Our Hamptons

Explore the beauty and history of Gerard Drive in Springs, from its scenic views to the challenges of coastal development. Learn about the origins of Gerard Drive, the efforts to restore its natural state, and the ongoing debate on its development. Delve into the historical landscape, environmental changes, and the community's dedication to preserving this picturesque area.

Esperanza and Irwin welcome onelandscape.org founder Margie Ruddick.   With a graduate degree in Landscape Architecture from Harvard, Margie's projects have taken her from Shillim in Western Ghats, India to Queens Plaza in Long Island City, NY.   With onelandscape.org, Margie's focus is the conservation of wild landscapes by integrating science, art, policy, and community.   Margie lives part time in the Amagansett home purchased by her parents in 1957, and the east end has influenced and inspired her professional career.  The farmland, forest, wetland, beaches, dunes, and bluffs from the village of Amagansett to the coastal Napeague stretch serve as a ONE LANDSCAPE “laboratory".

Exploring the 50-year history and impact of Bridgehampton Commons, from resistance to development, the evolution of shopping habits, contrasting views within the community, and the nostalgic shift in shopping dynamics.

Esperanza and Irwin reminisce on the places and people they miss on eastern Long Island.  As the conversation progresses, memories are jarred, and a bit of Holiday Season nostalgia prevails, including a brief "can you top this segment".  We also reflect back on the past 18 episodes of Season One.

Esperanza and Irwin reflect on the haunting history of the White Family Farm in Sagaponack dating back to the 1600s. They discuss the significance of the farm, challenges faced by farming families, and the dramatic White-Petrillo relationship. The chapter explores preservation efforts and legal battles over the land, revealing a unique and unsettling tale.

Explore the vibrant history of iconic watering holes in the Hamptons, from famous patrons like Capote and Steinbeck to the rowdy scene at Murfs. Journey through time at Jungle Pete's with Pollock and the unique social atmosphere of dive bars in Sag Harbor.

Esperanza and Irwin discuss Fair Field from the beginning to present day.  The plan to construct a 100,000 square foot compound on 63 oceanfront acres sent shock waves throughout the East End.  Fair Field had its own power plant, a 100 car garage and multiple outbuildings. Yet the compound violated no laws, in fact it taking up less than 10% of the property.   While its sheer size was staggering, was it really any different than what occurred in the 19th century Gilded Age, or the grandeur estates constructed on Nassau County's Gold Coast in the early 20th century?  Did it irrevocably change Sagaponack's character, or has Fair Field actually been a relatively quiet, off radar neighbor?  Join as we reflect back, and ponder if Fair Field will remain a private residence long term.

Explore the heyday of The Bridge with Can-Am races and Nascar events in the late 1950s, despite economic challenges and rezoning issues. Discover the unlikely alliance between The Bridge and environmental groups, championed by Newsday and Robert Rubin. Uncover the heartbreaking conclusion of The Bridge's story.

From street racing to a prestigious racetrack, the podcast delves into Bridgehampton's evolution as a mecca for auto racing. Discover the Italian immigrant racer who transformed the racetrack design and the fundraising efforts at Henri Austin Clark's museum. Explore the rich history and impact of Bridgehampton's racing legacy, featuring challenging corners and renowned racers.

Esperanza and Irwin welcome Build.In.Kind/East Hampton founder Jaine Mehring.  To “build in kind” means to renovate or rebuild a structure basically as it is—in the same form and existing footprint.  To those of us who live, visit or even read about East Hampton knows this is rarely talking place.  In fact, for years now, we’ve been seeing the opposite – it’s been mainly “all demo, no reno.” And mostly, it’s been all about…BIGGER. Houses, even not very old ones, are demolished and replaced with new structures, most often double to quadruple the size.  Or new construction on previously undeveloped parcels clears and covers as much of the lot as possible, driving a rapid surge in density where there had been a sense of open space.  This episode coincides with the October 8 screening of One Big Home, a film by Thomas Bena presented by Build.In.Kind/East Hampton and Wainscott Heritage Project.   The film documents how citizens of Chilmark Town on Martha’s Vineyard came together and passed changes to their bylaws that limited house size in order to respect and protect the history, character, environment and quality of life of their community. The film screening will be followed by a Panel Discussion and Q&A with Thomas Bena and Special Guests.  Our Hamptons Podcast was pleased to provide additional support and sponsorship for this event.