the Hamptons a world-class resort. Call for your personal tour today. Co-Exclusive. $18.95M | July - Labor Day: $775K | July: $350K | August - Labor Day: $450K WEB #916025
Gary R. DePersia
Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker
m 516.380.0538 | gdp@corcoran.com
Mecox Bayfront 6 Bedroom Rental with Dock, Sunsets & Private Ocean Access
Bridgehampton Summers will take on a new meaning if you are quick enough to rent this 6 bedroom, 7 bath bayfront beach house poised between Mecox Bay and the undulating waves of the Atlantic Ocean on Bridgehampton’s iconic Dune Road. Blazing sunsets, a waterside heated pool and a private dock underscore this quintessential summer retreat that offers panoramic water views as soon as you enter the double height great room with fireplace and multiple seating areas. Flanking this dramatic space is a media room / den with fireplace and a totally renovated kitchen with a contiguous water view dining area. A guest suite, staff bedroom, office and powder room complete the first floor. Upstairs the master suite with renovated spa-like bath, fireplace and wrap around decks is joined by 3 additional guest suites that enjoy a bar, sitting area and ocean view balcony. Outside both covered and uncovered decking provides areas for lounging and al fresco dining while just below a new bluestone patio frames the heated pool. A private path finds a dock that could host water toys for any number of aquatic activities. The deeded access directly across the street ends at the soft, white sands of the Atlantic Ocean for swimming, beach walking or evening beach fires. Additional amenities include generator, 2 car garage, finished lower level with bath and a gated entry. Get set for the best summer ever when you rent this fantastic bayfront option. Exclusive. Memorial Day - Labor Day: $495K | July - Labor Day: 450K | August - Labor Day: $250K WEB# 509142
21’ X 18’ dining room with fireplace is serviced by a nearby glass-walled wine room. The expansive kitchen with adjacent breakfast room includes custom wood and stainless steel cabinets, a large island and professional appliances. Nearby, an 18’ X 22’ informal living/media room has coffered ceiling and a 90” flat screen TV. A first-floor Jr primary suite including fireplace and the large sitting room is joined by two elegant guest suites. Upstairs, a groin-vaulted vestibule opens to the primary wing offering large sleeping chamber with paneled walls and fireplace, a separate sitting room boasting lacquered walls and a bar area. Notable his and her dressing and bathing areas find mutuality in a common showering room. The primary suite and three additional guest suites have access to an expansive balcony overlooking the bay. A bunkroom with bath and a two bedroom staff wing has just been completed. A short staircase leads to a roof terrace with heroic views all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. A covered, 77’ veranda looks out to the glistening 18’ X 60’ mirror pool with spa serviced by a cabana with outdoor fireplace and professionally landscaped grounds by Edmund D Hollander including orchards, meadows and estate plantings. Other amenities include elevator, gym, Control 4 technology with Lutron lighting and a sound system providing for music both inside and outside the house. An enchanting and substantial piece of real estate now available for year-round, Memorial Day - Labor Day, monthly or other custom time frames during Summer 2025. Exclusive. Year Round $1.25M | Memorial Day - Labor Day: $950K | July: $400K | July - Labor Day: $850K | August - Labor Day: $500K WEB# 566839
The Cover Presented by Martha Gundersen of Douglas Elliman Real Estate.
Publisher’s Note
Designer Showcase Paris By The Sea — A designer decorates a Hamptons beach cottage with a dash of French razzle-dazzle.
Stylish Storage — It’s a perfect time to get organized and banish clutter.
The Mood Of Mocha Mousse — Savor the feeling of warmth and calm.
East End Collected 8 —A panorama of talent at the Southampton Art Center.
The Dominican Republic — Eden Roc Cap Cana brings people together.
New Construction on Ganet Creek North Haven Point
Just completed, an exciting new luxury residence by BJC Custom Homes. Secluded on 2-acres in North Haven Point on the banks of serene Ganet Creek. Truly among nature and just minutes to Sag Harbor Village. Enjoy all the area has to offer: private beach, 3 pristine championship tennis courts and basketball. Designed and crafted to perfection by master builder Matt Pantofel. 9,692 SF of luxury living on 3-levels with high-end finish, linear lighting, custom cabinetry and a keen attention to detail throughout. 8 bedrooms, 10 full bath, and 3 half baths. The sleek, open floorplan boasts a sun-filled reception that seamlessly flows through the gallery into the living space. Great room with showcase wet bar and White Oak linear gas fireplace. Sophisticated custom eat-in chef’s kitchen, walk-in prep-pantry and pass-through Butler’s leads to the formal dining room with expansive custom wine closet. The second level features an open upstairs ‘living room’ with gas fireplace and recessed linear lighting. A grand 3,200 SF lower level offers a home cinema, large recreation and media space with fireplace and wet bar. Large gym with wellness center featuring steam and sauna. A powder room and 2 additional en suite guest rooms complete this level. Outback a resort-style oversized heated Gunite pool and spa, open pool cabana with wet bar and fireplace, built-in BBQ, outdoor shower and full pool-cabana bath | $11,995,000 | Web# 887384
Jac k Curto Development
Building superbly detailed luxury homes & estates in the Hamptons.
Coming this Summer to Fordune in Southampton
LUXURY DELIVERED
PRESIDENT & CEO
Jim Miller
PUBLISHER
Claudette Greenstein
DESIGN
Fontsy Design, Inc.
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Frances Daniels
DESIGN & HOME EDITOR
Kelli Delaney Kot
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Heather Buchanan | Alexandra Croft
Karen Dash | Mila Everhart
Alessandra Jenkins | Isabella Jenkins
Kelsey Ogletree | Alice Phillips
Hannah Selinger | Heather Senison
Skye Sherman | Beverly Stephen
Nina Thomson | Dawn Watson
Jaxon Wilde | Mariette Williams
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Nick Glimenakis | Kristin L. Gray
Eric Striffler | Richard Taverna
SOCIAL MEDIA
East End Social
FINANCE
Ellen Miller
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Claudette Greenstein
M3 Media Group
cgreenstein@m3-mediagroup.com
631.353.3350
Westhampton Beach | Completed 2024 | 90’ on the ocean | Magnificent craftsmanship | 4,000SF | Great Room | 4 BR | 3.5 BA | Pool | Decks & Lawn | Minutes to Main Street | $9,250,000 | Web# 913206
LORI FRANCESCANI : 516.578.0751
lands and room for either a pool or addition | 2-car garage | $2,750,000 | Web# 916174
JOAN E. HEGNER : 631.697.5730
40x100 vacant parcel a stone’s throw from ocean, and all that downtown offers | Owner is engaging permits, however, not subject to in the sale | Short term owner finance of consideration | $1,500,000 | Web# 915470
JOAN E. HEGNER : 631.697.5730
A blend of modern elegance and serene coastal living | 2 BR 2 BA | 872 SF | Well-appointed kitchen | Bluestone terrace conveniently located near Peconic Bay and Conscience Point Marina | $1,195,000 | Web# 915496 F. PATRICIA GARRITY : 631.903.5900
Discover your Southampton Village sanctuary at 30 Wall Street. Just a very short distance from Main Street, this exquisite penthouse co-op offers the ultimate in Hamptons luxury and unparalleled convenience. Imagine waking up to the serene morning light, enjoying your coffee on your private rooftop terrace, overlooking the charming village. Inside, you will find a meticulously designed interior blending classic elegance with modern comforts. The spacious primary bedroom, bathed in soft morning light, leads to a luxurious en-suite bathroom. The second bedroom, versatile and bright, is perfect for guests or a home office. The heart of the home, a custom-made Ornare kitchen, is a chef’s dream, equipped with top-of-the-line appliances. The adjacent living area, warmed by a cozy fireplace, invites relaxation and entertainment. With its prime location, you’re just moments away from world-class shopping, dining, and pristine beaches. Embrace the Hamptons lifestyle at its finest. $1,450,000 | Web# 917962
Mary K. Slattery
Be where you want to be.
Consult with a seasoned, community oriented broker who knows the East End.
Mary Slattery
For over two decades, I have been fortunate to call the Hamptons my home. With a genuine passion for helping others, my greatest reward comes from knowing that hard work can positively impact someone’s life, whether listing or selling a home. Working in real estate has allowed me to share this vibrant, year-round East End community with each of my clients. I believe that success is rooted in relationships and community involvement which has introduced me to meaningful local organizations that I am proud to support.
Successful, because I know the Hamptons. Let me guide you on your next real estate investment.
Welcome to our Presidents’ Day issue! Some recent good news from industry expert Jonathan Miller, of Miller Samuel. His recently published Q4 2024 report shows that sales in the Hamptons surged over 76% year over year. With Wall Street bonuses up significantly over prior years, he anticipates a strong year ahead for the Hamptons market.
ON THE COVER
In celebration of our annual “Color Issue”, we’re excited to unveil Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2025: Mocha Mousse. Could this rich, earthy hue be the new black? Beverly Stephen explores this intriguing question in her thought-provoking piece, “The Color of Comfort.” Kelli Delaney Kot captures the essence of Mocha Mousse in this month’s At Home, while Annie Sisk offers a roomby-room guide to incorporating this versatile shade into your own interiors.
This issue also shines a spotlight on the brilliant interior designer Emma Beryl Kemper in our Designer Showcase. Kemper’s transformation of a Hamptons beach cottage into a vibrant, whimsical retreat for a young family is nothing short of extraordinary. With bold colors, playful furnishings, and natural textures, she seamlessly combines Parisian elegance with laidback coastal vibes. Dive into her creative process and discover the inspiration behind this captivating design.
For those dreaming of a winter escape, Palm Beach remains a perennial favorite. Mila Everhart’s “Palm Beach is a Winter
Wonderland” highlights some of the area’s most exquisite new and rejuvenated hotels, offering unparalleled luxury and comfort. And don’t miss Karen Dash’s much-loved column, Realty Check, for the latest updates on Hamptons real estate.
Here’s to another fabulous year of celebrating the best of Hamptons living. Thank you for joining us, and we hope you enjoy this issue!
Claudette Greenstein, Publisher @hamptonsrealestateshowcase
Gracing this month’s cover is a world-class estate, exclusively represented by Martha Gundersen of Douglas Elliman Real Estate. Situated on East Hampton’s prestigious Hither Lane, this extraordinary property epitomizes luxury living. Spanning 8,000 square feet, the home features six opulent bedroom suites, bespoke interiors, and state-of-the-art smart home technology. A striking heated glass-roof atrium serves as an expansive outdoor living pavilion, complete with a fireplace and kitchen. The estate is further enhanced by a 25-foot-wide gunite pool, a fully equipped gym, a wine room, and a sauna, making this an unparalleled offering.
REALTY CHECK
Hot sales and listings...along with the latest real estate news in the Hamptons.
BY KAREN DASH
Welcome to 2025 in the sometimescrazy world of Hamptons real estate! As many know, the new year usually starts with a screech of brakes in January. Then, at Presidents Day, someone somewhere blows a whistle and the rush is on!
Many people felt that business was slowing down in the autumn, not just in the real estate sphere but everywhere. People were waiting for the election and then would make decisions based on that, to an extent unprecedented in our experience.
Many agents felt the same. Greg Schmidt , a Corcoran agent, told us that he is very optimistic about the 2025 Hamptons market. He agrees that the market slowed down because of the election, and says, “Many people postponed making decisions about buying or selling because they felt they needed to know the outcome.”
The initial numbers are bearing out his opinion. In the first week of January, 21 listings went into
contract from Westhampton to Montauk. The same week in 2024, 9 listings went into contract. 2023, same week, saw 16 listings go into contract. It’s a great time to buy or sell. Here’s to a bright 2025, everyone!
THE NOTORIOUS BIG
Given the fairly dismal total price of the top 10 sold listings in 2024, it won’t be hard for 2025 to improve on it. The top 10 adds up to just $281 million; about half of 2023’s $499 million and way down from $635 million in 2021. The cheaper half of the 2024 top 10 list wouldn’t even have made the list in 2023.
Of course, it all depends how you figure top 10. Via parcel? What about if multiple parcels are sold together? In our experience, the fairest, most easy way to figure it is by parcel, which means that 376 Gin Lane, Southampton, half of the La Dune estate, which traded for $45.6 million, comes out on top. If you add the other part of La Dune in, 366 Gin Lane, which sold for $43.3 million, the result is a respectable $88.9 million, but still a far cry from the old asking price of $150
million. Times are rough!
The rest of the list is as follows:
3. $29.6 million, 21 Spaeth Lane, East Hampton
4. $27 million, 484 First Neck Lane, Southampton
5. $24.95 million, 9 Hither Lane, East Hampton
6. $24.9 million, 155 Seascape Lane, Sagaponack
7. $22.7 million, 22 Channel Pond Court, Southampton
8. $21 million, 43 Lee Avenue, East Hampton
9. $20.7 million, 383 First Neck Lane, Southampton
Tie for 10!
$20.5 million, 1953 Scuttle Hole Road, Bridgehampton
$20.5 million, 342 Town Line Road, Sagaponack
ON THE BREAK
One of the former oceanfront parcels of land in Ditch Plains, Montauk, that used to comprise the East Deck motel, has sold. $9 million was the price, which is the highest-priced one-acre oceanfront lot ever sold in Montauk. Erica Grossman at Douglas Elliman and Hedgerow Exclusive Properties had the listing; Hedgerow brought the buyer.
The seller was investor Heath Freeman, who also owns the plots just west of the recent sale. Two houses have been built on that land, at 40 and 42 Deforest Road, but neither have sold. Freeman, a hedge funder, also controls EHP Hospitality, which owns EHP Resort and Marina in East Hampton, among other entities. The easternmost lot from the former East Deck sold for $8.1 million in 2021 and remains empty.
40 and 42 Deforest, by the way, are available for a head-scratching $1.5 million Memorial DayLabor Day rental. You and your surf buds will have plenty of room to stretch out, with a total of just over two acres, 14 bedrooms and 12 plus bathrooms. There is just under 10,000 square feet of living space, two pools, and two spas. You can also tell the hoi polloi to get lost from your private beach. Cowabunga!
BARGAIN ON BILLIONAIRE’S LANE?
The very odd property situated at 1320 Meadow Lane in Southampton has recently gone into contract. Last ask for the place was $49 million; the property was repped by Bespoke and Tim Davis at Corcoran.
What’s so odd about the property? There is a
looking mansion on the property. The house has an odd Moroccan feel, with many arches and strange pyramidal rooflines. Work stopped on the property in mid-2018 and it’s been untouched ever since.
Of course, demolishing a structure that large is extremely expensive, but based on the final price, this unknown buyer might have picked up quite a deal. The oceanfront property is a nearly 10 acres, with 550 feet of frontage. With 2-acre zoning in the area, a nice compound could be built for a patient new owner. Of course, getting all the necessary permits is never quick and easy. It will be very interesting to see what happens.
MACKLOWE CHOPS THE PRICE
Speaking of necessary permits, not to mention billionaires, real estate tycoon Harry Macklowe has cut the asking price of his Georgica Pondadjacent property on West End Road in East Hampton. There’s just one problem: Macklowe didn’t get permits for many of the extensions and changes he made over the years so there is no Certificate of Occupancy. Illegal clearance of land has racked up unpaid fines from the village.
Well, actually, there are two problems: the ask is still too high. Macklowe originally put the
366 & 376 GIN LANE SOUTHAMPTON
$88,900,000
21 SPAETH LANE EAST HAMPTON
$29,600,000
484 FIRST NECK LANE SOUTHAMPTON
$27,000,000
9 HITHER LANE EAST HAMPTON
$24,950,000
$24,900,000
22 CHANNEL POND COURT SOUTHAMPTON
$22,700,000
43 LEE AVENUE EAST HAMPTON
$21,000,000
383 FIRST NECK LANE SOUTHAMPTON
$20,700,000
1953 SCUTTLE HOLE ROAD BRIDGEHAMPTON
$20,500,000
342 TOWN LINE ROAD SAGAPONACK
$20,500,000
property up for sale about a year ago, asking $38 million. He has just now cut the price to $32.5 million; the current listing agent is Bespoke Real Estate. Most insiders price the property about $15 million. Macklowe paid $10.35 million for the home in 2017.
There are 2.7 acres of land, nicely surrounded by preserve, on which site the 5,500 square-feet house and a pool. The residence is pretty small for the East Hampton estate area with just four bedrooms and four-and-a-half full bathrooms.
CH-CH-CHANGES
With over seven years of experience in the Hamptons’ luxury residential market Chris Furchert of Compass is known as a trusted professional. Starting his career with a topperforming team at a leading brokerage, he facilitated over $100 million in annual transactions. His expertise spans waterfront estates and inland homes, making him a versatile asset for buyers and sellers. As a Long Island native, Chris offers invaluable market insights and tailored guidance, whether clients seek a primary home, vacation property, or investment. A Baruch College
business administration graduate, he combines strategic thinking with local expertise to deliver exceptional service. Chris’s client-first approach emphasizes long-term relationships, seamless transactions, and informed decision-making. His dedication and negotiation skills have earned him the trust of clients navigating significant investments. Whether acquiring a primary home or a second residence, Chris ensures a smooth, rewarding real estate experience tailored to each client’s unique needs.
Make Your Next Move
$8,895,000
$2,299,000
$1,980,000
104 Narod Blvd, Water Mill
5 Beds • 5 Baths • 1 Half-Bath • Approx. 0.35-Acres
Asking $6,850,000 • WEB# H385934
16 Wills Point Rd,
5 Beds • 8 Baths • 1 Half-Bath Approx. 1.38-Acres
Asking $7,495,000 • WEB# H376895
BY BEVERLY STEPHEN
Could brown be the new black? If Pantone, the global color authority, has its way, we may be embracing a chocolaty hue in everything from upholstery to clothing. Mocha Mousse Pantone 17-1230 has been declared Color of the Year for 2025. The company describes it as “a warming, brown hue imbued with richness. It nurtures us with its suggestion of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, answering our desire for comfort.”
Pantone provides a universal language of color relied on by more than 10 million designers around the world, according to the company. This is the 26th year Pantone has sought to capture the “global Zeitgeist” by selecting a color of the year.
Mocha Mousse replaces last year’s bright and airy Peach Fuzz and the audacious Viva Magenta of 2023. Pantone partners who will feature the new color in their products include Motorola, Joybirds furniture and fabrics, Spoonflower wallpaper, IPSY makeup, JANAVI cashmere, and Post-it notes among others.
“For Pantone Color of the Year 2025, we look to a mellow brown hue whose inherent richness and sensorial and comforting warmth extends further into our desire for comfort and the indulgence of simple pleasures that we can gift and share with others,” says Laura Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute.
Back in the day when Julia Child had everybody learning to cook French things, chocolate mousse was a dessert darling. In recent years, it had pretty much been exiled to culinary Siberia. But now, just add a little coffee or even coffee liqueur and you have a whole new thing — Mocha Mousse. You may be surprised how many times you’ll be eating this as the year goes on.
When you envision the palette extending out to a very pale cannoli cream or a deep chocolate Martini, it’s easy to see how shades of Mocha Mousse are likely to be even more ubiquitous in design for the home.
“An evocative rich brown infused with sensorial warmth PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse blends our desire for comfort and opulence to present a tasteful touch of glamour. An earthy yet refined brown PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse nourishes our senses. Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse evokes a feeling of the comfort of
home whether appearing on flooring or a painted wall, within home décor or in more natural materials including wood and stone, rattan and wicker, leather and linen,” according to the company.
We checked in with some designers to ask how Mocha Mousse might be used in Hamptons homes.
Bob Bakes, Co-Founder and Head of Design at Bakes & Kropp shared his thoughts of how the color can be used in kitchen design. “Mocha Mousse has a polished yet earthy energy that would pair nicely with natural materials like wood or stone. It can create a cozy, inviting atmosphere and feels versatile enough for cabinetry, backsplashes, or color drenching, providing a grounded backdrop that lets other colors pop. It would also work well in our signature Soft Modern style, which balances modern-leaning aesthetics with more classic elements,” says Bakes who’s responsible for numerous high-end Hamptons kitchens.
“As a warm brown that feels close to nature, I find that this hue captures our desire for connection and comfort,” Bakes continues. “It combines sensorial opulence with understated refinement, offering designers a fresh, unified palette that complements both bold and subtle palettes.
“Mocha Mousse evokes comfort and sophistication. As a warm, rich neutral, it has a timeless quality that works beautifully in both contemporary and classic spaces.”
Beyond the kitchen, Mocha Mousse is likely to be prominent in other living areas as well according to home furnishings expert Kathy Kuo, founder and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home. “There has really been a strong movement towards warm neutrals over the
past couple years, so it’s no surprise that a subtle, yet luxurious, color like Mocha Mousse is the new Color of the Year!” says Kuo. “The best thing about this color is its versatility; it’s a warm and light brown that feels very nuanced, so you could easily use it front and center — in the upholstery for your sofa, for example — or as an accent hue — in decorative pillows or in a throw rug perhaps. I also love the fact that you can take this color to a very upscale place with a French country or mid-century modern aesthetic, or style it in a more laid-back way in a coastal beach or modern farmhouse-style home.”
For Hamptons homes, where a beachy vibe is desired, Aino Heinäsuo, Head of Design at Redecor, suggests “pairing it with lighter shades like beige and white. Use it as an accent in smaller elements, such as pillows or decor pieces, to create a fresh and breezy look. Using this color too heavily in larger areas could make the space feel dim and dark, which is the opposite of the bright and airy aesthetic typically associated with a beachy vibe. Keeping it as an accent ensures it adds depth without overpowering the lightness of the overall design.
“This color perfectly embodies the shift toward warm, neutral, earthy tones,” Heinäsuo continues. “We’re increasingly seeing palettes that stay within the same color family, not just in interiors but also in fashion. Personally, I view this color as a fantastic accent — elegant and eye-catching without being overpowering. Its depth makes it ideal for creating contrast, especially when paired with lighter shades that allow it to truly stand out. It exudes warmth and comfort while maintaining a sense of sophistication.
However, using it in larger areas requires a bit of boldness, as its richness can make a strong statement.”
“I would treat Mocha Mousse as a neutral in design, a visually uplifting touchpoint to accent crisp white interiors and hint to the natural beauty of the outdoors,” Berger says. “A side chair upholstered in Mocha Mousse, perhaps with a stamped vinyl animal print fabric, would make a simple silhouette all the more stunning.
“An infusion of the color in the pattern of an accent pillow on a sofa or the perfectly sized kidney pillow on a chair in an entry way feels thoughtful and welcoming.”
“I think this color works beautifully as a wall color or as an accent for an upholstered piece,” Heinäsuo of those exceptionally versatile and sophisticated colors that lends a feel-good simplicity to a space with its beautifully soft, warm, and rich medium brown tone that can easily meld with a multitude of colors.
Berger also finds it delicious both on the tabletop and in desserts. “For entertaining, Mocha Mousse is a striking choice for side and salad plates, the perfect earthen canvas for serving bold, colorful vegetables like haricots vert, beets, and asparagus or bright green salads. It’s also an artful dessert base for a fine crystal coupe filled with berries and whipped cream or a singular serving of a chocolate bomb in a delightful monochromatic expression. And wouldn’t it be fabulous to have a set of espresso cups and saucers in
Beverly Stephen writes about design, food, travel, and lifestyle.
A designer decorates a Hamptons beach cottage with a dash of French razzle-dazzle.
BY NINA THOMPSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK GLIMENAKIS
How do you decorate a beach house in East Hampton without making it look like a typical beach house? That was the challenge the interior designer Emma Beryl Kemper set herself when a young couple with a child engaged her to design the interiors of their three bedroom one-story cottage in the hamlet of Springs.
Their primary residence was in Brooklyn, in a space that skewed industrial. For their second home, an unpretentious structure with a front porch and a gravel driveway, built in 2017, they yearned for rooms that were “brighter and more colorful than those in their Brooklyn home,” and also “funky, artsy, creative, and inspiring,” Kemper says. They wanted, they told her, ‘Parisian beach chic.’ A good designer must also be a skilled interpreter of desires and Kemper took that confounding phrase – Parisian beach chic? – as metaphor.
“They gave me a bunch of French images and we pulled up our own and we started to define that phrase for ourselves,” says Kemper, whose first book, ‘House Rules: 100 Ways to Feel at Home’ (Union Square & Co.) came out in January. “We decided to add furniture that was architectural in form but nothing super-serious or matchy-matchy.”
It was fortunate that no structural work needed to be done and that the homeowners don’t much care about formal interiors. They like the semi open-plan layout and that the front door opens into the living and dining areas. A formal entrance hall would have seemed out of keeping with the casual nature of the cottage anyway. “It’s meant to be a beach shack,” agrees Kemper, who observes that it’s the kind of house in which a surfboard or a wetsuit just beyond the threshold, propped next to the front door, “adds to the fun.”
Still, a vibrant beach shack it was not – or at least it wasn’t until Kemper took on the project. “My job was to bring warmth and character to a space that was extremely plain,” she recalls. “And to add a bit of razzle-dazzle.”
This she achieved and then some through the strategic use of pattern, color, and form. She furnished the house with pieces that bring a sense of lightness and whimsy to the interiors, with funky rattan chairs from the Citizenry, a pair of Jacques DeNeef slouchy iconic N701 sofas, cylindrical
velvet ottomans, and a travertine-topped coffee table. “We were really trying to convey this idea of beachiness without being too literal,” says Kemper. “We chose pieces and finishes that were relaxed and a bit playful.”
She also maximized the 1,700-square-foot cottage’s inherent attributes such as its high ceilings and capacious rooms. Consider, for example, the fireplace wall in the main sitting area, which she covered in a clotted cream-yellow limewash. “It’s the focal point of the space,” she explains, “and the color added a ton of ambiance. When it was white it was just a giant white wall among other giant white walls. I’m not a big accent-wall person but having one in this room made a lot of sense.”
If the project has one central unifying element, it is color – from the pale pink, lavender, and russet Berber rug that anchors the living area to the floral cushions on the banana-fiber dining chairs. Kemper says she isn’t wild about neutrals but she doesn’t go in for what she calls “super-saturated, superbright” shades either. Instead, she prefers warm hues which she employs in a lovely, painterly way. “I think color can act as a neutral if you scatter it throughout a space so that it blends into the overall scheme of a room. I’m not suggesting using ‘pops of color’ – I hate that phrase – or any explosion of bold color, for that matter, which can feel unsettling, like a visual ‘boom’.”
Thus, in the kitchen, just off the dining area, she painted the island a pale
yellow “so as not to compete with the fireplace wall,” she says, “but to tie everything together.” She also replaced a builder-grade kitchen backsplash with one of iridescent tile that evokes the pearly interior of a seashell.
But that hint of marine life is subtle, so subtle in fact that it would look right at home in a Parisian apartment. By the beach, naturally.
sophisticated, and surprisingly flexible. It’s downto-earth and timeless while simultaneously elegant and on trend.
Don’t believe it? Let us prove it to you — room by room!
FOYER
AND ENTRYWAY: A WELCOMING NEUTRAL
It’s the first part of your home’s interior that guests see when they come to visit, and the last part you’ll see before you leave to start your day or enjoy an evening out. Make sure that it sets the tone for the rest of your home!
Your home’s entryway is the perfect place to begin to build on the sense of harmony and comfort
delicious indulgence of Mocha Mousse.
As rendered by Pantone, this shade is so much more than a boring neutral. It’s aspirational and luxurious, while retaining some of the homespun comfort traditionally associated with earth tones. This makes Mocha Mousse an inspired choice for living rooms and dens.
You can adopt this sweet, luxe color in a scope that suits your tolerance for decor change. Paint the walls, paint the trim, select a few accent touches, or some combination of these approaches – whatever feels right for you and your home. Consider a monochromatic makeover and paint all four walls as well as the ceiling with Mocha Mousse, paired
a bit for 2025, and there are several ways to do so.
Pair Mocha Mousse walls with exquisite linens in the creamiest shades you can find. Use metallic frames for art, centerpiece candleholders, dinnerware, flatware and more to bring out the shimmer in Mocha Mousse’s undertones. Keep the overall decor streamlined by focusing on one single, eye-catching design element, such as a breathtaking chandelier, exquisite furniture in clean lines and deeply rich tones, or a stunning framed work of art or mirror.
KITCHEN:
A RECIPE FOR COZY VIBES
One of the best ways to bring Mocha Mousse into your kitchen is to make over your cabinetry. Mocha Mousse is a perfect shade and more than capable of
carrying such an important piece of your kitchen’s decor and function.
Alternatively, look for open shelving solutions, then use the color either all over or for more visual interest, on the back facing, together with lighter shades for the framework and siding.
If these projects are a little more than you’re willing to undertake, aim for smaller infusions of Mocha Mousse through appliances, seating, utensils, and containers. It pairs beautifully with common kitchen materials such as stainless steel and natural stone.
BATHROOM: AN EARTHY SPA EXPERIENCE
Given their relatively smaller size, bathrooms are great candidates for a decor refresh with the color of the year. Mocha Mousse will look great on the walls, of course, but you can also extend your palette with mochainfused tiling or mocha-hued bath towels and rugs.
Work off the Mocha Mousse to incorporate a touch of glamour and sophistication. For example, install metallic bronze bathroom accessories and fixtures for a perfect complement to the soft warmth of the paint color. Consider swapping out a traditional sink with a stone or bronze bowl sink. Or go in the opposite direction and create a more rustic, farmhouse vibe with reclaimed wood framing, solid antiques repurposed as vanities, and amber-hued lighting fixtures.
BEDROOM: A DREAMY ESCAPE
Soothing neutrals are made for bedroom retreats. Use Mocha Mousse on bedroom walls and ceilings, or as trim for darker earth tones.
Keep your floors warm and welcoming with polished tones of maple, walnut, or even silvered gray, and top off with lush, thick rugs of paler tones – think cream or vanilla.
You can also use the hues of Mocha Mousse paired with complementary or contrasting colors – metallic bronze, deep espresso, saffron – to dress your bed itself in high style. Forget monochromatic matching sets here. Make a little magic by mixing textures and tones like a layered trifle. It’s also a great place to add pops of colors with high contrast to the mocha tones for a little frisson of excitement.
Remember that no change is permanent! You can always adjust shades until you’re satisfied with the finished result. With a delectable color like Mocha Mousse, great taste is a given.
TIPS FOR INCORPORATING A NEW COLOR INTO YOUR HOME:
To make the most of Mocha Mousse (or any other color) and incorporate that new shade into your home, keep the following tips in mind:
1. IF YOU’RE REDECORATING A ROOM TO INCLUDE NEW COLORS, KEEP THE 60/30/10 RULE IN MIND: One proven approach is to carve up your room into three “parts”: 60% of the room should reflect your dominant color, 30% your secondary color, and 10% your accent color. Mocha Mousse could theoretically serve any of those three roles, so choose your desired vibe and look carefully before deciding how it’s going to work in your room.
3. DON’T FORGET FABRICS: You can incorporate this lovely shade in a number of ways, including with upholstery, window treatments, and other fabrics.
4. CREATE A MORE UNIFIED FLOW: From room to room, your house should evoke a sense of flow in both function and form. You can use colors such as Mocha Mousse to build that flow by simply echoing it from one room to the next. For example, it might be your wall color in the living room, echoed in table linens in your adjacent dining room, and carried further as the trim color in your bedroom.
5. CONSIDER HIGHER CONTRAST SHADES TO ADD DRAMA: You’re not married to a family of neutrals with a shade like Mocha Mousse. Instead, look for a contrasting color that’s even more intense to set it off. Think of hues such as a deep, icy blue; a juicy shade of raspberry; a saturated shade of saffron.
2. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR COLOR INTENSITY: The specific hue you choose has several properties, including value. A color’s value is basically how light or heavy it is. What’s more, it’s easy to make a misstep. For example, you can choose lighter values for two of the three shades in your color scheme and a heavy one for accents, and in some cases that’ll work beautifully. However, in others, it might look muddy or jarring. Look for ways to incorporate Mocha Mousse into a room without having to alter the intensity of other colors.
BY ISABELLA JENKINS
Have you heard of hygge? This Danish concept, which epitomizes contentment and coziness, has garnered international attention in recent years. Named to Oxford Dictionaries’ “word of the year” list several years ago, hygge (pronounced “hue-guh”) has inspired countless books, recipes, candles, and even T-shirts, all offering insights into why Danes are considered some of the world’s happiest people.
But Denmark wasn’t always this serene haven of happiness. A century ago, the nation was a prominent empire, and its people were as dissatisfied as anyone else. As Denmark’s influence declined, its citizens turned inward, focusing on the comforts of home and personal well-being. In doing so, they developed hygge, a lifestyle centered on the art of embracing life’s simple pleasures. While there’s no direct English translation, hygge is often described as “coziness”—though it goes far deeper than that.
At its heart, hygge is about creating a sense of warmth, safety, and well-being, particularly at home. It’s found in the quiet joy of a candlelit bath, the comfort of gathering with friends, or the satisfaction of a well-prepared meal. It’s about celebrating small, everyday moments with intention. One might think of it as a kind of Danish Zen, a mindfulness practice rooted in the tangible comforts of daily life.
Visual representations of hygge often feature cozy scenes: a smoldering fire, a curled-up cat, plush slippers, a pile of books by the bed, or a steaming mug of cocoa. The emphasis on shelter and comfort is unmistakable, and the addition of chocolate to the equation is certainly hard to resist. As explained in The Book of Hygge: The Danish Art of Contentment, Comfort, and Connection, hygge is both a feeling and an action: “To hygge is to invite
intimacy and connection.” The term functions as a noun, verb, and adjective, reflecting its versatility and centrality in Danish culture.
Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard aptly captured hygge’s essence when he observed, “Most men pursue pleasure with such breathless haste that they hurry past it.” Indeed, hygge encourages slowing down to savor life rather than rushing through it.
One of the most hygge activities is the preparation and sharing of food. In How to Hygge: The Nordic Secrets to a Happy Life, the author provides a guide to creating hygge in the kitchen, offering tips like mastering recipes for simple staples such as eggs or baking a fresh loaf of bread. The book also features indulgent treats like triple cherry gløgg — a spiced mulled wine infused with cardamom and star anise, embodying what the author calls “healthy hedonism.”
While hygge often focuses on the sanctuary of home, it extends to the outdoors as well. Nordic winters may be long and frigid, but the Danes embrace nature year-round. Whether it’s picking wildflowers, foraging for berries, or enjoying a leisurely bike ride, connecting with the natural world is deeply hygge. These outdoor pursuits aren’t about speed or intensity; a hygge bike ride involves a slow, scenic route on a classic bicycle with a woven basket. Appreciating the beauty of
nature — be it through a gentle hike or a quiet paddleboarding session — is integral to the philosophy.
Even mundane tasks can embody hygge when approached with the right mindset. Sweeping the porch or making the bed becomes a ritual, a moment to honor life’s rhythms rather than a chore to begrudge. This intentional embrace of the ordinary transforms the mundane into something meaningful.
In many ways, the rise of hygge aligns with a broader cultural yearning for simplicity and authenticity. As noted in a New Yorker article, hygge is about “artisanal this and homemade that, fetishizing what’s rustic as authentic, what’s simple as sophisticated.” Urban sophisticates have long sought to emulate this aesthetic, gravitating toward handcrafted goods and natural elements in their homes.
Ultimately, hygge transcends trends. It is a timeless philosophy that teaches us to prioritize connection, savor the present, and find joy in life’s smallest details. Whether through the warmth of a candlelit room, the comfort of a soft blanket, or the camaraderie of a shared meal, hygge offers a gentle reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the here and now.
Purpose and Design in the Mudroom.
BY HEATHER SENISON
What’s better than getting home, shedding damp and dirty layers, and padding into your living space feeling warm and dry? Enter the mudroom: a space needed in most climates, especially Out East.
“A mudroom is great to have in a Hamptons home because it frees you to go out and interact with the beautiful natural world without worrying about getting wet, muddy or sweaty while you explore,” said Paul De Andrade, founder of Studio Kestrel, a New York City design studio with clients in the Hamptons. “It gives you a space where you can quickly grab your coat and boots on the way out, and you can drop your clutter on your way in — so it doesn’t encroach on and taint other rooms in your home.”
But what makes a mudroom both chic and useful? And how can you keep the space from getting too … muddy? We consulted de Andrade and others for their expertise.
PURPOSE
Put simply, “a mudroom is an entryway space where there is plenty of room to easily take off and store shoes, coats, umbrellas and outerwear,” said Kathy Kuo, founder and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home. “It serves as a nice transitional space between indoors and outdoors and helps to cut down on mess and clutter inside.”
Don’t have a designated room for this purpose? Any spot by an exit door can work when designed properly. The key is to keep a whole bunch of things neatly organized in one place, “and that one place is not your kitchen or your living room or your beautiful formal foyer you just added an antique rug to!,” Kuo joked.
traffic that comes through the entryway.
“Built-in cabinets and cubbies, benches that have storage space inside, wall pegs, coat racks and floor baskets are all great options,” Kuo agreed. “Bonus points for a basket full of spare scarves and hats for whoever might need them.”
FASHION
While it serves a utilitarian function, there’s no reason to forego beauty in your mudroom. Design is
box powder room,” Frampton said, providing an opportunity for vibrant color and bold patterns.
Be careful with your choice of hues, noted Kuo, as a lighter palette may be hard to keep clean. Instead, opt for slate blue or sage green, which can easily hide the grit and grime from the outdoors. “In a place like the Hamptons, where so much of the appeal of the area is in the great outdoors, a mudroom makes jaunts out to the beach or strolls in the yard a breeze,” she said. “It just makes outdoor time all the more appealing and accessible.”
Colorful Dining Rooms To Begin Your Year.
BY HANNAH SELINGER
All the trees may be brown and the sky may be gray, but there’s no reason to dream of getting away when there are so many compelling reasons to stay right here in New York. Case in point: the colorful and delightful dining rooms waiting to welcome you in for dinner here on the East End. Our favorites are saturated, whimsical, experiential spaces that embrace color as
part of the dining experience. From Westhampton Beach to Bridgehampton, here are some of the places we’re dining at in full color in 2025.
It may feel like winter on the East End, but you wouldn’t know it from the interior at Flora, the restaurant from Rooted Hospitality Group that opened in 2020. With a floral motif that is translated to diners through vibrant wallpapers, hanging plants, painted ceilings, and stylish light
playful, too; in addition to carefully curated dishes, like blackberry-glazed Crescent Farm duck and pumpkin ravioli finished in a butternut squash velouté, diners can expect a whimsical take on dessert: the so-called Flower Pot, featuring French vanilla ice cream, Tate’s cookies, caramel, Nutella mousse, and Oreo cookie crumbles, all served in an actual terra cotta vessel.
An equally enchanting take on the color wheel is Flora’s sibling restaurant, Westhampton Beach’s Fauna. (The restaurant group added it to their portfolio in 2022 in the space that was famously Starr Boggs.) Inside, diners can expect a highly decorative space, with wood-paneling and wallpaper and plenty of dark, saturated, and intimate spaces. The moody space is rooted in terra firma both in design and in concept; the menu is essentially a steakhouse menu, with a selection of prime steaks offered a la carte, a signature chicken for two, and a Berkshire pork chop served with whipped sweet potatoes and an Espagnole sauce.
At El Verano, in Southampton, chef Julian Medina does, in fact, harness summer, with rosy shades. Banquettes are deep mauve, walls are painted a seashell pink, and the room is accented by delicate wallpaper, giving the room a cozy and ethereal feel. It’s a bright and colorful spin on a space that has often struggled to keep its identity. But with
of the season, this restaurant feels like the right fit for this slice of the Hamptons.
Farther East, in Bridgehampton, head to Almond for a quick pop of color. The restaurant is much beloved for executive chef Jason Weiner’s locally focused fare, of course, but design lovers are also equally obsessed with the restaurant’s wallpaper. That’s House of Scalamandre’s zebras pattern, by the way, in the Masai Red colorway, an accent wall that provides one of the most beautiful and memorable pops in all of the East End. The food, naturally, remains consistent and delightful. Almond is an East End stalwart for a reason, and the zebra wallpaper is just one reason to head in for a visit.
William Raveis merges with Town & Country Real Estate over values and ambition.
BY HEATHER SENISON
Since founding the largest family-owned brokerage in the Northeast in 1974, William Raveis grew his business to include residential real estate markets along the East Coast from Maine to Florida. Around 2022, Judi Desiderio, chief executive officer (CEO) and president of Town & Country Real Estate, caught his attention, and he saw an opportunity on the East End.
William Raveis, the chairman and CEO’s self-named brokerage, bought Town & Country in December, naming Desiderio and Managing Partner Janet Hummel as partners. “When you acquire a company you have to trust the people and they have to trust you,” Raveis said. “We like each other.”
While the Hamptons aren’t far geographically from where Raveis launched his firm, it’s been a journey to get here.
In 1974, after feeling burned by the corporate world and having a wife and small children at home, Raveis decided to go into business for himself. Having learned about the real estate industry from his father, a general contractor, he thought about making money by having other people sell homes under his leadership. “I opened an office above a grocery store: me, a phone and a desk in a 10-by-10 room,” in Fairfield, Connecticut, Raveis recalled. “I said, ‘Well, if the agent makes money, I make money.’”
Aware of the ebbs and flows that happen in the industry, Raveis encouraged his agents to work together in teams and sought to give marketing and educational tools to grow their sales consistently. “I am here to help people and to pat them on the back and help them succeed,” Raveis said. “I’m very into letting people do what they want to do.”
Early on, Raveis grew his company to offer its customers mortgage loans, cash advances and mortgage and title insurance.
A father of three, his son Chris Raveis is president of the brokerage, while the other, Ryan Raveis, serves as co-president managing its mortgage and insurance arm. “As a 27-year-old kid, I had a vision for myself: ‘I want to build a family business and I want to have financial security when I’m in my 70s,’” Raveis explained. “Both those things have happened.”
One might agree his business plan worked: despite the ups and downs in the last five decades, Raveis said his award-winning company has been profitable every year and has never missed a paycheck to an employee. In 2024, it grew by nearly 10% and achieved more than $16 billion in closed sales. William Raveis has offices in key markets like Westchester County, West Palm Beach, Florida, and Nantucket Island.
But the firm’s bells and whistles didn't entice Desiderio of Town & Country. It was Raveis's morals and values. While numerous brokerages have tried to buy Town & Country in the last 20 years, Desiderio said this was the first offer that felt right. “He treats everyone like his family,” she said, adding that Raveis often includes her in his early morning calls to check in, in a show of parent-like affection.
While neither party could share the value of the sale due to a nondisclosure agreement, Desiderio said Raveis happily agreed to a clause stipulating that all of her brokerage’s existing staff be retained.
The reach of William Raveis will benefit the Town & Country clients which grew over the years from mostly locals to mostly folks with additional homes in Manhattan, Florida and other areas, Desiderio said. Its services, meanwhile, will help buyers navigate the Hamptons’ complicated landscape. “Insurance companies like Geico won’t insure half the properties out here because of the flood risk,” Desiderio explained.
Raveis said the benefit is mutual. “It really fits the piece that we were missing,” he said. “We had everything else but the Hamptons.”
When asked if he’ll purchase a home for himself out East, Raveis chuckled that he enjoys the time he spends in Montauk with friends but that he’s focused on growing his business. “I am here to give our services and compete aggressively,” Raveis said. “We like to be No. 1 in the marketplace. I didn’t come to the Hamptons to be No. 2.”
Closet, pantry, sock drawer, garage, basement. Are yours in good order? Now that we’re in a new year, it’s a perfect time to get organized and banish clutter. Following the advice of the queen of clean Marie Kondo “keep only items that spark joy” and give those items a joyful home. “Life truly begins only after you have put your house in order,” says Kondo. Here are some storage pieces that will help you store your joyful things beautifully.
BY BEVERLY STEPHEN
FARMHOUSE PANTRY
FILE WITH STYLE
The Poppin Stow 3-Drawer File Cabinet features custom-color hand pulls that match the drawers’ interiors, a large hanging file bottom drawer, and two drawers with adjustable dividers for office essentials. $399 moma.org
California Closets custom designs not only closets but pantries, bookcases, wall units and more for the storage units of your dreams. It’s up to you to fill the spaces with your “joyful” items. Prices vary for custom design, californiaclosets.com
HANDY BUT HIDDEN
These velvet-lined basketweave lacquer boxes in cool blue with a lime green accent are a posh tidying addition to your shelf, mantel, or tablescape. $360 - set, jonathanadler.com
COLORFUL STORAGE
The space-saving 5 drawer pivot cabinet can be used to store and organize notebooks, toys, makeup, electronics, office supplies, files, tax records and other important documents, art supplies and more. $349 moma.org
STORABLE STORAGE
Collapsable Vegan Leather Storage Bin with removable compartments and folddown handles for storing when not in use. $80 konmari.com
MEDIA MANAGEMENT
Emilie Midcentury Light Brown Wood Woven Cane Iron Base Media Console is 65 inches wide with rear cutouts for cord management. $920 kathykuohome.com
Five decades of legal experience, with unparalleled clarity and focus
Five decades of legal experience, with unparalleled clarity and focus
Five
Five decades of legal experience, with unparalleled clarity and focus
Five decades of legal experience, with unparalleled clarity and focus
Five decades of legal experience, with unparalleled clarity and focus
With a deep understanding of the local landscape, Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP provides comprehensive and cost-effective legal services to a broad range of corporate and individual clients.
Five decades of legal
Five decades of legal experience, with unparalleled clarity and focus
Over fifty years of legal experience, with unparalleled clarity and focus
With
Five decades of legal experience, with unparalleled clarity and focus
Latham,
Five decades of legal experience, with unparalleled clarity and focus
With
Five decades of legal experience, with unparalleled clarity and focus
Five decades of legal experience, with unparalleled clarity and focus
With a deep understanding of the local landscape, Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP provides comprehensive and cost-effective legal services to a broad range of corporate and individual clients.
With a deep understanding of the local landscape, Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP provides comprehensive and cost-effective legal services to a broad range of corporate and individual clients.
with unparalleled clarity and focus
Five decades of legal experience, with unparalleled clarity and focus
With a deep understanding of the local landscape, Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP provides comprehensive and cost-effective legal services to a broad range of corporate and individual clients.
Five decades of legal experience, with unparalleled clarity and focus
With
With a deep understanding of the local landscape, Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP provides comprehensive and cost-effective legal services to a broad range of corporate and individual clients.
Committed
With a deep understanding of the local landscape, Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP provides comprehensive and cost-effective legal services to a broad range of corporate and individual clients.
Five decades of legal experience, with unparalleled clarity and focus
Five decades of legal experience, with unparalleled clarity and focus
Committed to our clients, we shape strategic solutions for every business, individual, and family we represent.
Five decades of legal experience, with unparalleled clarity and focus
Five decades of legal experience, with unparalleled clarity and focus
With a deep understanding of the local landscape, Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP provides comprehensive and cost-effective legal services to a broad range of corporate and individual clients.
With a deep understanding of the local landscape, Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP provides comprehensive and cost-effective legal services to a broad range of corporate and individual clients.
With a deep understanding of the local landscape, Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP
Fifty
Five decades of legal experience, with unparalleled clarity and focus
Committed to our clients, we shape strategic solutions for every business, individual, and family we represent.
Committed to our clients, we shape strategic solutions for every business, individual, and family we represent.
With a deep understanding of the local landscape, Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP provides comprehensive and cost-effective legal services to a broad range of corporate and individual clients.
Five decades of legal experience, with unparalleled clarity and focus
Fifty years of innovative and forward-thinking legal counsel.
With
With a deep understanding of the local landscape, Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP provides comprehensive and cost-effective legal services to
With a deep understanding of the local landscape, Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP provides comprehensive and cost-effective legal services to a broad range of corporate and individual clients.
Committed
With a deep understanding of the local landscape, Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP provides comprehensive and cost-effective legal services to a broad range of corporate and individual clients.
Five decades of legal experience, with unparalleled clarity and focus
With a deep understanding of the local landscape, Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP provides comprehensive and cost-effective legal services to a broad range of corporate and individual clients.
Committed to our clients, we shape strategic solutions for every business, individual, and family we represent.
Committed to our clients, we shape strategic solutions for every business, individual, and family we represent.
With
Over fifty years of innovative and forward-thinking legal counsel.
Fifty years of innovative and forward-thinking legal counsel.
Committed
Committed
Committed to our clients, we shape strategic solutions for every business, individual, and family we represent.
Founded on a commitment to community service.
Five decades of legal experience, with unparalleled clarity and focus
With a deep understanding of the local landscape, Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP provides comprehensive and cost-effective legal services to a broad range of corporate and individual clients.
Committed to our clients, we shape strategic solutions for every business, individual, and family we represent.
Committed to our clients, we shape strategic solutions for every business, individual, and family we represent.
Committed to our clients, we shape strategic solutions for every business, individual, and family we represent.
Founded on a commitment to community service.
Committed to our clients, we shape strategic solutions for every business, individual, and family we represent.
With a deep understanding of the local landscape, Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP provides comprehensive and cost-effective
Fifty
Founded on a commitment to community service.
Fifty years of innovative and forward-thinking legal counsel.
Fifty years of innovative and forward-thinking legal counsel.
With a deep understanding of the local landscape, Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP provides comprehensive and cost-effective legal services to a broad range of corporate and individual clients.
Committed to our clients, we shape strategic solutions for every business, individual, and family we represent.
Fifty years of innovative and forward-thinking legal counsel.
Five decades of legal experience, with unparalleled clarity and focus
With
Fifty
Fifty
Founded
Fifty years of innovative and forward-thinking legal counsel.
Over fifty years of innovative and forward-thinking legal counsel.
legal services to a broad range of corporate and individual clients.
Fifty years of innovative and forward-thinking legal counsel.
Committed to our
With a deep understanding of the local landscape, Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo, LLP provides comprehensive and cost-effective legal services to a broad range of corporate and individual clients.
Committed to our clients, we shape strategic solutions for every business, individual, and family we represent.
Founded on a commitment to community service.
Over fifty years of innovative and forward-thinking legal counsel.
With
Founded on a commitment to community service.
Fifty years of innovative and forward-thinking legal counsel.
Committed to our clients, we shape strategic solutions for every business, individual, and family we represent.
Founded on a commitment
Founded on a commitment to community service.
Founded on a commitment to community service.
Founded
Committed to our clients, we shape strategic solutions for
Founded on a commitment to community service.
Committed to our clients, we shape strategic solutions for every business, individual, and family we represent.
Fifty
Founded on a commitment to community service.
Fifty years of innovative and forward-thinking legal counsel.
Fifty years of innovative and forward-thinking legal counsel. Founded
Founded on a commitment to community service.
Fifty years of innovative and forward-thinking legal counsel.
Founded on a commitment to community service.
The Mood of Mocha Mousse
KELLI DELANEY KOT @KDHAMPTONS
EAST END COLLECTED 8
A Panorama of Talent at the Southampton Arts Center.
BY HEATHER BUCHANAN
Imagine if you are an artist and you receive a call out of the blue from one of the most respected artists and cultural directors in the Hamptons with a special invitation to be part of a prestigious exhibition. Such is the fate of the 27 local artists included in East End Collected 8, curated by acclaimed artist Paton Miller and Executive Director Christina M Strassfield of the Southampton Arts Center (SAC). The exhibition which will run through May 4 at SAC includes numerous programs and will expose this incredible range of talent, from emerging and established artists in their 20’s to 80’s to a sophisticated and appreciative audience which also has the opportunity to purchase the work.
This year’s featured artists include: William Albertini, John Battle, John Philip Capello, Linda Capello, Gary Chiappa, David Corgliano, Eva Faye, Robin Giannis, Carly Haffner, Robert Harms, Samuel Havens, Mary Jaffe, Brendan H. Johnston, Nishan Kazazian, Joyce Kubat, Stephen Laub, Setha Low, Sutton Lynch, Mica Marder, Richard Mothes, Isabella Rupp, Georgia Suter, Deirdre Swords, Aurelio Torres, Allan Wexler,
Miller began the series ten years ago when the fate of the former Parrish Art Museum location on Jobs Lane was in question after its move to Water Mill. The idea of an arts center was floated and Miller was consulted on the artist’s point of view. He recalls, “I said, ‘If you are going to have an arts center you have to be loved. And in order to do that you should reflect the artists around here,’ and guess what,” he adds with a smile, “We have quite a few here on the East End.”
Friends and colleagues for 35 years, Miller and Strassfield share a deep respect for one another. When Strassfield took over the SAC Executive Director position two years ago Miller asked her to assist with the installation of the 2023 show. “It was great to have her help,” he says, “And it was more fun.” Strassfield concurs, “We each brought different sensibilities and aesthetics to the forefront in curating that complement one another beautifully.” Part of the enjoyment was introducing each other to artists they weren’t familiar with. Think peanut butter in my chocolate sort of a happy discovery. “We have a wonderful mix,” says Strassfield of the work which includes painting, photography, drawing, sculpture, glass work and video, “It’s traditional and abstract but each artist has an amazing level of quality.” Miller also notes the heart and soul involved, “It’s a privilege to do these shows.” The success is undeniable with over 800 people coming to the opening last February.
Miller and Strassfield also thoughtfully put together the panels whose synergy would be a pleasure for both the panelists and visitors. And the Center’s Guest Service Ambassadors who include Miller’s wife Nancy who is also an artist add a knowledgeable resource for any visitor.
The two found artists through different methods:
word of mouth, studio visits, art openings, and even Instagram. Miller comments, “There is a lot of serendipity. It is important for artists to be part of a community. I have lived in places before where if you are an artist, you are kind of a kook. Here we are really fortunate to come together.” Miller began his art journey in Hawaii where he actually taught at a leprosy colony. “I never bought into the dolphins jumping over rainbows thing,” he explains and after moving to the Hamptons in 1974 worked in the studio of Fairfield Porter (the Porters became his East Coast family) and met Larry Rivers, Wilem de Kooning and Roy Lichtenstein. Miller continues that generosity of spirit today in the creative community and although he jokes there can be some “skullduggery” both he and Strassfield admire the East End passion and support of the arts and the valuable home SAC has been for its members and visitors. What better way to come in out of the cold to the warmth of this communal
Pseveral new and revitalized hotels, enhancing its luxury accommodation offerings. These establishments blend historical charm with modern elegance, catering to discerning travelers seeking exceptional experiences. If you're seeking the ultimate winter getaway, these five hotels should be on your must-visit list.
The Breakers Palm Beach: Timeless Elegance
The Breakers Palm Beach is an iconic symbol of timeless elegance and luxury. Nestled on 140 acres of oceanfront property, this grand resort has been an enchanting destination for travelers since its opening in 1896. The moment you enter the 200-foot-long grand lobby, you'll be captivated by the soaring painted ceiling, glittering chandeliers, and opulent marble floors.
Guests can choose from a range of luxurious accommodations, all exuding classic charm. The oceanfront rooms and suites offer private balconies with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The Breakers boasts a multitude of amenities, from the beachfront pool and spa to a world-class golf course. Dining options are exquisite, with restaurants serving a range of cuisines to satisfy all tastes. The crowning jewel of the resort is the
Palm House Hotel: Nostalgic & Refreshingly Modern
tone of relaxed exclusivity. The Palm Bar offers signature rum pineapple cocktails, while the Palm House Dining Room serves a Japanese menu in the evenings. The Sunset Pool Deck, with its heated pool and butler service, provides a secluded sanctuary for guests.
Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach: Beachfront Bliss
If you're seeking beachfront bliss, the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach is the place to be. This luxurious haven offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and offers a direct pathway to a pristine, white-sand beach. The hotel's accommodations are spacious and elegantly designed, with private balconies to savor the ocean's beauty.
For those who crave the sun and sea, the resort provides opportunities for lounging on the beach, indulging in water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking, and dining on fresh seafood at its top-notch restaurants. Guests can enjoy romantic dinners in private beachfront cabanas, serenaded by the soothing sounds of ocean waves. It's the perfect choice for couples looking to rekindle their romance.
The Vineta Hotel: A Relaxed Ambiance
Set to open in spring 2025, The Vineta Hotel is a 41-room luxury property located just two blocks from Worth Avenue. This marks the first U.S. property for the Oetker Collection, the luxury hotel brand behind Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in the South of France and Eden Rock - St. Barths.
The hotel occupies a nearly 100-year-old building, reclaiming its original name after operating as The Chesterfield Palm Beach.
Tino Zervudachi, who aimed to infuse it with a fresh Palm Beach feel by bringing in clean lines, a relaxed ambiance, and a stylish and younger feeling palette of colors. The hotel's signature restaurant, Coco’s, will feature a menu curated by the Executive chef and pastry chef of Hotel CapEden-Roc.
The Colony Hotel: A Pink Paradise
The Colony is still as chic and lavish as it was in 1947, when it first debuted in Palm Beach’s postwar construction boom.
This glimmering destination has received praise for its fashionable dining and live music — as well as its signature je ne sais quoi
that discerning guests (who has included Judy Garland, Lena Horne, John Lennon, Sophia Loren, and Frank Sinatra) have continued to check in for decades. At press time, Andrew and Sarah Wetenhall, Colony Hotel owners, announced that they are in contract to purchase East Hampton's iconic Hedges Inn, which dates back to 1873.
Palm Beach is a winter wonderland, with each of these top hotels offering a unique and luxurious experience. Whether you're seeking classic elegance, a golfer's paradise, beachfront bliss, or a natural retreat, Palm Beach has a hotel to fulfill your desires. This winter, escape the cold and embrace the warmth, luxury, and splendor of Palm Beach, where unforgettable memories await in these exceptional hotels.
SOUTH FLORIDA
HAMPTONS HABITUÉS HIT THE STYLISH SLOPES
BY BEVERLY STEPHEN
In summer, the Hamptons is THE place to be. But off-season, Hamptons habitués who don’t decamp for warmer climes want serious winter with snow and challenging slopes. They’re also looking for chic destinations like these with see and be-seen cachet, luxury spas, designer boutiques, first-rate restaurants, and lively bars for après ski.
COURCHEVEL, FRANCE
There’s nothing like skiing in France where highend cuisine is an expected perk. Apparently, the French don’t loosen their boots for just a lunch time sandwich. Eight Michelin star chefs ride the range here. Six villages offer a wide variety of terrain from beginner to extreme in over 100 ski runs, many dotted with moguls. Snowboarding and snowmobiling are also popular. There are 17 five-star hotels and three in the palace category. You’re in the lap of luxury here always with magnificent Alpine views.
ASPEN, COLORADO
A silver rush put Aspen on the map in 1879 but the Silver Panic of 1893 practically turned it into a ghost town. As American skiing grew in popularity post World War II, it didn’t take Aspen long to become one of the most expensive zip codes in the United States. Aspen’s world class
slopes on four mountains — Aspen, Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Aspen Highlands — and après ski restaurants and bars are a magnet for the rich and famous. Plus, private jets can land at the Aspen airport. Celebrities bed down at the Hotel Jerome, Little Nell, and the St Regis.
VAIL, COLORADO
They say Vail is like being in the French Alps without the international plane ticket. Powder, powder, powder covers its vast 5,200-acre groomed terrain plus seven legendary back bowls. Vail is one of the largest ski resorts in the world and is set in the White River National Forest in Colorado. The Hythe and Four Seasons offer luxury accommodations. Chic ski wear and fur coats are de rigueur for strolling the Bavarian style village.
PARK CITY, UTAH
Like Aspen, Park City rode the silver boom and
bust. But now it’s booming again. Renowned for powder, Park City Mountain is the largest ski area in the United States and neighboring skionly Deer Valley Resort offers five-star service and amenities. The two areas combined have 62 lifts, over 400 runs and 9,526 skiable areas. There’s also snowmobiling, dog sledding, snowshoeing, cross country and ice skating. The international Sundance Film Festival, founded by actor Robert Redford, draws Hollywood power players each January. The charming mountain town has numerous bars and restaurants. The Courchevel Bistro is a nod to their French sister city. Gateway is the Salt Lake City International Airport.
ST. MORITZ, SWITZERLAND
This sunshine-blessed region in the Swiss Alps became the birthplace of winter Alpine tourism in
Beyond skiing and snowboarding the region is a mecca for cross-country skiing, ice skating, and bobsledding. Its famous frozen lake hosts polo matches, horse racing, and even an international Concours d’Elegance for auto enthusiasts. In 1974 the late art collector Gunter Sachs founded the member-only exclusive Dracula Club where
collectors like himself could mingle with Swiss bankers, captains of industry, and tech titans.
Alpina Gstaad and the Gstaad Palace. Private chalets bear breathtaking price tags.
GSTAAD, SWITZERLAND
Known for its luxury hotels and prestigious international boarding schools such as the winter campus of Institut Le Rosey (the “School of Kings”), Gstaad attracts the wealthy and famous. While some fly through Geneva, many arrive by private jet or helicopter. Aside from the glitz and glamor, Gstaad is known for its ski and crosscountry trails and winter hiking. Among the notable luxe hotels are the Grand Hotel Park,
ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND
It’s the Swiss Alps! Do we really need to say more? The Zermatt mountaineering and ski resort in Southern Switzerland sits at the base of the iconic Matterhorn peak, the most
concepts. Open-air and overlooking the brilliant and aquamarine sea, La Palapa was the antidote to
sleeping. Coloring books not quite exhausted. You know the vacation drill. We watched a wedding unfold at a gazebo adjacent to the restaurant, and Eden Roc made good-natured sun-seekers out of us. We followed the big orb in the sky, let it dictate
BrownHarrisStevens.com
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BA | Bright Open Interiors Community Gated Bay Beach + Marina Room for Pool 30NewportBeachBlvd.com
William F. LeMaire
631.664.6300 | wlemaire@bhsusa.com
4. Parklike Setting | North Sea
$2.695M | 0.86± Acre | 2,944± sf
4 BR | 5.5 BA | Recently Updated Finished Lower Level | Solar Electric
Heated Pool | Oversized Garage
Adjacent to a 27-Acre Reserve 46OldFishCove.com
Robert M. Lohman
1. Bayfront Compound | East Hampton
$8.975M | Multi-Family Compound
1± Acre | 102± Feet of Sandy Beach Panoramic Views and Magical Sunsets Two Separate Houses | Total 7 BR, 4.5 BA EHWaterfront.com
Shannan M. North
631.445.0461 | snorth@bhsusa.com
Peter M. Turino
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2. Waterfront Hotel | Hampton Bays
$6.9M | Turnkey Resort | 1.1± Acres | 27 Rooms Clubhouse with Gym, Pool + Terrace | Large Dock HamptonBaysCommercial.com
Anthony C. Cerio
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Mitchel L. Natter
516.318.5858 | mnatter@bhsusa.com
3. Pondfront 8.8 Acres | Water Mill
4. Pre-Construction in Sagaponack Village
$5,999,999 | 0.63± Acre | 6,000± sf 7 BR | 8 BA | Heated Gunite Pool with Spa Designed by Thread Collective Architects Architectural Rendering Shown 144OldFarmRd.com Sarah Ferguson
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