Beach Lives

Written By: Laura  Lawerence

With the arrival of our son James, in 1981 I realized that two steep flights of stairs up to the kitchen with grocery shopping bags, luggage and baby equipment was not as much fun as before. Time for a change.

We moved east onDune Roadto Quogue and in 1984 quickly purchased a cottage that had appeared sturdy after weathering several hurricanes – including the 1938 monster. Welcome to Beach #7.

We had our own hurricane scare stories but survived them  intact.  In a short time we embarked on renovations including the addition of two new wings and a swimming pool on the ocean side. Even so, our new friends, Jean and Bruce Newman encouraged us to join the Quogue Field Club and the Quogue Beach Club (a convenient few steps from our door.) Once again we became involved in tennis, golf, lunches at the beach, a happy summer life. We were blessed with the marvelous addition of our daughter, Maggie in 1986.

Our years of living in a house on the beach and participating in a myriad of beach activities with our children and friends comprise the most precious memories. There were picnics on the beach,  summer parties , sandcastle building contests, volleyball, the annual July 4th BBQs, and much more. Fun, sharing and comrade was felt by all!

In 1996, my husband and I amicably parted ways and I had embarked on my career in residential real estate inManhattan.  In January2000, areal estate broker phoned me stating that a special customer had walked my Quogue property even though the house was not listed for sale. She suggested to me that I present a price for the house, and we go forward.  I closed on that property in March 2000.

In 2001 I purchased a house north of the highway in Quogue. This ranch style house on Deer Path had a heated swimming pool, a tennis court and only five steps up to the front door. The beach was close enough. I called the house Nearby Beach #8. The children held fun tennis tournaments.  Swim suits for the pool did double duty for playing tennis. I required sneakers for the tennis court at all times.

Parties at Nearby Beach house #8 were quite popular; guests could walk or bike home as we were centrally located in the village. We all enjoyed our life together. New friends, old friends, and wonderful summer times.

In 2009 my son was married at The Montauk Yacht Club, and he and his wife continue to live and work inEasthampton. They each feel they enjoy some of the beautiful beaches in the world. They would not live anywhere else.

Now it’s July 2012. Both my real estate career and my daughter’s busy city life have meant much less time in Quogue for us. But, no less love for the beach!  When my daughter marries her intended will have to love Quogue and the Beach. It’s in our blood.

At this writing I have sat on many beaches on several continents. I am still convinced that this narrow spit of land jutting out into theAtlantic Oceanhas the finest sand, the cleanest ocean, and most beautiful sunsets anywhere in the world. It’s aptly called The Hamptons.

Perhaps this longing for nature’s beauty will make me search for, and ultimately buy another house in the Quogue area. Of course, it must have close access to The Beach.

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