A New Home for a Song

Billy Joel’s Centre Island estate

The 26-acre bayfront estate’s focal point is the 20,000-square-foot main residence, currently under renovation, which features an indoor bowling alley, and an elevator. Courtesy of Tyler Sands/Daniel Gale, Sotheby’s International Realty

Many pursue the dream of becoming a music legend, but this magnificent bayfront estate is a good indication that a young man from Long Island with great piano and singing skills achieved his dream.

Set on a very private 26-acre parcel with 2,000 feet of frontage on New York’s Oyster Bay Harbor, the property is ideal for large families who enjoy entertaining, as it includes a 20,000-square-foot, five-bedroom, six-full-bathroom, two-half-bathroom brick main house built in 1994, which is currently undergoing renovation, as well as a four-bedroom gatehouse with a three-bedroom apartment, and a three-bedroom beach house.

Perfectly suited for large families and entertaining, the home features an indoor bowling alley among the long list of amenities. Courtesy of Tyler Sands/Daniel Gale, Sotheby’s International Realty

Set behind majestic wrought-iron gates, the property is located on the end of a point for maximum privacy, with water on two sides giving it the look and feel of a park, surrounded by lush stands of mature trees and rolling lawns.

Set on a hill, the main residence looks out over the outdoor pool and helipad, a beachhouse, a boat ramp, floating docks, and Oyster Bay. Courtesy of Tyler Sands/Daniel Gale, Sotheby’s International Realty

The multilevel main house features cathedral ceilings, wood flooring, an expansive kitchen with an enormous island/breakfast bar adjacent to a dining room and an open floorplan living room, an alfresco dining area overlooking the bay, a living room perfectly sized for a grand piano, a gym, a home office, a bowling alley, and an elevator. The bedrooms all feature private bathrooms as well as sliding glass doors to access the yards or a private terrace. There are a total of six fireplaces throughout to keep everyone toasty warm during the winter.

As this was Billy Joel’s home, it's no surprise the expansive living room has plenty of room for a grand piano. Courtesy of Tyler Sands/Daniel Gale, Sotheby’s International Realty

The two separate outbuildings—one near the gate, the other directly on the beach—ensure privacy for guests during their stay at the estate. Depending on the weather, the owners and guests have the choice of an indoor or outdoor pool, as well as a floating dock to explore the bay by boat. Other notable features include a four-car garage, a helipad for fast getaways, and a boat ramp to launch and retrieve trailer-transported vessels.

Oyster Bay Harbor Estate Centre Island, NY $49 Million

5 bedrooms, 6 full baths, 2 half baths 20,000 square feet 26 acres

Key Features: Bowling alley Helipad Two guesthouses Indoor and outdoor pools

Agent Bonnie Williamson Sotheby’s Int’l Realty 631-427-6600