Articles Tagged "Historic homes"

Heritage Treasures Day was established in 2017 in the UK as a way to explore and preserve historical sites. It takes place every year on January 11 and has grown in popularity worldwide. There are many great places to celebrate this unique day near Suffolk County homes for sale and Nassau County homes for sale, with museums and preserved historical sites dating back to American history's earliest days. Our REALTORS® have all the details on five fascinating destinations for Heritage Treasures Day around Long Island.

1. Oheka Castle Hotel & Estate – 135 West Gate Dr., Huntington, NY 11743
   The Oheka Castle Hotel & Estate is one of Long Island's most famous historical treasures and is conveniently located near Huntington homes for sale. Oheka Castle is a slice of historic Europe in the heart of Long Island, serving today as a luxury hotel, wedding venue, dining destination, and event space. Enjoy a luxurious overnight stay at the amazing hotel, grab a meal at the OHK Bar & Restaurant, or stop by for a tour to experience all that the estate has to offer.
   
   
2. Country House Restaurant – 1175 N. Country Rd., Stony Brook, NY 11790
   The Country House Restaurant was built circa 1710 near Stony Brook homes for sale, and it's still in operation today. Sit down for an amazing meal in a beautifully preserved historic home, and experience Long Island history in the present day. The menu changes monthly with new things to try, and there are also special menus available for many of the year's biggest holidays.
   
   
3. Cradle of Aviation Museum – Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530
   Located near Garden City homes for sale, the Cradle of Aviation Museum tells the story of how humanity took to the skies and beyond. It's a great place to learn all about the history of flight in the United States and features some excellent space travel exhibits. The museum features eight galleries with more than 75 air and spacecraft, along with fun exhibits on retro games and a state-of-the-art planetarium that has unique shows all day long.
   
   
4. Stony Brook Grist Mill – 100 Harbor Rd., Stony Brook, NY 11790
   The Stony Brook Grist Mill was built in 1751 and served as an active mill for local farmers until the 1950s. Today, it has been converted into a historical site where you can learn about the mill's history and discover how wheat was processed in the past. It's open every Sunday for guided tours, with a miller on-site and a gift shop where you can find fun souvenirs.
   
   
5. Long Island Traditions – 382 Main St. #G02, Port Washington, NY 11050
   If you're interested in getting involved with preserving local heritage sites yourself, then Long Island Traditions is the perfect organization to help you pursue your passions. Located near Port Washington homes for sale, Long Island Traditions works to preserve historic architecture, historic sites, and structures that tell the story of Long Island, as well as amplifying the voices of local artists who create works about historical sites. Long Island Traditions also has the Honoring Traditions program, which focuses on the music, dance, crafts, and art of cultures that have called Long Island home.

Are you searching for a home that makes it easy to explore all of the fascinating historical and cultural destinations around Long Island? Let our local real estate team help. Contact us to buy and sell homes in your favorite Long Island communities.

For some people, there's something alluring and almost whimsical about living in an old house. It's the history, the craftsmanship, and the nostalgic factor that you can't find in a newer build. If you're looking for a home whose walls are filled with history, our REALTORS® can help you find the home of your dreams.

It's no secret that old houses carry a lot of charm and character. They just don't build them like they used to anymore. But for all their charms, buying an older house is a complicated affair. You must be prepared to spend more money long-term than your initial listing price. Even then, you might run into some issues.

Here are a few things you need to look out for when buying an old house.

What Counts As an Older Home?

Age is subjective when it comes to houses. As a general rule of thumb, an old house is one that's fifty years or older, and one built before 1920 is considered antique. But again, housing age is subjective – it's a condition based on numerous factors, including location, architectural style, and even local climate and geology.

For instance, houses in urban cores across the country, such as New York and Massachusetts, tend to be older, averaging over 50 years old.

To help you do your due diligence, here are the factors you need to consider when buying an older home.

• Construction Style
  In most cases, the construction style of a home is an indicator of its quality. Prefabricated homes are generally constructed to lower quality standards than custom-built new homes. Homes constructed in the Tudor, Craftsman, Victorian, or Queen Anne styles are usually solidly built, more durable, and can handle several rounds of repairs and renovations.

• Climate and Geology
  Certain climates can age a home. Houses in desert areas and places that experience extreme weather conditions tend to age faster. A house in Chicago will need repairs sooner than one in milder climates. Geological factors such as earthquakes, sinkholes, and high water tables can also accelerate the aging process. Homes in geologically active areas will require more repair and maintenance over their lifetime as such activities can lead to structural damage.

Things to Pay Attention to When Buying an Old House

If the age of a home is subjective, what are the factors you should pay attention to more? Here's a breakdown.

• Foundation Issues
  When buying an old home, two inspections are better than one. A structural inspection can reveal the extent of foundation issues if any. These issues could range from small settlement cracks to damaged support footings. Look out for wall cracks, windows that won't open, and doors that won't latch. Such minor issues could indicate a larger, more inherent problem.
  
  
• Lead and Asbestos
  Lead and asbestos are neurotoxic materials that were used in piping systems and insulations until relatively very recently. Lead is common in many pre-World War II plumbing systems and in paints made before 1978. Asbestos wasn't banned in residential applications until the late 1980s. In addition, you have to look out for toxic gases, such as Radon, that could severely impact air quality. These issues also necessitate a rigorous inspection process.
  
  
• Previous Renovations
  Old homes have likely changed hands many times over. An inspection could highlight recent renovations and ensure that the house is up to code and industry standards. Some old and antique houses have been updated so many times that it's difficult to determine their age. Sometimes the only remaining original components are the foundation and exterior of the house.

Looking for Some Old School Charm?

Buying an old house has its challenges. With smart planning and the right realtor by your side, you can find a property that's well worth the hassle. Check out our Nassau County homes for sale and Suffolk County homes for sale to find vintage homes with some of that old-school charm. Contact us, and we can help you navigate the hurdles that come with buying an older home.

Who hasn't dreamed of living in a mansion of their own? Our REALTORS® know that Long Island is the perfect place to indulge in your fantasies and gaze longingly upon the many Gold Coast Mansions dotting the landscape. Although Long Island was home to more than 500 of these grand estates erected in the early 1900s, there are less than 200 still standing today. Take a relaxing drive and discover the wonder of these seven Gold Coast Mansions and envision what life in the Roaring '20s would have been like with a home this marvelous.

1. Sands Point Park and Preserve — 127 Middle Neck Road, Port Washington, NY 11050
   Known as the Guggenheim Estate after the family who called it home, Sands Point Preserve is a sprawling park that invites residents and visitors to spend the day enjoying the outdoors. Now owned by a conservancy group, the grounds host educational, cultural, fitness and seasonal activities throughout the year for children and adults alike. The Port Washington homes for sale nearby are within walking distance from this welcoming estate.
   
   
2. Nassau County Museum of Art — 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor, NY 11576
   Owned by Henry Clay Frick, the Nassau County Museum of Art has an impressive collection of works from the 19th century through the present day. Stroll through the galleries of the brilliantly designed interior and you'll have trouble distinguishing art pieces from the elaborate décor.
   
   
3. Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve — 25 Loyd Harbor Road, Huntington, NY 11743
   As you browse Huntington homes for sale, be sure to stop by and feast your eyes on the extravagant 1,500-acre estate known as Caumsett. Both the Caumsett Foundation and State of New York sponsor events throughout the year geared towards outdoor education. With hiking programs and guided walks, bird-watching groups, family scavenger hunts, maple syrup making classes and more, a visit to Caumsett is worth the trip.
   
   
4. Vanderbilt Museum & Planetarium — 180 Little Neck Road, Centerpoint, NY 11721
   This Gold Coast Mansion has been transformed into a museum and planetarium which features William K. Vanderbilt's artifacts he collected while traveling the world in the late 1800s. If you're lucky, you'll be in town to catch one of the many spectacular performances that take place within the museum.
   
   
5. OHEKA Castle — 135 West Gate Drive, Huntington, NY 11743
   Of the many castles on Long Island, the OHEKA Castle estate is settled amongst other dazzling Huntington homes for sale. This magnificent mansion has to be seen to be believed. You can book a tour of the castle, book a table at their OHK Bar & Restaurant or even book a room for the night and truly experience luxury living in a Gold Coast Mansion.
   
   
6. Chelsea Mansion — 34 Muttontown Lane, East Norwich, NY 11732
   The gorgeous Chelsea Mansion enjoys a secluded space on Nassau County's largest nature preserve, Muttontown Preserve. Find serene solitude as you guide yourself through the many trails along the grounds. Now a venue for weddings, private events, and other celebrations, the Chelsea Mansion's charm is one of the reasons the Muttonwood Preserve was named the Best Nature Walk of Long Island. Be sure to stroll by next time you're looking at East Norwich homes for sale.
   
   
7. Old Westbury Gardens — 71 Old Westbury Road, Westbury, NY 11590
   No list of Gold Coast Mansions would be complete without one of Long Island's best-preserved buildings, Old Westbury Gardens. Open to the public, you're free to roam the grounds yourself or go on an interesting guided tour. Other educational programs and classes are also open for the public to attend, as are the many outdoor concerts and festivals that breathe new life into the grounds.

Dreaming of living the good life on Long Island? We can help! Contact us today to tour the best Long Island homes for sale!

Some people move to Oyster Bay for the quiet. Some move here to be near the seashore. And others for the history. In fact, historic homes for sale in Oyster Bay are popular.  And often disappear from the local housing market as quickly as they enter. However, one historic home sure to remain an icon in the Oyster Bay community is Sagamore Hill, the former home of Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States.

Sagamore Hill is a national treasure waiting to be explored and enjoyed. Congress established it as the Sagamore National Historic Site to preserve the house as a part of the National Park Service.  It was soon after listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The house is a must-see for Nassau County residents and visitors and is a source of pride for the community.

Our REALTORS® are excited to tell you about the history of Sagamore Hill and Oyster Bay and can't wait to show you homes for sale in Long Island.

History Unfolds at Sagamore Hill

When you step onto the grounds of Sagamore Hill, it's easy to leave your everyday life behind as history begins to unfold around you. The home itself is the centerpiece of the estate, having been the residence of Theodore Roosevelt from 1885 until the former President's death in 1919. While he was in office, Roosevelt's "Summer White House" was the site of several peace talks and visits from foreign dignitaries.

An Inside Look at Roosevelt's Legacy

Touring Sagamore Hill gives you a glimpse into the life of Theodore Roosevelt, the acclaimed political figure and the charismatic man. One of the highlights of the tour, the North Room showcases many of Roosevelt's prized trophy heads, animal skin rugs and gifts presented to him by various heads of state. You'll also find a collection of thousands of books and a diverse assortment of art acquired by Roosevelt throughout the home. The Queen Anne style home still has original furnishings and decor in its 23 rooms and underwent a meticulous renovation a few short years ago. Guided tours of Sagamore Hill are available for a small admission fee; you'll want to stop by the visitor center and bookstore during your visit.

Explore the Grounds

Sagamore Hill Historic Site includes not only the home but 83 acres of countryside once enjoyed by the Roosevelt family. Take advantage of the property's trails and picnic areas to relax and explore the salt marsh, beach, forest and meadows with your family. Part of the National Park Service, Sagamore Hill provides a tranquil setting for the outdoor enthusiast combined with the rich history of one of our country's most celebrated leaders. You can visit the park year round from sunrise to sunset.

The Oyster Bay area of Long Island is both charming and steeped in history, and Sagamore Hill is a shining example of both. You can visit President Roosevelt's Sagamore Hills home at 12 Sagamore Hill Road in Oyster Bay, New York.

Coach Realtors is your trusted source for buying and selling Long Island real estate. You can achieve your dreams of homeownership with the help of our real estate agents. Contact us to get started.