Real Estate & Home | Dream Homes

What was to become the Bay Shore/Brightwaters area of today was purchased from the Secatogue Native Americans for “several eel spears” in 1708 by John Mowbray, an English tailor/teacher. The Native Americans called the area “Awixa” then “Penataquit,” which is said to mean “crooked creek.” Through the 19th century, the area was known as “Sodom,” then “Mechanicsville” then back to “Penataquit” and finally Bay Shore in 1868, right around the time that LI tourism was first becoming popular. From the 1880s to the 1920s, the wealthy built a number of mansions south of Montauk Highway and some (including The Castle) survive to the present day. Towards the end of this period, a branch of Vitagraph Studios, a leading silent movie studio, opened in town. In the modern day, Bay Shore thrives from its easy access from NYC via the LIRR and being right on the doorstep of the Great South Bay and Fire Island, accessible by ferry. Main Street has some great shopping, the YMCA Boulton Center features an eclectic roster of local and national musical acts and there is a long-established boating culture on the bay. 

Here’s the chance to be the king or queen of your very own “castle,” complete with decorative battlements. This 11,900 sq-ft three-floor estate on 3.1 acres is a completely renovated and updated turn-of-the-century domicile. Capable of large-scale entertaining, there is a 32x48 ft ballroom/recreation room and 27x39 ft living room. Guests will marvel at the entrance foyer, featuring bright marble floors, intricately-carved columns and staircase elements topped by a chandelier. The large formal dining room offers a glimpse into the house’s earlier years, its lighting and dark wood flooring a picture of elegance. The backyard is spacious, sporting an outdoor kitchen and sizable heated in-ground pool. Boat-ready, the property has 350 feet of bulkheading on Awixa Creek and a covered boathouse. And, of course, The Castle has all the comforts of home, 11 bedrooms, 7 full and 2 half baths (the 2nd floor master bath is dominated by a hot tub). The bright, airy modern eat-in kitchen has a full suite of top-of-the-line appliances and plenty of lush wood paneling. The partially finished basement sports a home theater and full bar. Outbuildings include a guest cottage and a five-car garage featuring workshop. In a nod to the 21st century, the entire home is “smart” and has a hotel phone system for ease of communication.

Location: Bay Shore
List Price: $3,995,000
axes: $38,532
Style: Antique/Historical
Year Built: 1904
Rooms: 22
Bedrooms: 9
Baths: 7 full 2 half
Lot Size: 3.1 acres
Fireplaces: 11
Listing Agent: Jamie Winkler Real Estate