The Hamptons. It seems as if every time we open up those slick magazines -- Vogue, Mirabella, GQ or even Architectural Digest -- we're hearing tales of the latest party, the latest celebrity wedding or the latest high-dollar real estate transaction. This haven for the rich and famous, collectively dubbed "The Hamptons," actually is comprised of a multitude of smaller towns along this eastern section of Long Island, New York: Amagansett, Bridgehampton, Sagaponack, East Hampton, Wainscott, Hampton Bays, East Quogue, Montauk, The North Fork, Sag Harbor, North Haven, Southampton, Westhampton and more. Whether you buy or rent, reside full time or part time, you're bound to get caught up in the aura that is The Hamptons. Of course, that aura is what brings many visitors and residents here in the first place.

Part of The Hamptons' appeal is its pristine feel -- its white sand, immaculate beaches, its clapboard homes and white picket fences. Peruse through local Realtors' Web sites, and you'll find many listings that will take your breath away: homes in excess of 13,000 square feet, seven or more bedrooms, beachfront views, separate staff quarters, and if you'd like to know the price, well ... you've got to ask. And as they say, if you have to ask, you probably can't afford it.

OK, with that impossible dream shattered, how about trying a summer rental? Most Hampton homes are available for rent from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and rental rates often aren't much of a bargain, either. Flat rates of $150,000, $200,000 and more are common (the only limit is your bank account). There are, however, some comparative bargains to be found, such as a year-round four-bedroom rental for $150,000 (no photo was available for that property, so let the buyer beware).

Land sales are hot in The Hamptons, and prospective buyers are willing to pay almost anything for a piece of this landscape. You'll be hard-pressed to find a parcel for anything less than the six figures; prices of $2 million and more are nothing to bat your eyes at, and prices of $10 million are quite common, as well. Of course, asking prices depend on the acreage and just how many steps you are from the Atlantic. So within all of this splendor, what, then, is considered "luxury" real estate in The Hamptons? Homes starting at $1 million typically fall within that definition.

The Hamptons boasts plenty of resorts for admirers seeking a temporary retreat without the financial commitment of a summer rental. What brings visitors here besides the opportunity to experience how the other half lives? In short, beaches -- and plenty of them. The Hamptons region has a mind-boggling selection of beaches, including Mecox Beach in Bridgehampton, Egypt Beach and Two Mile Harbor Beach in East Hampton, Altenkirch Beach in Hampton Bays, and Ditch Plain Beach in Montauk.

With so much natural beauty to offer, The Hamptons is home to many nature tourism companies that offer guided tours of scenic bays, harbors, lakes and nature trails. Tours range from nature walks to kayaking tours, depending upon your sense of adventure. If it's a slower pace you're seeking, you may opt for boating or fishing, instead.

Obviously, with a resident population who has so much money to spend, local retailers and restaurateurs want to accomodate them -- and indeed, they do, in fine style. In addition, visitors may tour local vineyards, including Bridgehampton Winery, Duck Walk Vineyards, Mondavi-Rothschild Opus I Vineyard, and Sagpond Vineyards. The Hamptons also have an abundance of museums, including the Montauk Point Lighthouse, filled with artifacts from a still-operational lighthouse. It's a relic of a lifestyle most of us have never experienced.

Even if your dreams exceed your budget, The Hamptons is worth a day trip if you're planning a trip or relocation to the New York City area, or a weekend trip if you're a resident or future resident of the Mid-Atlantic states. The Hamptons also are accessible via the Long Island Railroad system.

For more armchair travel to The Hamptons, or to plan your trip to this scenic spot, check out these helpful online resources:

• http://www.easthampton.com
• http://www.webhampton.com
• http://www.thehamptons.com
• http://www.hamptons.com

Published: November 12, 1998

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