Some of the Island’s most storied homes hit the market this year. From the now infamous “Amityville Horror” house to the Hamptons estate where Marilyn Monroe slipped away to unwind and the lesser known, but equally intriguing properties of celebrated authors and artists, there is plenty to marvel at when it comes to local real estate. Take a glimpse inside these five noteworthy Long Island homes that went up for sale in 2016.
Related Content: The 2016 House of the Year
ALBERT EINSTEIN’S VACATION HOME: $679,000
Setauket
4 Beds | 3 Baths
image: douglas elliman real estate
It doesn’t take a genius to know the allure of summertime on Long Island. Taking a breather from his groundbreaking work, Nobel Prize winner Albert Einstein escaped to this four-bedroom, three-bathroom home in 1941. Einstein accepted an invitation from his sister, Maja Winteler, to stay at the house with Marjorie Bishop, an artist and friend of Winteler who knew the homeowners. Nestled away in the secluded and quaint community of Setauket, the home evokes an air of comfort and peacefulness. In addition to being meticulously maintained, the 1930s home boasts multiple fireplaces, large widows and an outdoor patio.
This listing courtesy of Douglas Elliman
THE WINDMILL HOUSE: $8.5M
Amagansett
2 Beds | 1 Baths
image: douglas elliman real estate
Once a working windmill in the idyllic hamlet of Amagansett, this two-bedroom, one-bathroom estate has been called home (if only temporarily) by American royalty since the 1950s when it was originally converted into a guesthouse for Faberge cosmetics company founder Samuel Rubin. Since a bevy of legendary talent has frequented the cozy residence including Kurt Vonnegut, Terence Stamp and Marilyn Monroe, the $8.5 million listing has not lost its allure over the years. The property was recently featured on Bravo’s Property Envy.
This listing courtesy of Douglas Elliman
HILARY KNIGHT’S EAST HAMPTON HOME: $850,000
East Hampton Village
3 Beds | 2 Baths
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Cozy up behind the walls of this East Hampton stunner, which once belonged to renowned illustrator and author Hilary Knight who created the beloved Eloise children’s book series. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom home comes complete with a studio and pool house. Still not sold? Maybe this one-of-a-kind bonus can change your mind. The main floor bathroom features a mural illustrated and painted by Knight herself!
This listing courtesy of Douglas Elliman
THE “AMITYVILLE HORROR” HOUSE: $850,000
Amityville
5 Beds | 3 Baths | 1 Half Bath
image: coldwell banker harbor light
Perhaps this listing should come with a “buyers be beware” caution. The five-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom 1920s colonial has a gory and well-documented history that makes it arguably one of the most (in)famous homes on the Island. The home gained notoriety in 1974 when 23-year-old Ronald DeFeo killed his parents and four siblings on the property. The gruesome mass murder and reports of ghostly activity taking place in the house became the subject of a book and films like The Amityville Horror and more recently The Conjuring 2. The home was listed back in June for $850,000 and sold to one brave buyer in November.
This listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker Harbor Light
BARBARA GOLDSMITH’S GEORGICA ESTATE: $5.9M
East Hampton
7 Beds | 4 Baths | 1 Half Bath
image: douglas elliman real estate
Get inspired to write the next great American novel at Barbara Goldsmith’s former $5.9 million East Hampton estate. A founding editor of New York Magazine and critically acclaimed author of such works as Little Gloria…Happy At Last, Goldsmith’s home was put to market in August after her death. The seven-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom residence, built in 1900, is an exquisite example of the luxurious real estate typical of the exclusive Georgica community. Located moments from the water, the home has modern amenities yet maintains its classic charm. In addition to an enviable master suite, the home comes complete with a pool, a guest cottage and landscaping by late James Van Sweden, one the most eminent of American landscape designers.