Around Town: Sands Point

Protruding into the Long Island Sound, Sands Point is one of the most exclusive zip codes on the Island. Part of the Gold Coast, the town is only 25 miles east of New York City, but carries with it some of the posh elegance of the finest homes on the Upper East Side. The name didn’t come from the sandy shores that line the town, but from brothers James, John and Samuel Sands who bought 500 acres on the Cow Neck Peninsula in 1695. Incorporated in 1910, the Village of Sands Point is a scant 3,000 acres and home to about 850 families. One of the most famous homes in the area is the Hempstead House.

This Mediterranean-style estate sits tucked away on a cul-de-sac in the tony Harriman Estates section of Sands Point. Inspired by the owner’s time spent in Positano, Italy, the home has Venetian-style plaster walls and custom black walnut and mahogany millwork throughout, including a sweeping staircase, door and window casing and wainscoting. Situated in the town that inspired The Great Gatsby, the home was built to entertain: Access to the beach, a putting green, pool, cabana and spa with a waterfall. Set on more than three acres in a gated community, guests can enjoy themselves indoors too, with an enormous cedar wine cellar and a kitchen with three massive granite-topped islands.

Location: Sands Point
List Price: $15.4 million
Taxes: $123,313
Style: Mediterranean
Year Built: 2002
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 10 full, 1 half
Lot size: 3.34 acres
Fireplaces: 7
Listing Agent: Daniel Gale Real Estate and Halstead