CONNECT WITH ASHLEY
What most differentiates Westhampton — and surrounding hamlets like Remsenburg, Quogue, Quiogue — from other parts of the East End, on either of the forks?
I think Westhampton Beach is just a really easy “Hampton” to be in. There are less frills, by design, no expectations, and not a ton of ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ — at least not as much as I’ve seen farther east. From a practical standpoint, the location is unmatched in terms of commuter convenience, being closer to western Long Island, the city, and the rest of the tri-state area. Remsenburg, Quogue, and Quiogue are similar in feeling close-knit, but each have their own different and special offerings.
I love that everyone knows each other and that everyone knows what's going on. I also hate that everyone knows each other and everyone knows what's going on. I particularly hated it as a kid if I was trying to get away with anything!
What do you love most about living here?
What’s the time and place?
12:00PM, and we're starting the afternoon here in Westhampton Beach, New York.
What’s the vibe?
The vibes are high and life is good!
What’s on the agenda?
First, getting a few items tidied up at work. Luckily, real estate isn’t a 9-to-5 — just 24/7. After that, either playing nine holes or breaking a sweat on the tennis court, then grabbing a bite by the beach at John Scott’s.
You’ve been in real estate for a literal dozen years now. What part of the job do you find most fulfilling?
It's a great feeling when you run into clients — especially after a number of years — and they’re still happy, still loving their home, and still thankful for your help and hard work. But, I’ve been doing this long enough to also have the privilege of repeat and three-peat clients when needs evolve. Sometimes it’s marriages, babies and grandbabies. Other times, it’s a client's business taking off financially, opening a new door. In those moments, whatever the reason, when a client calls and asks to work with you again, there is no higher compliment. The relationship between an agent and a client is a uniquely personal one. I’m invited into some of the biggest and most meaningful decisions in a person’s life. When those professional relationships naturally morph into friendships, that’s my favorite part of the job.
My life and work are very, very intertwined. There’s no such thing as “work-life balance” for me. I love what I do and while there are certainly more challenging days and deals, for the most part I don’t differentiate work and play. When I’m on the tennis court, when I’m on the golf course, when I’m out to dinner, I’m generally with at least one client and might be “working,” but I’m also getting to do all the things I love — in the place I love.
What does
community mean in your life?
You’re a third-generation local, born and raised. What keeps you here?
This has always been my home base, which offers an overwhelming sense of comfort and familiarity. My grandparents lived here, my dad and uncle were born here, and my most cherished memories are here. I’ve even inherited a third-generation P.O. Box from my grandparents. We never had a mailbox growing up in the village, and although Westhampton Beach allows them now, mailboxes still aren’t permitted in Remsenburg, where I live today.
No matter how long you’ve been gone, you’re always welcomed back with open arms. I love how the people here make you feel, and the overall quality of life. There’s also so much nostalgia. It makes your heart happy. It makes you feel warm inside. Westhampton Beach just makes you feel good.
name
Ashley J. Farrell
HOMETOWN
Westhampton Beach, New York
years IN REAL ESTATE
12
CURRENT RESIDENCE
Remsenburg, New York
clocking in
Real estate never stops ticking. With each installment of ‘Clocking In,’ we’ll join a different agent from across the Corcoran network — in places they know best — to learn how they live, work, and play.
Photography by Alexandra Moreo
Are there any notable trends you’re seeing in the local market?
I have a good amount of clients who are selling farther out east and coming to Westhampton, not just because of the commute, but also the bang for the buck. I think people are really seeing the light.
What are some of your goals this week? This year?
I love to read, so I’ve set a personal goal of finishing two books a week. I also love to run and promised myself I would enter Westhampton Beach’s Joe Koziarz 5K this summer. I trained and came away with a personal record as well as a first-place female finish for my age bracket – I am very proud of that. Running at “full send” for 3.1 miles was no joke and was nowhere near as easy as it had been in high school!
In terms of work, my goal is to always do better than I did the year before, whether that’s quantified by sales volume or rental volume. I’m already up [from last year] on
rentals and pacing well on sales, too.
clocking in
with Ashley J. Farrell
Corcoran East End Westhampton Beach, NY
clocking in
with Ashley Farrell
Corcoran East End | Westhampton Beach, NY
clocking in
with Ashley Farrell
Corcoran East End | Westhampton Beach, NY
It seems a lot of people lately are coming around to this idea that maybe the Hamptons actually don’t start at the canal, but many miles sooner. How has Westhampton changed as a result of that? How has it stood out more for just being what it always was?
Westhampton has consistently kept the same attitude of being unassuming, which hasn’t always been appealing to everyone. Growing up here, as a young kid and even into my teens, on the day after Labor Day, “Tumbleweed Tuesday,” you could roll a bowling ball down Main Street. That was it, the season was over. More recently, however, the season has expanded, making Westhampton feel a little more like a year-round town.
We’ve completed incredible projects, especially the infrastructure improvements on Main Street, which have paved the way for more restaurants and hotel renovations, both on and off Main Street — and, by the way, these are hotels you actually want to stay at.
The influx of restaurants is a game-changer. Growing up here, there were maybe three. Now there's so many I can't even count. Obviously, everyone knows about Pop-Up Bagels opening, but you’d expect to hear about something like that farther out east. We’ve welcomed Donohue's from the city, the long-running steakhouse on the Upper East Side. We have Flora and Fauna — part of the Rooted Hospitality Group, which run Cowfish and Rumba. And we still have our old classics like Baby Moon (my favorite!), The Patio, & Margarita Grill. Citarella opened as well this season, which of course is a great place to drop in for groceries but I’m also hitting up the salad bar nearly daily.
All of this transformation has helped Westhampton Beach evolve into a true luxury destination.
with Ashley J. Farrell
Corcoran East End Westhampton Beach, NY
