The Golden Age of Hamptons House Sharing: A Nostalgic Reflection
In the summer of 2008, three young Long Islanders, Hara Kang, James Keogh, and Justin Agnello, found themselves in the heart of the Hamptons house-sharing scene. They had discovered the ultimate bargain for young professionals seeking a glamorous summer getaway: a well-located four-bedroom ranch house in East Hampton, split three ways, for just $3,000 per month. This was the era of the Hampton share house, a golden age that many Long Islanders reminisce about with fond memories.
As Kang, Keogh, and Agnello enjoyed their summer, they were part of a larger trend. The 1980s to the late aughts marked a period of affordable summer rentals and a vibrant house-sharing culture. Young professionals flocked to the Hamptons, eager to party and relax in the sun, often arriving by caravan on Friday afternoons. The house-sharing movement, which began during the 1979 energy crisis, offered a cost-effective way to enjoy the South Fork, with rates as low as $1,000 for the entire summer.
Denise DiChiara, a public school librarian, recalls the carefree spirit of the era. The goal was to maximize the number of days spent in the share, with a focus on affordability and a bed to sleep in. The house-sharing scene was a melting pot of young professionals, from Wall Street to medicine, all united by a love for socializing and a desire to make the most of their summer.
The nightlife was electric, with legendary clubs like the Canoe Place Inn (CPI) and Marrakesh in Westhampton Beach. These clubs had their own unique dress codes and door attendants, adding to the glamour. The era was also characterized by big hair, neon tank tops, and 'war paint' under the eyes, as DiChiara fondly remembers. The house-sharing culture fostered a sense of community, with friends and memories made over communal dinners, water-skiing, and club-hopping marathons.
Gary Young and his friend Eric Morrell, along with 30 others, boiled lobsters and had a lobster dinner one memorable August night in 1998. They then headed to Neptune Beach Club, showcasing the carefree and adventurous spirit of the time. The house-sharing scene was not just about partying; it was a way of life, with friends becoming family and memories lasting a lifetime.
However, the golden age of Hampton share houses came to an end. The affordable rentals are now a distant memory, with prices soaring to $15,000 to $18,000 per week. Many of the legendary nightclubs have closed, but the friendships forged during those heady days remain. Kang, Keogh, and Agnello, now successful real estate partners, look back on their house-sharing years with awe, recognizing the unattainable affordability of the past.
The era of the Hampton share house was a unique and memorable chapter in Long Island's history, a time when young professionals could enjoy the Hamptons without breaking the bank. It was a time of carefree adventures, lasting memories, and a vibrant social scene that continues to resonate with those who experienced it.
