Real Estate Havens House
Courtesy Shelter Island Historical Society
Shelter Island
An Architectural Road Trip Across Shelter Island by John Laffey
N
estled between the North and South Forks of Long Island is the beautiful town of Shelter Island. This 27-square-mile island was home to some of the earliest seafaring settlers and refugees looking for freedom in the New World. Shelter Island is a wonderful time capsule of architecture that has managed to maintain a large portion of its early architectural history. There are only two ways to get onto Shelter Island with a car. One is from Greenport on the North Fork, and the second is from the South Fork through the Village of North Haven. From the south, the 10-minute ferry ride between Noyack Bay and Sag Harbor Bay will bring you to the beginning of Ferry Road. Drive north up the hill toward the center of the Island. On your way, you will see many fine examples of traditional architecture, passing such homes as the Havens House. The home was built in 1743 for James Havens, who was a sea captain and patriot. The house served
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as the post office, school, town hall and tavern at various times in the early years of the Island. It is now home to the Shelter Island Historical Society and is worth a visit. The Shelter Island Heights area is the highest point on the Island and it contains the seat of the local government. There are many choices to make from this vantage point. You can continue driving north down to the harbor at Shelter Island Heights and view the many fine whaling captains’ homes on Sunnyside Drive, which overlook the sea. I highly recommend a stay at the historic Chequit Inn and a stroll along the grassy triangle between Grand Avenue and Waverly Place to see all the summer cottages, such as Stoutenborough’s cottage, built in 1895. This summer home was one of many colorful authentic cottages clustered together in a camp meeting fashion. These early homes were without kitchens, and a communal meal was held at “The Kitchen” nearby. You can head west up New York Avenue
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