Where in the world is Matt Lauer? Well, the answer is the Hamptons, NY, because the Today veteran has reportedly dropped $36.5 million on Strongheart Manor, the 6.3-acre waterfront estate belonging to actor Richard Gere. Located in the Hamptons enclave of North Haven, NY, the property, which Richard purchased as a two-parcel compound in 2005 for $6.9 million, has mesmerizing views over Peconic Bay and Mashomack Preserve.
However, it’s certainly bounced on and off the market: It was originally listed in July of 2013 for $65 million, but Richard slashed the price twice, settling on $47.5 million. So when you say it like that, it sounds like a bargain for Matt at $36.5 million!
Tucked behind gates for ultimate privacy, the estate comprises three single and separate lots. Foremost is the 19,000-square-foot main house, which was built in 1902 but has been completely restored and updated with modern technology and appliances. A spacious screened-in porch spans the entire length of the house — here’s hoping Savannah Guthrie and the rest of the crew will come over to hang with Matt on those inviting rocking chairs.
The formal living and dining rooms provide classic Hamptons sophistication, as do the multiple fireplaces throughout the home. The two completely renovated guesthouses have a total of 12 bedrooms and 12 baths. Outside the house sit a 60-foot heated pool, rolling lawns and flower gardens, specimen trees, and an outdoor fireplace pavilion. The home is a naturalist’s wonderland, with 300 feet of direct bay frontage, a 240-foot private deep-water dock, and a sandy beach. The estate also comes with a gym, basketball court, and room for tennis courts. Just your average, quaint little beach cottage!
Naturally, this isn’t the only home for Matt, who maintains a ritzy spread closer to the Today set in New York City. According to Page Six, he plans to keep his 40-acre farm in Water Mill, NY, but will ditch two other homes: The Sag Harbor, NY, home he bought back in 1999 for $935,000 and the Southampton, NY, cottage he bought in 2009 for $2.15 million. Hey, don’t let anyone tell you journalism doesn’t pay!
Images courtesy of Corcoran. The listing agent was Susan Breitenbach.
