Water Mill braces for filming of ‘Summer House’ reality show
Bravo’s reality show “Summer House” is moving to Water Mill this summer, prompting residents to express concerns that the controversial show will boost noise and ensnarl traffic in the leafy hamlet.
The second season of the show — about nine wealthy New Yorkers who share a house in the Hamptons — will start filming at 1451 Deerfield Rd. every weekend from June 23 through Sept. 4, according to a film permit application filed with Southampton Town.
“Summer House” producers initially applied to film the second season in East Hampton Town — where the first season took place — but officials rejected their bid in May after town residents and businesses said the production promoted a party scene, among other complaints.
The show is now moving west, even though cast members last season touted that Montauk, where the show tried to film but was denied permits to shoot on public property, was more fun than other parts of the Hamptons.
Production company Truly Original filed the Southampton filming permit application on April 27, the same day Bravo officials announced they were renewing “Summer House.” The company will pay the town $20,250 in filming fees over 40 days of setup, filming and cleanup.
Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman said the film permit was approved by the town clerk’s office without being seen by town board members. He said he would “rather not have the money” because the show is “damaging to the reputation of the area” and could violate town codes, including one that requires obtaining a rental permit and another that prohibits more than four unrelated people from renting a house together.
“I’ve asked the town attorney to look into the matter,” Schneiderman said last week. “It’s possible the permit could be revoked if issued erroneously.”
A representative for Truly Original did not respond Monday to a request for comment.
The eight-bedroom house where the show will be filmed – which is for sale for $4.995 million — includes a pool, hot tub and tennis court on 5.2 acres, according to a listing with real estate firm Nest Seekers International.
The house is nestled in the woods of a gated community, where four of six houses are for sale. It is owned by Brian Ammar, who also has another house located behind Deer Gate.
Christine Brennan, who lives across the street from the gated community, said she believes the distance between houses could insulate her from the noise of the production. But she said she is concerned the show could create more traffic on Deerfield Road, which is often used as an alternate route from Southampton Village to Sag Harbor.
“It’d be interesting to see what the summer brings for us,” Brennan said. “I can endure three days of anything, I suppose.”
Rachelle Blidner covers Suffolk County government, politics and breaking news.
