St. James: Old-fashioned charm in a country atmosphere
The Deepwells Farm Historical Society hosts cultural programs and activities. Credit: Johnny Milano
Within the hamlet homebuyers have a choice of neighborhoods and prices. The north-south avenues and east-west streets in the grid area are popular with those who enjoy walking to town, and have ranches, Capes and Colonials, Glenn said, adding, “None look the same. Homes here start around $449,000 and go up to about $800,000.”
The St. James General Store, built in 1857, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Credit: Johnny Milano
St. James East has ranches and Capes built on ¼-acre lots starting around $600,000. In the northeast there are developments with newer, larger homes on 1 acre, including Colonials, ranches and Victorians from $900,000 to $1.8 million.
In the early 1900s, St. James became a popular summer hangout for some big names, including the Barrymores, Irving Berlin, Buster Keaton and Myrna Loy.
Moriches Avenue and the surrounding area comprise the Saint James Historic District and includes what is believed to be the oldest general store in the U.S. still under operation, the 1857 St. James General Store, which sells old-fashioned candy and toys. There’s also Deepwells Farm Historical Society, an 1845 estate that offers cultural programs and activities.
Homes along Fourth Street. Credit: Johnny Milano
Another landmark that passersby might recognize is the weather-beaten Winnie the Witch, the giant figure that has loomed over the greenhouses at Wicks Farm on Route 25A since 1977.
The main street, Lake Avenue, is the site for parades and home to restaurants and specialty shops, as well as the train station, one of the oldest on Long Island.
The hamlet is 15 minutes from the Port Jefferson Ferry to Bridgeport, Connecticut. Nearby are Town of Smithtown beaches such as Long Beach, which has a marina, and Short Beach, both on Long Island Sound, and the 8.3-mile long Nissequogue River, which is popular for kayaking.
The St. James General Store. Credit: Johnny Milano
Meg Shutka, vice president of the St. James Chamber of Commerce, said she’s hopeful that recent road improvements along Lake Avenue will attract more businesses to the area. Some residents are opposing a proposed eight-lot subdivision of a 75-acre Gyrodyne property at a mostly undeveloped North Country Road site over traffic concerns.
Homes along Jackson Avenue South. Credit: Johnny Milano
Priced at $1.6 million, this postmodern on Monterrey Drive is in the gated Hamlet Estates community. Credit: Rob Cuni
Priced at $829,990, this Colonial on Maywood Court is on a cul-de-sac in Mill Pond Estates. Credit: Image Habitat /Jim Harrison
Priced at $449,000, this ranch on Second Avenue is set on a little more than a ¼ acre. Credit: Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty
Holly Ln.
Tusa Ct.
Highwoods Rd.
