Real LI: Posts from our daily blog
BOOTLEGGER'S HOME?
Since this 1930 Tudor ranch in Bay Shore has hidden panels and secret rooms, it's been speculated that a bootlegger once lived here, says Joanne Schloen of Coach Realtors in West Islip, who, with Mark Donnelly, is marketing the home for $849,000.
"It's a super interesting house," says Schloen, citing extensive woodwork, custom carved moldings, soaring ceilings and Palladium windows.
As for secret compartments, they are scattered. Take the master closet, which has a 10-foot ceiling. It has floor-to-ceiling cabinets and a door that opens to a "giant" safe that is 5-by-6 feet. Once inside, there is a hole in the floor, with a ladder that descends to a space -- about 5-by 5-feet, with a light and shelving.
The attic, Schloen says, has an intricate pulley system that goes to a trap door in the kitchen. Perhaps that's how cases of liquor were transferred. Plus, the basement, which has original light fixtures, shows remnants of a bar.
The layout of the house -- about 3,450 square feet (not including the 2,000-square-foot basement -- includes a bright hallway with tall windows that connect to the entertaining spaces. The dining room features a vaulted ceiling, while the living room has a 20-foot coffered ceiling, a fireplace and a Palladium window. There are four bedrooms and three bathrooms.
The roof and mechanicals have been updated, Donnelly said.
Overlooking O-co-nee Lake, the 1.18-acre parcel contains a free-form gunite pool, which is accessible from the rear deck. -- LISA DOLL BRUNO
MORTGAGE COUNSELLING
Long Island homeowners having trouble paying mortgage bills can get help at two events this month.
For those living in Nassau County, there will be a clinic offering free legal advice about foreclosure from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Nassau County Bar Association's office at 15th and West streets in Mineola. Attorneys fluent in languages other than English are available on request.
Reservations are required and can be made by calling 516-747-4070.
Also, homeowners with mortgages through Wells Fargo or Wachovia may attend a workshop from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 17 and 18 at the Long Island Marriott and Convention Center Ballroom at 101 James Doolittle Blvd. in Uniondale.
Wells Fargo representatives will be available to confidentially discuss homeowners' questions and concerns, according to a notice announcing the event. Homeowners can also find out whether they're eligible for a loan modification under the federal Home Affordable Modification Program, and learn about options that might help avoid foreclosure.
For more information or to register, call 800-405-8067 or visit Wells Fargo's website. -- MAURA MCDERMOTT
