The Essence of Water Mill
A tiny hamlet in the Town of Southampton, Water Mill takes its name from the water-powered grist mill that jumpstarted its settlement in the 1640s. Today, Water Mill Museum acts as the steward for the iconic relic that remarkably still works. Part of the farming community remains as well, with grain giving way to organic produce, apple orchards and vineyards; more large acreage has been transformed into premier equestrian properties, tree and garden nurseries, and even a private residence’s Rees Jones-designed, 18-hole golf course. Its central location within the East End and exquisite water views of the Atlantic Ocean and Mecox Bay lend to its enduring appeal. It’s no wonder that Water Mill consistently ranks among the most expensive zip codes in the U.S.
Nearby Neighborhoods:
Bridgehampton, North Sea, Sag Harbor, Southampton
Culture & Attractions
Named for its founding collector, Parrish Art Museum relocated to its Herzog & de Meuron-designed building in 2012. Beyond its comprehensive permanent collection, the institution organizes rotating exhibits and events from Hamptons JazzFest concerts to the Midsummer Gala Dinner. The late multidisciplinary artist Robert M. Wilson envisioned the Watermill Center as a creative space for the arts and humanities; its annual Summer Benefit is one of the East End charity circuit’s grandest events. Stroll through the past by touring Water Mill Museum’s working mill and displays about whaling and other local life; crowds also attend the seasonal museum’s annual members’ art show. More historic sites include the James Corwith gristmill on the Village Green and Water Mill Community House on Montauk Highway.
Dining & Shopping
Mykonos-inspired Calissa’s diners work off their lobster pasta by dancing to DJs and notable acts. Hailing from Cyprus, Bistro Été’s chef-owner crafts continental dishes (foie gras, fondue, littleneck clams with Portuguese sausage). Suki Zuki gained fame for its spicy tuna sandwich and chicken teriyaki salad. Private club and restaurant Zoe also hosts events. LUNCH Lobster Roll and Goldberg’s Famous Bagels operate branches here, while the original Hampton Coffee Company grew into Long Island’s largest independent coffee roaster. A regional hospitality group runs Alpina Swiss Bakery and Hampton Kitchen Delicatessan. Healthy habits start with Green Thumb Farm Stand’s organic produce and local products. Tended by the same family since 1747, Halsey Farm & Nursery grows gorgeous flowers and vegetables. Longtime institutions Milk Pail, Seven Ponds Orchard and Hank’s Pumpkintown make memories with u-pick crops, corn mazes and hayrides. Visit Duck Walk Vineyards for a taste of Long Island wine country. Home and design retail reigns with Manhattan-based Current Home’s seasonal outpost (Bernardaud, Georg Jensen); the Shade Store’s Hamptons foray; Fayette Studio’s custom rugs; Kravet Workspace (Kravet, Donghia, Lee Jofa), and Mecox Gardens’ Nineties-founded flagship for furniture, home accessories and art. The Laurel Group Outdoor Living Design Center encompasses landscaping, outdoor furniture and sport courts. Plant lovers also load up garden wagons at Eastland Farms and Warren’s Nursery; the latter’s full-service landscape firm and tree farm dates to 1946. Porsche, BMW and Audi have dealerships here.
Leisure, Nature & Wellness
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Sprung from Mill Creek, Water Mill’s heritage is steeped in water. The hamlet hugs picturesque Mecox Bay, while Mill, Jule and Channel ponds wend their way to the Atlantic Ocean, where Flying Point Beach is open to the public. Located along its eponymous Water Mill Beach, the private Water Mill Beach Club is popular to sun, swim and play tennis. Fitness buffs never miss a class at Tracy Anderson, Punch Force Fitness (boxing), One Ocean Yoga, and so many Pilates studios like the Pilates Atelier, Shadowbox Pilates and Water Mill Pilates. For a full-service gym with premier equipment and trainers, locals have sworn by Core Dynamics since 2006. Water Mill is further home to wellness destinations of international acclaim. Open year-round, Shou Sugi Ban House offers expert-led retreats with luxury accommodations, spa services and gourmet, healthy fare. Kadampa Meditation Center the Hamptons teaches Buddhism practices and meditation. Residents also have access to Western medicine through NYU Langone Health’s pending facility as part of its expansion out East. Golfers don’t have to go far with Atlantic Golf Club and the Bridge in nearby Bridgehampton. A true meeting place for the whole neighborhood, Water Mill Community Club’s soccer and baseball fields host a variety of local teams; tennis and pickleball courts are also open for all to play.
