Today’s Wall Street Journal, in an article called "Get More for Your Vacation-Home Dollar," advises homebuyers on alternatives to high-priced second-home markets. Instead of Aspen, try Sun Valley. Instead of Palm Beach, try Sarasota. Instead of the Hamptons, try Bellport.
Bellport? Why not? Well, for one thing, the lack of beaches. One reason the Hamptons are the Hamptons is because that’s more or less where the barrier islands (Fire Island, and so on) end. You don’t have to take a ferry to go to the beach. Bellport does, however, have a residents-only section of Fire Island National Seashore, which can be accessed via a ten-minute ferry.
Of course, Bellport offers many advantages to the Hamptons: much closer to New York, much less traffic when you get there, and lower prices. Your neighbors, according to the WSJ, would include "publishing magnate S.I. Newhouse, actress Isabella Rossellini and television host Charlie Rose." So we decided to take a look at some of the housing stock.
↑ First up, 24 Bellport Lane, asking $1.695M. In the heart of the village, "This home was built in the 1930s for one of Bellport's sea captains." Set on a half acre, the 2600 square foot house offers a gunite pool and spa, five bedrooms and 2.5 baths. You can walk to shops, restaurants, and the ferry dock.
↑ Next is 12 Baycrest Ave, asking $2.195M. It’s a nicely restored 1923 colonial "on very private lane." There are six bedrooms and 4.5 baths in 3000 square feet, set on one acre. There’s a pool out back, according to the listing, but it’s not pictured.
↑ Finally, how about 15 Shore Road, an expanded 1930 cottage asking $3.9M? It’s not actually bayfront—across the street—but offers "180 degree view of Great South Bay, 50 ft from water, deck off of second floor master bedroom overlooking Bellport Dock." There’s a nice pool and pretty gardens set on just over a half acre. The house looks spacious (square footage not mentioned), with four bedrooms and 3.5 baths.
What do you think? Is Bellport worth a look?
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