In the exclusive enclave of Amagansett, New York, Alec Baldwin’s farmhouse stands as more than just a residence; it’s a sanctuary steeped in personal history and family memories. For three decades, this home has been Baldwin’s refuge, witnessing both professional triumphs and personal tribulations. Now, with his wife Hilaria and their ever-expanding brood, the farmhouse has evolved into a vibrant family hub, a transformation chronicled in their TLC reality show, ‘The Baldwins.’ This article delves into why, despite considering a sale, the Baldwins find it impossible to part with their beloved Hamptons estate, exploring its unique spaces, personal touches, and the deep emotional bonds it holds.
Alec’s Long Island Haven
Alec Baldwin’s connection to Long Island runs deep, tracing back to his upbringing in Massapequa. The Hamptons, however, represented a different world, a sense of escape and exclusivity. In 1995, Baldwin purchased the Amagansett farmhouse for $1.75 million, a decision that raised eyebrows at the time. As Baldwin recalls, few ventured north of Montauk Highway to invest in property. Yet, he found solace in the privacy and tranquility the estate offered, a stark contrast to the bustling suburbia of his youth. His father brought us to Montauk a couple of times. It was expensive, this is not Long Island.
Initially, I thought, I probably have to get rid of it because it was a mistake. But several years went by, and I’m like, This is great. I love it because it’s private, said Baldwin reflecting on the early days of owning the property.
Hilaria’s Transformation: From Yoga Instructor to Home Renovator
When Hilaria entered the picture in 2012, the farmhouse began a new chapter of transformation. Marrying into Baldwin’s life, she embraced not only him but also the Amagansett property. With a vision for creating a family-friendly space, Hilaria embarked on renovations, blending her personal style with the home’s existing charm. The three-story summer home for one on Long Island’s East End had to grow, and so did Mr. Baldwin, 67.
“This was Alec’s safe place for a long time before he met me,said Ms. Baldwin, 41. A place he would come during very difficult times in his life: his divorce, a custody battle, everything. So it has been a piece-by-piece process learning how to come together and create something here, which I think is normal in any relationship.
‘The Baldwins’ Reality Show: Giving the Family a Voice
Last summer, the 11,000-square-foot estate with five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a library, a basement movie theater turned playroom, and an expansive open-concept living area became a leading character in the TLC reality show The Baldwins. Camera crews filmed the couple and their seven young children in the weeks before and after Mr. Baldwin stood trial for involuntary manslaughter in connection with the fatal 2021 shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie Rust.
Initially, the idea of making a reality show during the darkest period of his life was “the most preposterous thing I’d ever heard of,” Mr. Baldwin said. But he said he is grateful that his wife had the idea and that he decided to participate in the series. The show, Mr. Baldwin said, gave him and his family a voice during a time when “everybody else was speaking for us.” His children, and arguably the cameras, allowed Mr. Baldwin the opportunity to be his sarcastic, witty self.
A Portrait and a Bodega Memory
One of the most striking features of the living room is a portrait of Hilaria, painted by contemporary artist Brendan O’Connell. Inspired by a paparazzi photo taken inside a bodega near their West Village apartment, the painting captures a slice of Hilaria’s life in New York City. Alec really likes Rice-A-Roni, so Brendan put Rice-A-Roni in it,” Ms. Baldwin said. “But, Alec, I’ve actually never seen you eat Rice-A-Roni.
The couple met in 2011 at Pure Food and Wine, a raw food and vegan restaurant in New York City’s Gramercy neighborhood. Their fast-moving May-December romance, and questions about Ms. Baldwin’s slight Spanish accent and her first name — she was once Hillary — were catnip for tabloids.
The Library: A Shrine to Career Milestones
The library, with its rich wood cabinetry, serves as a testament to Alec Baldwin’s illustrious 45-year acting career. Golden Globes and Emmy Awards adorn the bookshelves, testaments to his iconic roles in ’30 Rock’ and ‘Saturday Night Live.’ Copies of Baldwin’s memoir, ‘Nevertheless,’ and Hilaria’s book, ‘Manual Not Included,’ further personalize the space. I used to hide it because everybody was like, ‘Oh, it’s one of Alec’s,’ Ms. Baldwin said. But I just took it out of the box the other day. I really loved working on that show. It was fun.
My Emmy for playing Trump was among the last vestiges of the old political consciousness of the entertainment industry,” Mr. Baldwin said. “They were allowed to do that then. Now they are all getting canceled and turned off if you mock him.
Backyard Bliss: A Playground for Seven
The estate’s sprawling backyard is a haven for the Baldwin children. A lush lawn, playground, and pool provide endless opportunities for outdoor fun. The 20-by-50-foot pool, built in 1996 and remodeled in 2014, features blue and white tiles reminiscent of Hilaria’s family in Spain.
Close by is a Traeger Lil’ Pig free-standing pellet grill that Mr. Baldwin’s 29-year-old daughter, Ireland Baldwin, gave to her father a few years ago as a gift for Father’s Day. The grill was a jest nod to a voice mail message Mr. Baldwin left her when she was just 11 years old. In the viral voice mail, he called her a “rude, thoughtless little pig.” Mr. Baldwin later apologized.
My daughter, Ireland, has a great sense of humor, and she sent me that to commemorate some unusual moment we had together, said Mr. Baldwin, who for years hid the grill in a small playhouse on the property. A couple of weeks ago, Ireland, her husband and her daughter came to visit. Hilaria and Ireland have a similar sense of humor, which is at my expense pretty uniformly. So, we brought it out and cooked on it.
Sunroom Art Haven
A glass-enclosed porch off the den serves as an art area, transformed after the birth of the couple’s first child, Carmen. The room features a large painted floor mat created by Carmen during the pandemic. Jackson Pollock has nothing on my daughter, he joked. Baldwin plans to frame the piece, celebrating his daughter’s artistic talents.
Final Takeaways
The story of Alec and Hilaria Baldwin’s Hamptons farmhouse is one of transformation, adaptation, and enduring family bonds. From Alec’s initial refuge to Hilaria’s renovations and the children’s artistic contributions, the home has evolved into a space that reflects their unique journey. Despite considering a sale, the Baldwins ultimately realized that the emotional value of their Amagansett estate far outweighed any financial gain. It’s a kid’s home that I never want to leave,” Mr. Baldwin said.
Their decision to stay underscores the importance of home as a place of belonging, connection, and cherished memories. The Baldwins’ Hamptons farmhouse is more than just a property; it’s a living testament to the power of family and the enduring allure of a place called home.
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