The nuts and bolts

4 bedrooms

2 bathrooms 

2,007 square feet

.19 acres

House proud

Built in 1885, this two-story Victorian farmhouse was once the parish house for Our Lady of the Isle Roman Catholic church. The L-shaped porch offers both screened-in protection and views of Chase Creek. Recent renovations include window replacements (all but two of the historic rippled glass); a bluestone patio; electric updates throughout including recessed lighting; bathroom floors were replaced and tubs were refinished; and a concrete floor finished in the basement.

“It is a familiar landmark in the Heights, where people passing by give a wave and exchange niceties. People who are familiar with the [neighborhood] recognize this home from the colorful hydrangea bushes alongside the perimeter of the home, and that have been there for generations,” says Penelope Moore, the Saunders agent listing the property.  

What’s the plan?

The entry foyer features the original curved staircase and opens to a generously sized—nearly 375 square feet—open format for the living and dining rooms, and on the other side of the hall is a 200-square-foot family room that leads to the kitchen. There is laundry and a full bathroom on this floor accessed through small hallway from the kitchen. The 359-square-foot screened porch “feels like an outdoor summer living room,” Moore says, adding, “In the morning there is a breeze that comes off the water.” Over one side of the house, the second floor is dedicated to three bedrooms that share a full bathroom; the fourth bedroom is over the kitchen. The windowed, finished attic is grandfathered in as a non-sleeping bonus space, used as a playroom. 

What’s cooking?

The kitchen has been updated with stainless-steel range and dishwasher. The wooden cabinets are topped with a combination of Formica and wood. There is a separate 30-square-foot pantry. 

What else?

The adjacent .4 acre lot at 4 Meadow Place, a rectangular piece lined with a lush forsythia hedge, is part of this combined parcel. 

One cool thing 

Former Shelter Island Historical Society president Ralph Duvall authored a booklet published in 1901 called  “Shelter Island Past and Present,” which includes a photo of the house captioned “L.A. Burns Cottage for Rent – Season $350.” 

Agent’s callout 

“This Victorian has been a part of the fabric of Shelter Island since the late 1800’s, carrying a meaningful place in our community’s history. What makes it special today is how it continues to feel welcoming and livable, all the while retaining that sense of character,” says Moore.

Location, location, location

Centrally situated in the Heights, the home is near numerous recreation opportunities: the Shelter Island Yacht Club, Shelter Island Heights Private Beach Club, Gardiner’s Bay Country Club, the public Shelter Island Country Club and Crescent Beach. North Ferry is the closest ferry access point.

Details

The home at 7 Locust Ave. lists for $1,850,000 and the details can be seen here.