Why You Should Buy Their House: Amityville

Sellers Tom and Ginny Doherty

Address 51 Stuart Ave., Amityville

Asking price $599,000

The competition Waterfront properties in the Amityville school district list between $379,000 and $1.3 million.

Recent sale on the block In July, a four-bedroom waterfront Colonial on Bourdette Place sold for $675,000.

Taxes $10,706; village taxes: $2,872

Time on the market Since May

Listing agent Joanne Mills, Exit Realty Premier, Massapequa Park, 516-836-5289

Why it’s for sale “It’s time to downsize,” says Tom, 68, who is twice retired — first as a former New York City detective who has also retired from a home inspection business. Tom says he and Ginny, 67, a legal secretary, are going to remain on the Island for now.

Just moments from the Great South Bay, this sprawling waterfront ranch — more than 3,200 square feet — offers a family room, a living room with a fireplace, a dining room and an eat-in kitchen. There are two and a half bathrooms and four bedrooms, two of which are master suites on opposite sides of the house. Tom and Ginny, who have lived here since 1995, have completely renovated their home within the last few years. Tom adds:

“We are maybe a few hundred yards from the Bay. It’s great for people who want to fish without having to go too far. We have a large deck with a retractable awning overlooking the canal ... There is an oversized garage on one side of the house and another garage that has been converted into a large storage area on the other side. Because there isn’t a basement, we have a large walk-through attic for storage ... We have been very happy here, but it’s time to go.”