Last year, New York native and world-famous musician Billy Joel began to look for a buyer for his expansive, waterfront Long Island estate. Joel listed the masterful spread for $49 million then, but he’s now put it back on the market for a slightly steeper $49.9 million.
The music legend calls his Long Island haven MiddleSea, which has a double-meaning. It references the first note most pianists learn and the estate’s idyllic coastal location. The gated, 26-acre residence sits on Centre Island and counts the Oyster Bay Harbor as its primary neighbor. Accessible by land, sea, or air, it boasts a helicopter pad and a floating dock so you can make a stylish exit to Manhattan, Connecticut, or the Hamptons with ease.
When it comes to the makeup of the property, it is a utopia of prim and polished, traditional Gold Coast luxury. As well as an enormous brick main residence, the estate offers three more homes to enjoy. One can retreat to the three-bedroom beach house, the three-bedroom guest house, or the five-bedroom gate house when needing a change of scenery, which are all multi-million dollar structures in their own right. In addition, there is 2,000 feet of beach, two custom pools, a gazebo, and exquisite gardens to roam. You can just imagine the kind of glitzy hosting that could unfold here with some dreamy tents, soaring flower arrangements, and white-glove servers. Think Gatsby.
Joel purchased the original 14-acre property in 2002, then acquired more parcels to create the larger estate you see today. Whenever Joel was in a ‘New York State of Mind,’ he could drive past the secure gates and come home to his 20,000-square-foot main manor. The vast foyer with 30-foot ceilings and black and white marble flooring sets a grand tone. Exploring further, there are five bedrooms, elegant formal rooms for entertaining, two stunning kitchens (one for professional chef use and one for everyday happenings), and standout amenity spaces like the private bowling alley, wine cellar, spa, and ballroom.
According to the NY Post, the property just underwent an extensive five-year remodel, which the singer finalized after taking the home off the market in November 2023. Now, Lisa Lavelle and Nancy Cuite of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Laffey International Realty represent this high-profile new listing.