Shelter Island, a serene hideaway in New York, could soon witness a record-breaking sale with a contemporary estate on Little Ram Island listed at $15.495 million. Though not the most expensive property on the market there, it stands as the second priciest and aims to set a new high for single-family homes in this tranquil enclave.
This sprawling estate, designed to blend luxury with relaxation, overlooks the picturesque Coecles Harbor. The current owners embarked on an extensive search before securing this coveted two-acre waterfront site in 2007. They enlisted James Merrell of Merrell Soule Architects to create a retreat that balances expansive public areas with intimate private spaces, perfect for hosting and unwinding alike.
The architectural style of the home, a U-shaped assembly of sleek, clean lines, echoes the International style but incorporates warm, natural elements. The exterior features horizontal wood cladding, while the interior showcases a harmonious mix of wood flooring, doors, window trims, and custom cabinetry throughout.
Spanning approximately 8,800 square feet across three floors, the residence includes eight bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and an additional powder room. The bedrooms are thoughtfully positioned in pairs at the far ends of the home’s various wings to ensure privacy and comfort.
At the core of the home is a striking double-height living room. This central space is characterized by a wheat-colored, wood-paneled wall opposite an asymmetrical raised hearth fireplace. A towering wall of glass offers sweeping views over the pool and through the trees, capturing the tranquil beauty of Coecles Harbor. Adjacent to this grand room, a spacious chef’s kitchen and a fireside dining area open up to a poolside loggia, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. A cozy den on the other side of the living room features built-in cabinetry and a bar area, perfect for intimate gatherings.
The primary bedroom, located on the upper level, offers luxurious touches such as a fireplace, stunning water views, and a generously sized bath. The lower level of the home is designed for leisure and fitness, with a mirror-walled gym and a children’s lounge equipped with a pool table.
The meticulously landscaped grounds, crafted by renowned landscape architect Christopher LaGuardia of the LaGuardia Design Group, offer a mix of manicured lawns and extensive stone terracing. The outdoor spaces include both shaded and sunlit areas, an outdoor kitchen, and an infinity pool and spa nestled in a verdant garden. A slender dock at the water’s edge extends into the harbor, providing a launching point for both man-powered and motorized watercraft.
Nick Brown of Sotheby’s International Realty has the listing for this exceptional property. If sold near its asking price, it will eclipse the current record for Shelter Island, set just last year by a waterfront estate on West Neck Harbor that sold for $13 million—a sale also managed by Brown.
This Shelter Island estate not only offers luxurious living but also a chance to own a piece of record-setting real estate in one of New York’s most exclusive locales.
