Red Hot Chili Peppers Drummer Wants Half a Million Bucks to Rent His Beach House

Every summer, beach goers and scene seekers flock to the Hamptons. And for those who fancy themselves a little too raffish and bohemian to fit into the buttoned-up world of Southampton or East Hampton, Montauk is the perfect place. Artists (Andy Warhol, Julian Schnabel), writers (Edward Albee), and musicians (Paul Simon, Rufus Wainwright, Paul McCartney) have always been drawn to the place.

Add the name of Chad Smith, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer, to the list of musicians who are drawn to Montauk. Smith purchased his handsome, low-key spread, in a secluded area of the surf town, in 2005 for $2.45 million. He briefly put the gated bay-0front property on the market in September 2020, asking a whopping $15 million, but pulled it back off within days.

Now, the rock-and-roll veteran has decided to offer the property to a deep-pocketed renter for the 2023 summer season, Memorial Day to Labor Day, the usual length for a summer season rental in the Hamptons, at the not-so-low price of $500,000. The gated property comprises two lots that together span about four acres on a bluff overlooking Fort Pond Bay. The main house measures in at about 4,750 square feet with five bedrooms and five-and-a-half bathrooms, while a guest cottage adds another two bedrooms and two baths.

An open floor plan keeps things informal and airy inside the main house. A spacious combination living and dining room showcases an exposed wood ceiling and stone fireplace, a casual farmhouse-style kitchen is packed with chef-quality appliances, and French doors in the stone-paved family room leads to the gardens. The master suite and one of the guest bedrooms are located on the first floor, while the cozy and compact upper-level bedrooms feature sloped ceilings and painted wood paneling. Finally, a finished attic serves as a bunkhouse with no fewer than four beds for overflow guests.

Designed by Robert Young Architects, the guest cottage showcases whitewashed wall framing and exposed ceiling beams that compliment wide-plank, white oak floorboards. In addition to the two bedrooms and two baths, the cottage is fully self-contained with a kitchenette.

Outside are rolling lawns and organic gardens designed by Chris LaGuardia. In addition to a 60-foot heated saltwater pool and private stairs down the bluff to the bay beach, there’s an outdoor movie screen for summer movie nights, a fire pit, an outdoor play structure, and a zip line. It might also be possible to add a mooring ball to safely secure a 75 foot boat. The property is adjacent to 800 acres of state and county land, with miles of trails for running, hiking and mountain biking.

Listing agents are Rylan Jacka and Jenny Landey at Sotheby’s International Realty.