Our Hamptons

Esperanza and Irwin look back at the three lives of Bayberry Land in Southampton.   In 1916, the banker Charles Sabin and his wife, Pauline Morton Smith Sabin purchased these 314 acres for a country home, naming it after the low growing shrub prevalent on the east end.   The estate comprised 8 buildings, including a manor house, garage with chauffer's apartment, gatehouse, caretakers cottage, hunting stable...you get the idea.   The Sabin's lifestyle was as grand as the setting, entertaining New York's Blue Book society, Southampton's summer colony, as well as senators, judges and members of congress.   Come 1949, the property was sold for $131,250 to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 3.  The union president is a name familiar to anyone driving the Van Wyck Expressway, Harry Van Arsdale, Jr.  A convalescent rest home, an education center for its workers, as well as a children's camp were just some of the changes made during the Union's 50+ years of ownership.  In 2001, the IBEW sold the property for $46 million dollars to Michael Pascucci, who created a golf course on the property designed by Jack Nicklaus.    Purchasing it at auction for the same price, but unable to consummate the deal was a second buyer, Donald Trump.  Mr. Pascucci in his own words wanted people who were non glitzy, saying it wasn't a valet parking type of place.   Those people however, did have a $650,000 membership fee.

The podcast discusses the historical significance of Shelter Island, its evolution from a summer colony to present day, the revitalization of the Historical Society, and the use of art to showcase the island's history. Personal reflections and gratitude for preserving Shelter Island's culture are highlighted throughout.

Esperanza and Irwin pride themselves on digging deep, and some of the episodes of Our Hamptons has been a bit off radar.  

Exploring the rich history of Club Swamp in Wayne Scott, a gay male club with a controversial door policy. Delving into the evolution of the property from a nightclub to a memorial park. Reflecting on the legacy of the iconic venue and efforts to memorialize it through Hamptons Pride.

Exploring the rich history of Sea Spray Inn, from its early days in the 19th century to its heyday in the 1940s-1970s. The inn, with a capacity of 125 guests, offered rooms from spare to breathtaking, with rates ranging from $15 to $100 a day. A fire in 1978 destroyed the main building, but the cottages remain, managed as rentals by the East Hampton Village Board. The podcast delves into the nostalgic memories and charm associated with this iconic East Hampton landmark.

Esperanza and Irwin welcome the writer Tim Ferguson for a free wheeling dialogue on all things East End. Tim's resume includes being a columnist and op-ed editor at the Wall Street Journal and editor for Forbes Asia. Impressive as his body of work has been, it is his present day writing and blog posts specific to eastern Long Island that caught our attention. We've actually touched on some of Tim's articles in past episodes of Our Hamptons, including the 50 Year Anniversary of Bridgehampton Commons, and the Halt The Highway Movement of 1972. This particular era, the 60's, 70's 80's has always been a sweet spot for us. Totally relatable and within our lifetimes, but still hearkening back to a very different eastern Long Island.

Esperanza and Irwin discuss the fascinating story of the Montauk Shores Condominium.  From its beginning in the 1940's as a campground on the ocean, the evolution of Montauk Shores is yet another metaphor for eastern Long Island becoming the Hamptons.   A trailer park overlooking the Atlantic, and adjacent to iconic Ditch Plains, Montauk Shores was within reach of everyone.   With amenities like a pool, clubhouse, basketball, shuffleboard, Montauk Shores evoked a bygone era.   But like all good things, Montauk Shores was discovered, and an Architectural Digest article entitled "Why are billionaires flocking to this trailer park?"  We attempt to answer that and more in this episode!

Esperanza and Irwin go back 50 years to what may have been the brouhaha of the century on eastern Long Island.  The proposed Highway Bypass was to go north of Route 27 through North Sea, Watermill, Bridgehampton, Sagaponack, Wainscott, East Hampton and ultimately ending in eastern Amagansett.  "Build it and they shall come", was one perspective, saying traffic will be even worse.  Farmland would be decimated.  In a 1974 letter to the East Hampton Star, Tom Twomey, the Chair of the Halt The Highway committee  claimed "the super highway will make our Town a bedroom community for migrants from Western Suffolk.  They will skyrocket our taxes and make possible new giant shopping centers".   But a 1974 Star editorial made the point that we can't turn back the clock, the people were already there garnered support from residents wanting the summer traffic eased.   Hindsight is always 20/20.  The writer Tim Ferguson's thought that "The protective impulse of 50 years ago just bought us more trouble today" is a point of view many believe.   Let us know what you think after you listen!

Esperanza and Irwin can barely contain their excitement for this podcast!  Elizabeth Barlow Rogers is best known for her work as a driving force behind the resurrection of Central Park.   1970's New York City was a time of strife.  Budget woes, crime, graffiti, defined NYC during this era, and the iconic Daily New headline, Ford to City: Drop Dead said it all.    Central Park was in Ms. Barlow Rogers words, dying.    In 1979, then Mayor Koch appointed her the first Central Park Administrator, and in 1980, she was one of the founders, and first president of the Central Park Conservancy.   This non-profit combined public and private funding to rescue Central Park, and return it to its former glory.   Great story, of course, and an essential part of this episode.  But it's the Betsey Barlow circa 1965, buying a modest 1906 house in an unspoiled Wainscott that stole our hearts.   Through Betsey's own words, reflections and observations, we'll share with you a Wainscott life spanning over 50 years, and a goodbye that very well may bring a tear to your eye.

Esperanza and Irwin welcome Nilay Oza and Peter Sabbeth of Oza Sabbeth Architects of Bridgehampton.   Architecture is an art form that incorporates math, science and engineering.  But it's also a business.  Nilay and Peter generously share the delicate balancing act of sensibility to the site with the needs of the client.  The familiar Our Hamptons themes of commodity vs community, and the mindset behind building (too?) big are discussed.   While it is a regional issue, Nilay and Peter illustrate the challenges of working within the very diverse and different areas of the East End, overseen by municipalities whose codes don't often align.  The role of AIA Peconic in all of this close a very spirited dialogue.