An agent with Saunders & Associates Real Estate since 2012, Penelope Moore brings not only her love of Shelter Island to her work, but a deep family history in the visual and creative arts. Her mother was the first Asian woman to own an art gallery in Washington, D.C., where Moore grew up and her father was a journalist turned documentary filmmaker and photographer. And, her grandfather, Unichi Hiratsuka, was a renowned Japanese woodblock artist and honored as a Living National Treasure.
“My entire family was steeped in the visual, written, and creative arts, and that background has served me well in real estate,” says Moore, who worked in the entertainment industry before shifting to first commercial the residential real estate. “I love writing, creating marketing videos, and presenting homes in a way that helps people connect emotionally with a property—not just see what’s there, but feel what could be.”
Moore has owned her Shelter Island home since 1995 and moved here full time after the events of Sept. 11.
Southforker: Your portfolio seems to focus on historic properties. Is that by accident or design?
Penelope Moore: I’ve always had an interest in old houses and the stories they hold. I think what’s helped me is that I enjoy the research—I like digging into the backstory of a house, learning about the original owners or the architect, its place in the history of the island or the East End, and sharing that with buyers. For me, it’s not just about square footage or finishes. It’s about what gives a house its character and soul. I think that’s something people respond to, especially here, where so many properties have long, rich histories.
SF: Do you have a particular approach with clients that you’ve honed over the years?
PM: My approach is really based on listening. Every client is different and real estate can be emotional, so I try to meet people where they are, whether they’re buyers or sellers, and help guide them through what can sometimes be a complicated or stressful process, because it is not every day that a person sells or purchases real estate. I believe in being forthright, doing the research, caring, and not rushing people. Relationships are everything in this business, and I think that comes from simply being trustworthy and following through.
SF: As a Shelter Islander yourself, what do you think makes it a special place?
PM: It has a quieter, more understated feel. There’s no overt glitz here, and that’s part of its appeal. You’re surrounded by nature, there’s a strong sense of community, and it feels like time moves a little slower. What I try to do in my work is help people connect with that. When I write about a property, I try to include the history and the feel of the place—not just the features—because that’s often what people are drawn to. They’re looking for more than just a house; they’re looking for a certain kind of lifestyle.
SF: What are some of your favorite spots on the island?
PM: Mashomack Preserve is probably at the top of the list—it’s peaceful and always changing with the seasons. I also love the Shell Beach and the causeways to Little and Big Ram Island. When I walk these areas, there is always a natural, spiritual takeaway, whether it is the deep blue color of the water after the winter ice has melted off, a turtle crossing the road, a turkey hen nesting, wild prickly pear cactuses peeking out from behind a power line or osprey parents raising their chicks overhead.
SF: When you’re not researching, writing and working, what are you doing?
PM: I enjoy photography, cooking and being outside. I also have a side passion for music and run an Instagram account focused on musical appreciation, which now has close to 200,000 followers. Music of all kinds has always been a big part of my life—it’s another way of connecting with people, a feeling of expression and seeing the world a little differently.
