THIS MONTAUK RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT COMBINES LUXURIOUS RESORT AMENITIES WITH REAL LIFE CONVENIENCES

BY JENNIFER VIKSE

For years, Gurney’s resort and spa, set on Montauk’s most pristine stretch of oceanfront, has been a mainstay of Long Island vacationing. It’s also the only year-round resort in Montauk, with visitors drawn to its 2,000-foot private sand beach, spa, pool, fitness facilities, and restaurants. Now these amenities can be enjoyed full time as a homeowner at the Residences at Gurney’s. “What we’re offering is the best of both worlds enjoy what the resort offers and then go to your private home. Everything is available, just a phone call away. There’s nothing like it in the Northeast,” explained George Filopoulos, owner of Metrovest Equities, which specializes in complex real estate restructurings, investments, and development.

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He bought a controlling interest in Gurney’s in 2013. With their proximity to the ocean, the Residences at Gurney’s are truly unique, and exclusive (there are only 18 of them). The concept was made possible when the property next door to Gurney’s was put up for sale in 2016. “When that property became available, we were able to buy it, which doubled the footprint,” said Filopoulos. At the time, the property had been partially converted to townhomes with two, three, four, and five bedrooms. “We loved that business plan not just as it related to real estate but because it married the services and amenities. There was no doubt in our minds that this was a good way to combine it and differentiate it at the same time.”

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There are three residential sections: Salt Sea, Hilltop, and Point of View. Owners of Point of View units have the option of renting them through Gurney’s Resort when they aren’t using them. The units vary from two to five bedrooms, and include outdoor terraces.

“There is nothing like this in the Hamptons, and the Residences at Gurney’s offer the most dramatic proximity to the ocean you can find anywhere. They’re also a scarce commodity, since homes can never be built again this close to the ocean due to zoning laws,” said Filopoulos.

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While the zoning regulations give the homes a unique appeal, at the same time, obtaining construction approvals in East Hampton and having materials delivered to Gurney’s also had its challenges.

“Anytime you are working out in East Hampton, the building requirements are very strict,” Filopoulos said. “There are highly demanding approvals, and we appreciate that. Without that, it wouldn’t have the same appeal that we have there now.”

To be safe, and to make sure the project got done right, he budgeted extra time and money. “But we were building something that no one else can build. The barriers to entry are very rewarding for real estate developers. It’s amazing…we own the beach up to the high-water mark. It’s highly valuable real estate. It’s special.”

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Designed by Peter Max in a neutral coastal aesthetic, the homes include access to a 1,000 foot stretch of private beach and all of the amenities of the Hamptons’ only world class, full service, year round resort. Conveniences include butler service, beach nannies, dedicated owners’ beach cabanas, and home maintenance. Owners also have access to Gurney’s restaurants, seawater spa and pool, wellness retreats and fitness classes, and entertainment.

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The homes themselves redefine coastal chic. “The original design here was more of a New England style. I liked it,” said Filopoulos. “These properties are so dominated by the ocean right outside, we wanted to make the home inside extremely partial to the views.” So, he worked closely with Max to create a colour palette and materials that complement the beauty of the natural elements. “We started with that palette and were just amazed at how the materials worked,” Filopoulos said. “It was incredible how Peter was able to accomplish that look. You come inside from the bright outdoors and are completely at ease. You can just relax. The neutral colors and cool tones are right on point.”

Capitalizing on vistas was paramount, so large glass doors and windows offer ocean views from each unit.

“We think we did a phenomenal job on these homes,” said Filopoulos.

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The living rooms feature airy, 12-foot vaulted ceilings, replaces, and an open layout that flows onto an expansive deck overlooking the water.

“Every one of these homes has views of the ocean,” Filopoulos added. “You can hear it, smell it, feel it. It’s the complete experience.”

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Kitchens sport custom wax-washed white oak cabinetry with hardware pulls and hand-selected Estatuario marble countertops. e spacious, 10-foot-by-5-foot kitchen island, with its own Estatuario countertop, is a great place for informal get-togethers (especially with its built-in wine storage). The kitchen has a Sub-Zero stainless steel side-by-side refrigerator, a 36-inch Wolf dual fuel, sixburner gas range, and a 30-inch Franke stainless steel sink.

The bathroom features a freestanding Barclay soaking tub with a Brizo floor-mounted tub filler in a satin nickel finish; Gra lavatory faucets, also in a satin nickel finish; double master sinks with California faucets; Estatuario marble floors and showers; double rainfall shower fixtures with hand-held heads; and custom tilework throughout.

The bedrooms, which have been placed together on their own oor (along with the home’s laundry room), offer access to a separate deck/patio that comes complete with a hot tub. Each bedroom contains a large closet; the master bedroom has a walk-in as well as an en suite bathroom.
Filopoulos is thrilled with the end result, especially since, in a way, this is something he’s been working toward his whole life, having been a regular visitor to the area since he was a kid.

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“I went out there in childhood, in adulthood,” he said.

“We wouldn’t take the time to go out there if it didn’t look the way it does.” Most of the units have been sold, though there are a few left. Thus far, buyers seem to be empty nesters who don’t necessarily want a home that needs a lot of maintenance. (“When [buyers] let us know they’re coming out, we’ll take care of everything,” Filopoulos said.)

With some 500 staff working right next door at Gurney’s resort, the capabilities are endless, from room service to housekeeping to turn-down service.

The resort also offers plenty of wellness opportunities, and Filopoulos said that many of the owners take advantage of that.

“It really is like being on vacation all the time,” he said. “It’s not in your face—it’s at the level you choose. It’s all in the owners’ hands.”

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The completely furnished units begin at 1,500 square feet, and all offer significant outdoor space. Prices start at $2 million.

The Residences at Gurney’s
272 Old Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY / For pricing and availability, visit
livegurneys.com