Columbia & Pea Islands columbiaislandny.com
Columbia Island Prior to 1940, Columbia Island was known as Little Pea Island. Purchased in 1941 by ‘Columbia Broadcasting Studios’, Little Pea Island was renamed Columbia Island. CBS and WABC relocated the radio tower to High Island off the coast of City Island, Bronx, NY in 1963. The island was then purchased by Mary Healy and Peter Lind Hayes, of Vaudeville, Hollywood, and radio fame, who broadcast a breakfast conversation show from their home there. They owned the island until donating it to The College of New Rochelle in 1966.
Finally, with its deteriorating seawall and structure in disrepair, the island was purchased in 2007 by the current owner, Al Sutton. It was Mr. Sutton’s aspiration to create a place that would serve as an escape from the everyday challenges of NYC living. His hopes of creating a Zen environment with peace and tranquility at its core have been realized with this selfsustaining home and private island retreat. Virtually Staged.
After many years and extensive investment, the project took on a life of its own. Mr. Sutton felt the project was no longer about himself and his desires, but the need and destiny of the island. The project became one of creating the best sustainable existence for the island and its future inhabitants. Today, Columbia Island is exactly that; a self-sustaining, thoughtfully renovated retreat ready to provide the equanimity you seek.
Pea Island Previously owned by nearby Huguenot Yacht Club, Pea Island was their go-to recreation destination for Junior Sailors and the learn-to-sail program as well as private yacht club social events and family beach days. Mr. Sutton purchased the property from the yacht club when the opportunity presented itself. It was an opportunity not only to choose his neighbor but to ensure that he would not have anyone interfering with his views. The natural beauty and potential of Pea Island is as impressive as it is unique.
Pea Island offers an undeveloped serene “private beach backyard.” With just a short kayak or dinghy ride from Columbia Island, you can relax on your second private island. This roughly 5-acre piece of land is home to many indigenous plants and flowers as well as multiple species of birds. The shade trees are plentiful and offer an opportunity to relax and swing in your hammock. The sandy beach is ideal for lounging or hosting a cookout or clam bake. Just think of the soirée you can throw on your own set of private islands.
Infrastructure Solar Panels Two separate Solar Panel installations as seen below provide enough electricity to support the home on a daily basis. In addition, the system stores surplus power in the bank of batteries housed in the lower level alongside other mechanicals that support the home. Separate solar panels were installed so each could act as backup to the other in the event of one needing repair.
Diesel Generators Two 50kW diesel powered generators are in place as a backup system to ensure a seamless transition during any period that solar panels may need repair or maintenance.
Pump Housing The basement is equipped with a commercial grade pump with the capability of pumping 60,000 gallons of water an hour. The basement level is surrounded by 9� thick concrete construction walls with substantial flooring originally constructed to house the radio transmitter for CBS and ABC Radios in 1941. The quality of workmanship then and now has created an unparalleled structure with systems and mechanics that are well-suited for today’s island home and the island home of the future.
Radiant Heated Floors Radiant floor heating coils were installed under the concrete flooring. The concrete retains heat so efficiently that it requires only a minimal amount of power to maintain a comfortable environment.
Doors and Windows Blast Proof/Fire Proof/Marine Doors provide another level of safety for the mechanisms and systems housed in the lower level basement area. Marine Grade waterproof exterior windows and doors with retractable hurricane storm shutters add another level of hurricane resistance to this island home.
Your Private Oasis Patricia Anderson Licensed Real Estate Salesperson c: 917.664.5763 o: 914.834.0270 patti.anderson@juliabfee.com 1946 Palmer Avenue juliabfee.com
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