Hamptons weekly roundup: Inside Airbnb crackdown, Matt Lauer’s cottage lists for $4M, an orgy venue hits market & more

Inside the East End Airbnb crackdown 

Increased rental policing on both East End forks to keep out so called “Airbnb crowds” is roiling this summer’s rental market, according to local sources. Some predict that rental deal volume will be down 25 percent this season — partly as a result of new these restrictions. East Hampton, for example, is now mandating seasonal landlords to pay $100 and register their rentals in a new database. While some are pleased to see share-house visitors and Airbnb crowds curbed, others — especially property owners who depend on rent income — are irked. [TRD]

East Hampton orgy venue is on the market for $6.5M

A Hamptons house that was home to a recent orgy hosted by the sex club Killing Kittens has been lingering on the market since 2014. The $6.5 million pad, which is located at 400 Hands Creek Road, was the venue for the recent “White Party.” According to the Daily Beast, the party was a dud. No doubt Town & Country Real Estate, which has the listing, is hoping the property isn’t as lackluster as the party.  [LLNYC]

Matt Lauer lists his lesser Hamptons cottage for $3.9M

Talk about trading up. Shortly after buying Richard Gere’s North Haven compound for $36.5 million, the “Today” show anchor listed his Southampton beach house for $3.9 million. The 1,800-square-foot residence on Scotts Landing Road has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an enclosed porch and a cathedral ceiling living room. [TRD]

How to open a Hamptons hotspot — it’s easier said than done

High rents, a short season and increasing government oversight are making it harder for entrepreneurs to start (and sustain) Hamptons hotspots. But deals are still getting done. TRD looked at the latest crop of bars and restaurants on the East End — and at how there’re making it work amid today’s market challenges. [TRD]

The modern mansion of a denim guru hits the market for $13M

Mudd Jeans partner George Fontini is also looking to unload his Hamptons home. His 1.8-acre Amagansett North estate is listed for nearly $13 million. Fontini bought the property 12 years ago for $1.5 million. He wrapped construction on the secluded 5,800-square-foot home in 2014. Feel free to drool over the photos. [TRD]

Buyers find new charm in old Hamptons homes

It may be out with the new and in with the old in the Hamptons. Local agents are seeing more buyers restoring historic properties because of neighborhood preservation efforts, 27East reported. In an effort to curb the demolitions of older structures, the Sag Harbor Village Board, for instance, is now limiting new construction of more than 3,000 square feet. [27East]

“Prince of Montauk” Dylan Eckardt shows up at court — fashionably late 

The pro-surfer-turned-broker showed up two hours late to a court appearance last week, just barely getting himself out of an arrest warrant. Eckardt, a Montauk native who’s recently been buying up small area cottages, was arrested two weeks ago for allegedly driving while on drugs. That was just days after being fired from Nest Seekers International. He was later overheard saying, “Just made it by 10 minutes. Taking a helicopter is so much faster.” [East Hampton Star]

A two-time record-breaking Hamptons home just got $20M cheaper

Talk about a discount. Pharmaceutical mogul Stewart Rahr has slashed the price of Burnt Pointe, his 24-acre estate on Georgica Pond, from $95 million to $75 million, Curbed reported. The gargantuan East Hampton property first broke records in 1996 when it sold to trader David Campbell for $10 million. In 2000, it sold to Rahr for $45 million — again the most expensive home ever sold in New York State at that time. [Curbed]

Inside the country’s most exclusive ZIP code

The Village of Sagaponack has 500 residents and measures less than five square miles, but it’s the most expensive enclave in the country with a median home price of $8.5 million. Current and former residents include Jimmy Fallon, Caroline Kennedy and the Clintons. But the town isn’t all rainbows and butterflies. TRD goes close up on the good, the bad and the ugly. [TRD]

Hotelier receives permission to develop dilapidated property

The very run-down Brewster House in Southampton will remain standing thanks to a vote by the Southampton Town board. The site’s owner, Jamie Minnick of Restoration Equity Group, and his wife, Keri, plan to turn the historic home into a hotel. The town, which was concerned about the building’s structural integrity, is allowing the restoration to proceed. But the Minnicks must install a 6-foot-high fence around it. [27East]