Editor's Note: This story was updated with additional information on Feb. 8.
Southampton Town Code Enforcement executed a search warrant Sunday at a Water Mill estate advertised as “The Ultimate Luxury Rental in the Hamptons.”
The single-family home has been operating as a transient rental, "similar to a hotel with concierge service," according to a statement from issued Wednesday. The estate has a certificate of occupancy for 10 bedrooms and a pool house, but the basement had been unlawfully converted into two additional bedrooms and the pool house basement was in the process of being converted without a building permit into a two-bedroom apartment for the concierge staff, the statement reads.
The owner and builder, Michael D’Alessio, was issued appearance tickets for not having a rental permit, multiple counts of both transient rental and not having a building permit, not having plumbing or electrical permits for the pool house conversion, a change of use violation, and a violation of the certificate of occupancy.
“The owner blatantly disregarded the law for his own personal gain at the expense of his neighbors and legitimate area hotels and businesses,” Councilman Chris Nuzzi said. “Also of great concern are the potential safety issues related to the rooms that were constructed illegally without the proper inspections.”
“Violations of this nature erode the quality of life for our residents and will be prosecuted to the extent of the law,” Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst added.
Concierge staffers Matthew Ardley and Megan Kemper were ticketed for not having a rental permit and transient rental violations.
A stop work order was issued as well.
There were at least a dozen Mercedes in the driveway Sunday when five code enforcement and police vehicles arrived.
The address, 76 Rose Hill Road, is identified as The Rose Hill Estate on both a website advertising suites for rent and a Facebook page. According to the Facebook page, the estate opened for business in September. The are 10 suites advertised, and accommodations include a 70-foot heated pool, a gunite spa, steam room, a 3,000-square-foot pool house, tennis court, theater, gym/massage room, seven fireplaces, an elevator, basketball court and flat-screen televisions in all rooms. Services offered include catering, wine tastings, party hosting chauffeurs and more. It is listed as available for weddings, college reunions, fundraisers, and other events.
The estate is also advertised for rent on 's website for $695,000 for Memorial Day to Labor Day, $20,000 for the winter, $60,000 for July alone, and $75,000 for August through Labor Day.
