From Colonial Revival to Contemporary, Here Are Four Architectural Styles You’re Likely to See in the Hamptons

The Hamptons is a series of oceanfront enclaves beloved by well-to-do New Yorkers looking for a summer getaway. In addition to bone-white beaches and striking azure waters, visitors and residents alike are sure to be enchanted by its charming homes. Here are four styles that dominate the landscape.

Shingle Style

Nothing looks more quintessentially Hamptons than Shingle style architecture. Popularized in New England in the late 1800s by architects who wanted to break away from overly ornate Queen Anne style homes, this look is characterized by expansive porches, sloped rooflines, glass galore, and asymmetrical exteriors. Architecture firms Peabody and Stearns and McKim, Mead, and White oversaw dozens of these Shingle style seaside cottages for upper-class individuals in Rhode Island and East Hampton. Today, these homes remain popular with those looking for a cozy seaside abode.

Colonial Revival

The 1876 Centennial Exhibition reignited Americans’ fascination with their colonial past and, as a result, Colonial Revival homes began to spring up. Best characterized as a mix of several distinctly American architecture styles, these rectangular homes feature symmetrical exteriors and multiple shutter windows. The homes also show off classic columns and large porches that seemingly function to transport homeowners and guests alike back in time. These sizable homes are especially suited for anyone who loves entertaining.

Farmhouse

Reimagined for a cosmopolitan audience, the farmhouse style is defined by rustic yet chic interiors. Materials like wood flooring and wood beams, stone fireplaces, and oversized windows are used to create an effortless mix of old and new. It’s the perfect look for anyone who prefers something down-to-earth yet still sophisticated.

Contemporary

In recent years, contemporary homes have become increasingly popular in the Hamptons. An eclectic combination of multiple architectural styles, contemporary homes often feature modern materials like steel and concrete, as well as large banks of glass that allow plenty of natural light to filter into the home. Some contemporary residences also feature overhangs, sharp angles, and asymmetrical exteriors, although the look varies from house to house. Many contemporary homes come with well-manicured yards with sparkling pools and outdoor entertaining areas.

If you’ve fallen head-over-heels for the Hamptons and are thinking about buying a home in the area, contact the Breitenbach Advisory Team today. With over 12 years of experience representing celebrity and luxury clients as well as handling over $1.5 billion in real estate sales, the team brings insider intel and behind-the-scenes know-how to every real estate transaction. From helping prospective buyers find properties that match their wish lists to finding a home that lives up to your desired architectural style to facilitating sales in the Hamptons Bay real estate market, the Breitenbach Advisory Team is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to put down roots in this charming coastal community.