KDHamptons

KDHamptons: How long have you been coming to the Hamptons?

Mariah Mitchell Davis: My first trip to the Hamptons was when I was 5-years old to visit my godmother on Gin Lane.  Her house is an extraordinary traditional home on the beach in Southampton.  One of my favorite childhood pictures was taken on her deck with my brother, we both have freckles on our noses and the biggest smiles you have ever seen! We both had never seen such an exquisite beach before and the day was spent knee deep in sand and in ocean waves. That experience always stuck with me.  When I was 12-years old, my family purchased a house in Bridgehampton, which is where I always considered home to be, despite traveling back and forth from NYC every weekend.  Lumber Lane was home, and where our family could be a family, and where I felt I had roots in the ground. It gave me the balance I needed to be a city kid and country girl.  My time spent out East allowed me to develop a deep appreciation for the natural elements.

KDH: What do you love most about the East End?

MMD: What is special to me is the open fields, the vineyards and farms, the horses and animals and crops, the beautiful light, sunrises and sunsets, being on the water, hiking a trail, and the room it gives me to explore and be me. After almost three decades here, I am so connected and grateful for the people that live here year round.

KDH: What’s hot in the Hamptons real estate market right now?

MMD: In the Hamptons, there is always a buzz, and it is always changing and extremely dynamic.  In terms of properties, Sagaponack/Bridgehampton is a huge area where people are looking to build and/or buy land, Montauk is also extremely popular in season. One town I could never say enough about is Sag Harbor…people are drawn there because it is a real year-round village where there is the most amazing eclectic mix of residents.  Its history is right in front of you and all around you in the village, and many of the homes are just filled with spirit and character.  There is a trend happening where many of the homes are now being fully restored in a synchronized manner to reflect the way they were originally built [see white house, pictured left].

KDH: Describe your Hamptons home, and decorating style?

MMD: My home in Bridgehampton [grey shingled home, pictured left] is a typical traditional Hamptons village home with the classic country shingle exterior.  We have a lovely front porch with a bench swing, and, of course, the American flag sweeping overhead.  Inside, you will find a beach theme along with classic colors and designs.  I have always cherished antiques, and being in the ‘country’ find myself drawn to a French country style…lots of white and dark woods, original detail, simply stated pieces that also offer personality and a twist.

KDH: I am sure in your field you have seen some amazing homes, any that you would die for?

MMD: There are so many homes I would die for and it’s a fascinating question to answer because there is no formula or type of home that I am personally drawn to. I fall in love with beach cottages in Amagansett and Montauk, and historic homes in Sag Harbor, the expansive reserve properties, farmhouses and horse farms and barns in Sagaponack and Bridgehampton, the old-school estates of Southampton, the lovely village homes amongst the tree-lined streets of East Hampton, and even, more recently, the current modern homes that seem to be on the increase.

KDH: Personal style: do you have a Hamptons “uniform”? which designer do you wear the most?

MMD: I think I have a unique style that reflects every aspect of my personality.  I have been told that I am hippy-chic.   I tend to be attracted to both playful colorful prints and sophisticated pieces.  I also do enjoy being part of the design and fitting of a piece.  Some of my favorites stores are Gloria Jewel, 25 Park, Haute Hippie and Calypso.

KDH: What is your favorite Hamptons restaurant?

MMD: One of my favorites has always been Robert’s in Water Mill, it’s our go-to place for any special occasion, and the seasonal dishes are fabulous.  Suki Zuki and Yama Q for favorite sushi spots, Tutto Il Giorno in Sag Harbor, the pasta is perfection and the polenta is to die for!  Beacon and Fresno never disappoint.  In terms of family places you are always in good hands at Dockside or LT Burger in Sag Harbor and Canal Café in Hampton Bays.  Be sure to ask for my good friend Paul!

KDH: Please describe your perfect day in detail for our readers?

MMD: The time of year changes my perfect day, but I will choose my favorite seasons of the year~ Summer.  I wake up early and wait for the best part of the day, a kiss from my 4-year old son upon his rising. A leisurely family breakfast at home of eggs and croissants, fresh strawberries and blueberries.  Then off to one of my favorite exercise spots- physique 57, Exhale core/fusion, Hot yoga or a run…and meet a friend or two for coffee afterwards.  Then I pack a lunch and go to Peter’s Pond Beach in Sagaponack with my family or our local Bridgehampton Club to see friends.  After some play and a swim in the ocean, we come home and splash around in the pool.  I get a bag together and we all head out for a boat ride in the Harbor and in the Bay where we fish, explore and stop for another swim somewhere private and peaceful.  At dusk, we return home admiring the magic of an East End sunset and then we gather outside and prepare dinner- grilled fresh fish, tomato/basil/mozzarella, pike’s corn and grilled vegetables.  Later in the evening s’mores!

KDH: If you could invite anyone at your Hamptons dinner party [dead or alive] who would you invite?

MMD: Funny question. I think, because it is most revealing.  I had several candidates in my head, but I kept going back to who was the first and remains to be one of the biggest idols in my life: John Lennon.  Not only was he the headline of the biggest and best rock and roll band in history, he became a New Yorker and was a poet and a dreamer. In current day, he would come to my house for an outside dinner party and most certainly stir up the conversation.  Maybe even break out into tune over post-dinner drinks under the stars…

KDH: How do you “do it all” ? Work, husband, family…share a couple tips for busy reader?

MMD: One day at a time, literally.  I am very driven, social and nurturing so the balance between work, friends and family is always in flux.  I have learned as I have gotten older that I have to prioritize and let the rest go for the day.  Reminding myself that the world will not end if I am unable to be perfect at all three dimensions of my life is a constant mantra in my head.  At the end of the day, I have an awareness that I need to take time for myself, as well, to be well-rounded and happy.  However, in all other matters, family will always come first!