Centre Island: Waterfront homes and Billy Joel as a neighbor
Most homes in Centre Island, which is on a peninsula in Long Island Sound, are on the water or have water views. Credit: Newsday/John Paraskevas
Residents of the 185 homes in the village pay high annual taxes for that seclusion and security — they can range from about $50,000 to well over $150,000.
Centre Island Road, leading from Bayville, is the main route through the village. Credit: Newsday/John Paraskevas
Most of the homes in the 1-square-mile village are custom-built brick mansions, grand Colonials, and cedar shakes built in the style of French chateaus, English estates and Hamptons designs, said Regina Rogers of Douglas Elliman Real Estate. Prices range from $1.5 million for an entry-level home to $15 million for a luxury waterfront estate.
Centre Island overlooks Long Island Sound. Credit: Newsday/John Paraskevas
In Centre Island, you can watch the subtle day-to-day changes of life along the waterfront, notes Park Benjamin, a retired investment banker who has lived there 11 years. Many of the houses are on large plots of land either on the water or have water views.
“It’s just a very tranquil, nice place to be,” Benjamin said.
Centre Island Beach Park, which is actually in Bayville. Credit: Newsday/John Paraskevas
Though the village is remote, it’s close to the Town of Oyster Bay’s Centre Island Beach, just up the road on Bayville Avenue in adjacent Bayville. Residents can also access restaurants, shops and services in Bayville, as well as in Oyster Bay and Locust Valley.
Bayville, next door to Centre Island, is the nearest commercial center. Credit: Newsday/John Paraskevas
The Matinecock Indians originally hunted and fished in the area. In 1639, the Earl of Sterling sold Centre Island to Mathew Sinderland for 10 shillings. Unaware of that deal, the Matinecocks sold it to the Dutch in 1650. The matter was decided in 1666 when the Town of Oyster Bay purchased the land.
In the late 1800s, Centre Island became a summer colony and saw the opening of the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club, which still exists today. Centre Island was incorporated as a village in 1926 after beach bungalows had started popping up after World War I.
Many of the larger homes on Centre Island have gated entrances. Credit: Newsday/John Paraskevas
Village trustees recently adopted regulations restricting the use of leaf blowers on weekends and permitting horse stables on private property, the latter to oblige Billy Joel, one of the many bold-faced names with homes in Centre Island. Other notables have included members of the Roosevelt and Pell families, as well as Rupert Murdoch and Sean Hannity.
The Centre Island Police Department sits at the entrance to Centre Island. Credit: Newsday/John Paraskevas
Priced at $3.999 million, this estate on Centre Island Road has water views and access. Credit: Douglas Elliman Realty
Situated on a hill, this French country estate built in 1986 with 5,768 square feet of living space has five bedrooms and 4½ baths, with water views from every room as well as water access. It has a two-story front hall, a library with built-ins, and primary suite with a fireplace, balcony and office. The 3.2-acre property includes a pool and studio guest cottage. Taxes are $51,050. Regina Rogers, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, 516-759-0400.
Priced at $3.488 million, this French chateau-style estate on Centre Island Road overlooks a bird sanctuary. Credit: Douglas Elliman Realty
Built in 1997 and recently renovated, this 6,540-square-foot four-bedroom, 5½-bath French-chateau-style estate on 3.21 acres off Long Island Sound overlooks a bird sanctuary. It has a marble terrace, first-floor primary suite with two marble baths and a study; living room with a wet bar; butler’s pantry and gym. There’s also a pool and two-bedroom guesthouse. Private beach access comes with annual $1,400 HOA fees. Taxes are $61,332. Regina Rogers, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, 516-759-0400.
Priced at $3.05 million, this English country-inspired estate on Centre Island Road has water views. Credit: Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty
At 6,600 square feet, this five-bedroom, 4½-bath English country-inspired estate features harbor views, a grand foyer with a bridal staircase, oversized living room with hardwood floors, large dining room with curved windows, and primary suite with a balcony overlooking the water. The 2.93- acre property includes a detached three-car garage. Taxes are $51,623. Lowell Ackerman, Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty, 516-674-2000.
Centre Island Rd.
Centre Island Rd.
Centre Island Rd.
