Buying in Sands Point

BY LISA DOLL BRUNO

July 27, 2007

Community description: At the tip of the Port Washington peninsula, upscale Sands Point has some of the most spectacular views on Long Island - including the Sound, Manhasset Bay, the Manhattan skyline and area bridges. You take a breath and feel like you're in the country, says village clerk Randy Bond. The landscape is dotted with ranches and Colonials on sprawling manicured properties. Some old estates remain.

Starter prices: $1.5 million to $4 million; taxes about $17,000 to $35,000

Trade-up prices: Start between $4 million to $5 million; taxes starting at about $33,000.

High-end prices: Starting at about $10 million; taxes about $51,000 to $130,000, based on eight listings.

Village services: Water and police departments. Refuse removal is contracted privately. Most roads are village-owned. Postal service and fire protection are provided by Port Washington.

Shopping, restaurants and services: Minutes away, Port Washington has it all.

Attractions: The Sands Point Golf Club is private. Only residents can join The Village Club on Thayer Lane, which has an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts and a pool. "It's a wonderful resource and a great way for residents to get to know each other," Bond says. The Sands Point Preserve, operated by Nassau County, has hiking trails and a couple of original Gold Coast mansions that are open to the public.

HIGH-END-$9,995,000 - $11,994,876

Sweeping views of Long Island Sound and the Manhattan skyline are visible from most of the 17 rooms of this traditional-style home, which occupies 2.2 acres, including 100 feet of beach frontage. A pool, pool house and antique barn are also part of the landscape. Exquisite details include a library with handcarved red-maple bookshelves, three fireplaces (including one that is white hand-carved onyx from a brownstone) and a large kitchen with a separate butler's pantry, a tin ceiling, etched glass and wine storage. There are seven bedrooms, including two master suites and guest quarters. Elisa Eletto, Prudential Douglas Elliman, Cold Spring Harbor, 516-779-2484.

TRADE-UP- $3,580,000

This completely rebuilt 3,400-square-foot ranch with four bedrooms can be expanded to 10,000 square feet. The homeowner is maintaining the plans and permits, says the listing agent. Resting on 2.54 acres, the house features Palladian windows, a stone fireplace, solid cherry-wood floors stained in ebony, glass tiles in most of the 5 1/2 bathrooms and a kitchen with granite countertops. Amenities include a detached three-car garage, a built-in pool, a pool house and a security system. Mary Addams, Century 21 Laffey Associates, Manhasset, 516-627-4343.

STARTER- $1,630,000

"The outdoors comes inside," the listing agent says of this updated ranch, noting the windows in the living and dining rooms overlook the one-acre property. The kitchen has granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and a wood floor. The living room has a wood-burning fireplace. Other rooms include a family room with French doors, three bedrooms and two bathrooms. A two-car garage is attached. Julie Safran, Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty, Port Washington, 516-883-2900.