The Great Thaw
Same ground, new energy.
The Market Soil Report: Early Spring 2026
The Hamptons spring market is beginning to sprout, but the “soil” conditions vary depending on which village you’re looking at. Here is the ground-level view:
Inventory Levels: In the first week of March, 21 New Listings came onto the market. With 14 listings going into contract, this INCREASES the inventory by 7 listings.
Reach out to me for more information about the current Hamptons real estate market, or see the latest Saunders & Associates Market Report.
The Yield: Anecdotally, I’m seeing sellers who have invested in “healthy” upgrades (e.g., geothermal heating, native pollinator gardens, and professional-grade kitchens) are seeing much higher returns and faster closing times.
2026 CSA & Membership Guide: The “Fresh Start” Edition
March is the “Golden Window” for securing your spot in our local food system. Here are the top picks for the 2026 season:
On the East End there are a bounty of CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) options where you become partners with a farm by buying a seasonal share of their harvest in exchange for a regular delivery of fresh, locally grown produce and farm goods—either weekly boxes or field access where you do the picking—featuring vegetables, herbs, fruit, eggs, and sometimes dairy or flowers.
The Farm Shares
– Balsam Farms (Amagansett): The 2026 season kicks off May 21st. A local favorite for their massive variety and “add-on” options like fruit and dairy.
– Amber Waves Farm (Amagansett): This Main Street staple offers a highly interactive CSA. Members often get “Pick-Your-Own” access to flowers and herbs. Starts Memorial Day May 25.
– Quail Hill Farm (Amagansett): One of the original CSAs in the country, 37 years and counting! Their memberships work on a sliding scale and offer a deep connection to the Peconic Land Trust. The season starts in June and early bird pricing is in effect through March 31.
– Sylvester Manor (Shelter Island): Their 21-week produce share runs June 14 – Nov 1 ($810). For those on the go, their $500 Farmstand Credit is a great flexible alternative.
– Sang Lee Farms (Peconic): The gold standard for organic enthusiasts. Their 24-week program starts in June. Sign up now to lock in member perks.
From Grain to Glass
Sagaponack Farm Distillery: Visit the tasting room for estate-grown spirits harvested right from the Sagg Main fields.
Matchbook Distilling (Greenport): The Apothecary Tasting room is the starting point for immersive experiences like distillery tours, Pours and Provisions tasting and even a crash course in how to blend your own gin.
Kidd Squidd Brewery: Pouring local brews and hosting community supporting events and musical acts in Sag Harbor’s former train station.
Springs Brewery: Keep an eye out for Lazy Lightning and the rest of their beers at pop-ups, retailers, and bars all over the east end.
Bridgehampton Spotlight: The Ultimate Local Pairing
As the days get longer, there’s nothing quite like flavors of Bridgehampton to remind us why we love calling the East End home. This month, I’m eyeing a classic pairing that’s as local as it gets:
The Wine: Stop by Channing Daughters Winery on Scuttle Hole Road. Their artisanal, small-batch approach—like their signature field blends and experimental orange wines—captures the spirit of our local terroir.
The Pairing: On your way back, swing by Mecox Bay Dairy for some of their award-winning raw milk cheeses. There is something incredibly grounding about knowing exactly which pasture your food came from.
Market Spotlight: Rare Opportunities & Seasonal Retreats
Iconic Hospitality Lease: 40 & 21 Bowden Square. This is a rare opportunity to lead the next chapter of a Southampton landmark. Positioned in the heart of the Village, this 288-seat restaurant and bar offers unmatched scale and history.
The Space: Over 7,000 SF interior features three distinct bars, multiple dining rooms, and a massive covered patio.
The Advantage: A fully equipped kitchen, a dedicated 1-acre parking lot (21 Bowden Square), and a turnkey platform for a high-volume operator.
Food for Thought: Having covered the East End’s culinary evolution for 15 years, I can say this is one of the few remaining “canvas” properties capable of anchoring the Southampton Village dining scene.
The Summer Rental Collection:
Planning your summer on the East End? I am currently curating a list of exclusive summer rentals. Reach out to find your place.
For a private tour of Bowden Square or to view my full summer rental portfolio, email [email protected] or call me directly.
Field Notes
“Eating is an agricultural act.” — Wendell Berry
This simple sentence has guided my thoughts around food for a long time, and it carries even more weight in the world of real estate. Being mindful of the local land isn’t just about preserving a view or a property line; it’s about recognizing that our homes are part of a living ecosystem.
Choosing to live on the East End is to become a steward of the soil, the water, and the local farms that sustain us. Every meal we share and every “plot” we care for is a vote for the future of this landscape.
![Sculpture @ Sylvester Manor: [R]evolution](https://hamptons.com/wp-content/uploads/event-manager-uploads/event_banner/2021/07/manor_house-350x350.jpg)
