With the beginning of winter and promise of colder temperatures, one may perhaps dream of long summer days at the beach. The Hamptons, a string of charming villages at the eastern end of Long Island, have long lured summer visitors for centuries. Around the late 19th century and early 20th century, grand summer cottages were built in the towns of Southampton and East Hampton in the traditional shingle style. Now, the Hamptons' ultimate oceanfront compound is about to hit the auction block this January.
Called Le Dune, the compound on Southampton's famous Gin Lane boasts an original, shingle-style home built in 1900 with direct access to the beach and spectacular Atlantic Ocean views. The home spans over 10,000 square feet with 10 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms.
In 2001, a second 10,000-square foot house with 9 bedrooms and 19 bathrooms was constructed adjacent to the original home. The four-acre compound includes both homes, two swimming pools, a sunken tennis court, movie theater, billiards room, gym, gardens and a six-car garage. The estate rests on 400 feet of prime beachfront that can be accessed directly from both homes. This East Coast paradise is just 10 minutes from the shops and restaurants of Southampton Village and a four-hour drive from New York City.
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The original house was featured in the 1978 movie Interiors directed by Woody Allen that starred Diane Keaton. It was purchased in the 1990s by Louise Blouin, a Canadian art magazine publisher who ran the magazines Art+Auction, Gallery Guide and Modern Painters, as well as the Artinfo.com website under Louise Blouin Media. In 2001, she was an executive of Phillips de Pury auction house (now Phillips), but resigned after a year. Louise Blouin Media has been involved in multiple lawsuits, and the art magazines have since shuttered.
Blouin previously listed Le Dune for $150 million, but as it has failed to sell, it will go up for auction at Concierge Auctions, a subsidiary of Sotheby's. It will be part of Sotheby's "Visions of America" series, an auction week with 10 dedicated sales that will offer American art, design, manuscripts, fashion and spirits. Bidding for Le Dune begins on January 10 and ends on January 24, 2024.
In March 2022, Concierge Auctions auctioned The One, the largest home in America, for $141 million, making it the most expensive home to ever sell at auction. It remains to be seen if Le Dune can eclipse The One in a few weeks.
