THE LUXURIOUS ALLURE OF HOLLY IN THE HAMPTONS
A Rare Opportunity To Call Water Mill’s Inimitably Exquisite Holly Lane Home.
When you ponder the key elements of an elegant, gracious home you might think of sweeping staircases and handsome facades. You might think of walls adorned with wide brushstrokes of twining ivy. You might think of entries where stately hollies stand like regal sentries. And – if you are familiar with the Hamptons’ town of Water Mill – you probably think of the inimitable and exquisite Holly Lane.
There is no argument that Holly Lane is among the Hamptons’ most coveted addresses. From the impressive pillars and handsome gates that mark its entrance, to the sedately mature trees shading the well-heeled street in a canopy of green, to its location against a dreamy, waterfront backdrop; Holly Lane offers exponentially elevated levels of grandeur, privacy and exclusivity – notable features that together create a veritable trifecta of desirability in the posh town of Water Mill.
“It’s extremely rare that a home on the water, in such an idyllic setting, and on this very exclusive street becomes available,” explains Tim Davis, power broker and lifelong Hamptons resident. An expert in the marketplace, Davis is one of the most sought-after real estate brokers in the area; ranking consistently in the Top 30 Agents (according to volume) in the United States and most recently ranking fourth in the country by the Wall Street Journal (June 2014). When it comes to Hamptons’ real estate, Davis’ acumen is singular. “Holly Lane is known for its collection of impressive, original homes – some of which date back to the early 1900’s,” he continues. But there’s more to this area than just impressive homes, Holly Lane’s very landscape adds greatly to her intrinsic allure. The richly mature landscape with its deeply rooted sense of ‘place’ is perhaps the very facet that allows Holly Lane to glitter so brightly. Pass through those distinctive gates and you can’t help but feel as if you have – literally and figuratively – arrived. It’s a moment you’ll want to savor and when you do, you’ll realize Holly Lane is defined by a signature elegance so distinct, it’s nearly palpable.
Given the dramatic level of allure it offers, when a home on Holly Lane is presented for sale it is an attention- demanding occasion and the home at 64 Holly Lane is no exception. Built in 2008, the stately residence is a relative newcomer to this well-established neighborhood. Yet the house belies its youth with traditional aesthetics and ageless elements that allow it to meld seamlessly into the patina of its surroundings. Clad in cedar shake and punctuated with graceful curves and peaks; the Mark Matthews-designed home on Holly Lane invokes quintessential coastal elegance, prairie-inspired charm and irresistible allure – all in equal measure. Perched on a curved slice of scenic waterfront, the residence is ideally situated to take advantage of the stunning views. “The views from this home are spectacular and ever- changing,” says Davis. “In addition to the water views of Meyer’s Pond and Mecox Bay, there are incredible views of the peninsula that serves as a bird sanctuary and the waters that lie just beyond”. In addition to such breathtaking vistas, the home and its nearly 1.5 acres of property, offer something else that is just as valuable – privacy. “The pool is tucked away in a private corner of the property where you can enjoy it in complete seclusion,” he explains. “The trees, the landscape design by Brady Mitchell Anderson, and the way the home is positioned increases that sense of privacy even further”.
Inside, the sense of privacy continues with a floorplan designed to ensure everyone is able to come together or free to indulge in some solitude with his or her own space. On the main level, the entry is flanked by an oversized living room to one side and a dining room rich with arts and crafts details on the other. Both rooms feature gleaming wood wenge floors, transom-crowned windows that frame the stunning views beyond and hand-crafted fireplaces ready to warm chilly autumn nights and cold winter days. Adjoining the rooms are stone terraces and a screened patio that seems to beckon guests out to enjoy afternoon aperitifs or linger over open-air meals. The main level is also home to a kitchen awash in natural light and replete with top-of-the-line appliances by Viking and SubZero and a breakfast nook ideal for morning coffee served with spectacular views. Completing the first level is a powder room, laundry room, mud room and a media room with wet bar, wood moldings and artfully crafted fireplace.
A main staircase (and elevator) leads to the second story and an unforgettable master suite. Featuring ceilings displaying a cacophony of angles designed to capture shadow and light, a private terrace overlooking the water and bespoke elements including a half-wall that serves as custom headboard, clever storage and privacy buffer. The master also boasts his and her bathrooms and a duo of well-appointed dressing rooms. A second, ensuite bedroom and a sinuously curved home office with panoramic views and a wraparound deck from which to enjoy them can also be found on the second level. A third bedroom suite accessible via its own, private staircase provides both comfort and privacy – a secluded haven sure to delight extended family or discerning houseguests. A one-bedroom apartment over the two- car garage offers yet another private accommodation for staff or guests.
While collectively this Holly Lane estate has an impressive 7,000sf of living space; it’s unique layout makes the home as intimate and comfortable for two as it is for larger groups. “This home is as well suited for a single person as it is for a couple as it is for a larger family or for entertaining,” Davis explains. “Everyone has their privacy and access to their own space without compromise to the well-sized public areas of the home.
As if gracious charm and delicious seclusion weren’t enough, the Holly Lane home has one more surprise in store. “One of the loveliest elements is also one of the home’s most distinct features” says Davis. The feature he is referring to is an elegant breezeway connecting the main home to the estate’s separate, three-bedroom guest house. Gorgeous and balmy during the warmth of spring and summer, the sprawling, stone-floored expanse has radiant heating and pocketing, glass walls that allow the homeowner to enjoy it’s use all year round. What’s more, the roof of the breezeway doubles as a sun deck to enjoy sultry, summer days and those legendary Hamptons sunsets.
Of course, this is the Hamptons and so the gardens of this Holly Lane estate pay homage to outdoor living. The manicured grounds are a statement in clean, simple elegance. A fifty-foot long pool features an inset spa and stone decking set within emerald lawns against a backdrop of lush greenery. Bluestone patios create outdoor rooms and at the water’s edge, a private dock all add to a brilliantly illustrated story that epitomizes summer living.
64 Holly Lane, Water Mill, NY
