25 Ocean Walk

Description

Welcome to West Gilgo Beach—a private, gated oceanfront and bayfront enclave of just 80 homes, situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Great South Bay less than an hour from New York City. This secluded stretch of the barrier island offers something increasingly rare: space, quiet, and an intimate connection to the natural landscape, all while remaining easily accessible by car or the Long Island Rail Road to Wantagh Station, less than 15 minutes away. Private access to the ocean and bay means that much of the time, the shoreline feels almost entirely your own, with just the sound of the waves, the ocean breeze, the open sky, and the natural beauty of the island. Whether you envision it as a peaceful year-round residence or an idyllic retreat, the ever-present rhythm of the water creates a setting that feels less like a destination than a world apart—a place to escape, unwind, and call home. At the heart of this remarkable community stands 25 Ocean Walk, one of West Gilgo Beach’s last remaining original cedar-shake summer cottages. A living piece of Long Island history and one of the last surviving dwellings from the earliest days of the barrier-island communities, its story began at High Hill Beach, a summer colony settled around 1900 on the eastern edge of Zach’s Bay—a vibrant community of houses and a hotel that people traveled by boat across the bay to reach. In 1940, the cottage was carefully relocated five miles east to the newly planned and reconstructed community of West Gilgo Beach, where it has remained for more than eight decades, becoming part of a desirable and secluded neighborhood. Under the longtime care of its owner, who also serves as a devoted community historian, the home has been preserved not simply as a residence, but as an authentic piece of the shoreline’s past. Surrounded by mature pines, holly, bayberry, and native plants, it retains the unmistakable charm of an early beach cottage, with classic cedar-shake siding, rich knotty pine walls, and warm wood details throughout. There is a genuine spirit here that cannot be recreated. The main living level features a welcoming living room anchored by a traditional wood-burning stove, a light-filled family room lined with windows opening directly to the deck, alongside a separate dining room and kitchen. Three comfortable bedrooms and a full bath complete the main living area. Below, the home reveals the practical charm of a true beach house. An entry leads to two dedicated changing areas and a separate post-swim shower, thoughtfully designed for the easy transition from sand and saltwater to home. The space opens to a versatile open room with hardwood floors, brimming with potential and ready to be enjoyed in whatever way best suits its next owner. A workshop, half bath, and additional storage complete this level, while a standing-height attic with cross-ventilation provides exceptional additional storage and utility. Beyond the cottage, West Gilgo Beach offers a way of life that has become increasingly hard to find: a private barrier-island community with a strong sense of place and an enduring connection to the water. A private pedestrian underpass, only a few minutes’ walk from the home, provides seamless access to the ocean beach, while bayfront watercraft storage, docks, and a large swimming area make it easy to enjoy the Great South Bay. Community amenities include a marina with a waitlist, tennis and pickleball courts, a playground, a chapel/community hall, and a post office. For recreation and dining, the nearby Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway provides a spectacular route for walking and cycling, while local favorites like Tobay Beach restaurants and splash park, the iconic Gilgo Beach Inn, the Jones Beach Boardwalk, and the Jones Beach Theater are just moments away. More than just a beach house, 25 Ocean Walk is a living piece of Long Island history—an authentic coastal retreat in a community that truly feels like a world apart.