A stunning self-made millionaire says she’s spending a record-breaking $500,000 for a two-week summer rental in the Hamptons, but not just to go to the beach and shop at tony boutiques — she’s hoping to land the love of her life.
“The dating pool is much better here than in Florida!” Cheryl Mercuris, a 40-something divorcée from Tampa, told The Post yesterday of her decision to rent a Bridgehampton estate for a staggering $1,488 an hour.
And Mercuris — a single mother who made her own fortune in direct marketing — is making quite a splash.
The East End is the international hunting grounds for women seeking the world’s most eligible bachelors, and she’s spending her time mingling with hedge-fund managers and Wall Street lawyers in their natural lairs — celebrity-studded restaurants and glamorous events.
“There are so many career-oriented people here, unlike the west coast of Florida, which is very quiet and laid-back — not great for someone who is single and raising a child,” she said.
But she’s far from desperate.
“I’m not on a mission,” she said. “If it’s meant to be, it will happen.”
And she has bad news for rich old East Enders on the prowl for a trophy bride — she has millions of her own.
“People probably think I’m divorced, spending my ex-husband’s money,” Mercuris said. “I’m proud that I made my own money. It’s so uncommon. I like the fact that I’m a self-made woman.”
The blond beauty rented Sandcastle, a spectacular mansion that’s now on the market for $49.5 million, and is sharing it with her 6-year-old son, her young nephew and her parents.
It’s not on the ocean, but it does have 14 bedrooms and 19 bathrooms and sits on 12 scenic acres.
The dream house also comes with a two-lane bowling alley, a squash court, a professional spa, and a rock-climbing wall, among other amenities.
“It’s a kid’s wonderland,” Mercuris said.
The two young children spending their vacation with her enjoy scooting around the property on a golf cart, and horseback riding.
They also like to surf, “if I can get them off the property,” she said.
“I love everything about the Hamptons.”
She also owns a home in the Time Warner Center and said she might move to New York permanently to take advantage of the cultural opportunities for her son.
Mercuris started her company, Quality Resources, in 1992 with 10 employees.
She now has 400 people working for her and is also a successful real-estate investor.