About
History
A charming coastal hamlet, Amagansett is situated within the town of East Hampton, New York. A tranquil community with a full-time resident population of less than 1000, Amagansett was originally occupied by the Montauketts, or Montauk people, an Algonquian speaking Native American culture from the eastern end of Long Island.
Amagansett originally stood at the eastern tip of Long Island. Montauk was an island off the coast, in the Atlantic. From the last ice age, spanning several thousand years, the littoral drift, also known as ocean currents, filled the gap with sand. This area is now known as Napeague.
Amagansett was settled in 1680 by the Dutch and the English; these settlers named it Amagansett, derived from a Montaukett word for "place of good water," referring to the water source that is now known as Indian Wells beach.
A pictorial history of the seaside hamlet, entitled Amagansett, was published in 1997, and is a wonderful resource for geography or history buffs interested in learning more.
Current Day
A picturesque seaside retreat, Amagansett is defined by its natural seascape and gorgeous white sand beaches that stretch for miles, uninterrupted.
Life beyond the beach is equally prized here; central to life in Amagansett is the charming Main Street, lined with local shops and gourmet restaurants. In season, residents window shop and stroll along the pedestrian sidewalks, welcoming a shady reprieve.
The town’s quaint center is anchored by Amagansett Square: a verdant park encompassing shops and restaurants, dotted with iconic blue hydrangea. The Square is a favorite spot for families to sprawl on blankets, toss frisbees and gather with friends.
In addition to its famed beaches, and charming town center, Amagansett offers myriad land sports as well. With miles of hiking trails at both Napeague State Park and the Amagansett National Wildlife Refuge, there is plentiful space to explore nature and wildlife. The hamlet also boasts a prestigious private golf course, the South Fork Country Club, and is perfectly situated next to top tier East Hampton Golf Club and Maidstone Club. For tennis fans, Sportime Amagansett provides a top notch venue to learn and play tennis, as does the nearby beloved Buckskill Tennis and Winter Club, which offers grassy tennis courts in summer, and ice skating in the off season.
A casual yet chic resort haven, Amagansett attracts both year-rounders and seasonal visitors alike to its friendly and beautiful shores.
The Dunes
A Quiet Coastal Hideaway
Within the Amagansett hamlet, tucked away mere steps from the beach, is a cherished seaside neighborhood: the Dunes. This peaceful beach community, situated south of Montauk Highway, between Mako Lane and Napeague Lane, is officially named Beach Hampton on town maps. Over time, residents here have phased out its more formal Beach Hampton title, and instead, colloquially refer to it as the Dunes.
This white sand coastal retreat is comprised of both paved and unpaved beach roads: each tree lined street is treated with great respect and uncompromising care.
Homeowners enjoy the solitude and serenity that the secluded Dunes provide, yet also appreciate the hustle and bustle that is easy to access mere moments away, in the more tourist populated villages of East Hampton and Montauk.
The Beach Access Walkways
During the summer season, the AEA provides several amenities to its members: (i) the safety and upkeep of the walkways maintained solely for the members, as well as landscape requirements essential to the beauty and maintenance of those paths; (ii) trash receptacles stationed at each beach entrance; (iii) pet refuse bags provided for the use of members; and (iv) during the summer season, a security guard is posted at each beach entrance.
Amagansett East Association
The Amagansett East Association, (“AEA”), is the Amagansett Dunes beach community homeowner’s association. The AEA Board is tasked with myriad duties focused on the care and maintenance of the three beach access walkways, along with the six private roads for the benefit of its members. The AEA is also responsible for promoting the common interests of all of its members.
The Board is comprised of volunteers from the community; these members work year-round to keep daily life in the Dunes tranquil and stress-free. AEA expenses, as well as community amenities, are funded by a modest AEA annual dues assessment for every homeowner.
The Roads
The AEA oversees the upkeep of the private roads throughout the year. The maintenance includes general maintenance essential to ensure that emergency vehicles, pedestrians and motorists can pass safely, and with ease. The homeowners in the Dunes cherish the unpaved roads, and consider them to be an essential element to the rustic charm of the community.