In the last two installments of this series, we explored more abstract ideas of luxury and real estate, tracing and retracing the fine line between comfort and extravagance, mainly considering what elevates a property from mere residence to proper luxury. Now, it’s time to explore the tangible, looking at practicals in the timeless elegance of the East Coast’s most talked-about retreat: the Hamptons. Each and every summer, as New York’s streets quiet and the city’s buzz fades away momentarily, the allure of this not-so-little coastal haven draws New Yorkers (and more) eastward, to a place where peace meets comfort, and comfort meets wealth and luxury.
The Hamptons, a rather long stretch of soft, white beaches and discreet estates, seems to offer, from generations to count and generations to come, that rare “slow life”, making it more than a destination. This way, this eastern section of the State of New York looks more like a sanctuary where luxury breathes in and out, surrounded by the sea breeze, with estates softly brushed by the elegance of the old East Coast glamour. Here, time stops.
The Hamptons, a name that, for generations, has evoked images of whispered summer nights, sun-soaked beaches, boat parties and endless laughter, is where the heart of the East Coast’s luxury truly beats. But what makes this place so magical? The Hamptons most simply offer a rather graceful exit to the restless buzz of the city: it’s more than a status, more than an expensive property, it’s a place in which even the busiest and most followed individuals can and do indulge in the simplest, yet rarest, luxuries: space, quiet, and a glimpse of fun if they want to. The Hamptons’ charm is, in fact, not in ostentation but in its hushed elegance; here, one finds luxury in the feeling of peace and comfort that this coveted destination gives. It is a place where architecture and nature merge gracefully, where manicured english-style gardens (or even french style) blend seamlessly with wild hedges, a place where hydrangeas, lavender and roses mix with the sand of the Atlantic coast and white, wooden cottages (but also mansions) look out to the sea, seeking calm. Here, one can find the art of living crystallised into its most pure and elegant form: timeless homes where generations have built memories and where each summer feels like a return to a bigger-family matter.
Among these iconic homes, owned by some, if not all, of the most known names in American history, perhaps none is as cherished and looked after as Jackie Kennedy’s former summer (and childhood) residence, Lasata. Lasata, meaning exactly “place of peace” in Native American tongue, is the most perfect name. This estate, with its soft white walls and wooden clapboard, echoes the kind of sophistication that just refuses to drop its charm to the passage of time, but that, instead, reveals it slowly, like a story waiting to be told. Here, the key word is understated elegance. Stepping into those rooms, even virtually, one can really grasp how memories are woven and somehow encapsulated into Lasata’s rooms, each softly singing about the lives lived here. High ceilings make the structure light, almost airy, while all-surrounding glass walls and windows give light and clarity to the space, allowing you to look beyond the rooms, evoking a sense of merge with the surroundings and an idea of infinite comfort and space. The gardens are no less than an asset to this property, where the curated array of colours and textures invite the mind to relax.
Beyond Jackie Kennedy’s Lasata, the Hamptons are dotted with other estates that speak to this ideal of elegance and exclusivity, what we now refer to as “quiet luxury”. Each home, whether an 18th-century farmhouse or a sleek contemporary marvel (just think about Michael Rubin’s mansion where the famous White Party takes place each and every year), respects the timeless aesthetic of the area. Blaze Makoid’s designs in Sag Harbor and Bernie Madoff’s former Montauk beach house reflect these ideas, blending modern luxury with natural textures (and lots of glass windows), building wide-open spaces that invite the landscape to become part of the home. Here, nature is not something to be conquered b ut rather something to be admired and protected; the natural element (especially the soft breeze and the sunlight) now becomes a part of the lifestyle that each residence honours with endless glass walls, expansive decks, and pathways that, twirling in the sand, lead directly to the sea. It is this integration with nature that elevates the Hamptons from a mere getaway to a sanctuary (and even a social sensation).
“Going out east” means embracing the ultimate blend of luxury and coastal vibes, and the Hamptons offer exactly this: a seamless mix of heritage charm and modern elegance, a place where space, nature, and a sense of timeless belonging come together, making luxury feel effortless. Whether you’re drawn to historic farmhouses or sleek beachfront marvels, it’s all about reconnecting—with nature, with history, and with a simpler, more refined way of living (without forgetting to have fun on the way, with the countless bars and yacht parties). Going out east is more than going on a retreat, it’s a way to truly live well, and summering in the Hamptons is a great way to live well.
