Pour Les Oiseaux M I L L N E C K , N E W YO R K
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rozen in time, this magnificent fourteen-acre, Mid Century Modern estate, set on a hill amidst pristine woodlands overlooking Upper Francis Pond in Mill Neck, has a story to tell that may make you fall in love with it and its owner, a woman of grit, grace, and generosity. Rosalind P. Walter was as a socialite. She lived on a grand estate on Center Island, that later was owned by the “piano man”, Billy Joel. Her father was president
and chairman of the Squibb pharmaceutical company. When World War II broke out, and all the men left their jobs to fight, Rosalind decided not to go to college but went to work the night shift at an airplane factory riveting the fuselage of Corsair fighter planes. The company didn’t know how well women would work compared to men so they tested Rosalind to find out what they should pay their new feminine employees. She did a better job and faster than the men had, resulting in women getting paid as much as men. A story about her in a New York paper inspired the hit 1942 song, “Rosie the Riveter”, by the Vagabonds, and a morale poster later became associated with her. But that isn’t the end of the story. Roz, as she was really called - not Rosie, turned out to be more than a symbol of American women’s grit but also a real-life heroine. This heiress and her husband, Henry G. Walter, CEO of an international chemical company, became beloved philanthropists, donating large sums to public television making such shows as Masterpiece Theatre, American Masters, and News Hour possible. They also supported the Natural History Museum, the Long Island University, Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club, North Shore Wildlife Sanctuary, and more. After her husband died at 90 in 2000, Rosalind made her home in New York City but kept her home in Mill Neck. Her Mill Neck home was previously owned by William Rogers Coe, the Vice-President and Treasurer of the Virginian Railway Company. He also served as a board member of the East River Savings Bank and First National Bank of New York and a director of the Long Island Lighting Co. and the Brooklyn Union Gas Company. She loved it so, she never sold it. Rosalind passed away in March of 2020, and now her estate is selling the property.
Exceptional in size and privacy, the estate encompasses acres and acres of woodland plus a large grassy area by a guest cottage, and garage, one of two three-car garages on the property. The main house stands on a bluff overlooking the pond and brook. In its prime the house enjoyed spectacular water and wooded vistas that have been muted by natural growth. A little pruning and brush clearing will easily restore those gorgeous and serene vistas. The house itself welcomes guests up a very long, winding driveway and resembles a glamourous Hollywood movie star’s home of the 50’s. The 5,045 square foot ranch wraps partially around a grand courtyard, welcoming guests as though with open arms. To the left is the kitchen wing. The t-shaped center of the home houses the spectacular public rooms, all with breathtaking views! To the right is the bedroom wing and attached garage. And next to the garage is a formal garden area, a full-sized green house, and bluestone path to a spacious gazebo.
Untouched possibly since its construction, the interior begs to be restored to its former glory, which must have been impressive. The entrance foyer is still quite grand, with domed ceiling and skylight, two powder rooms and two guest closets. Its entrance down into the immense living room with its soaring windows overlooking the pond, stunning inlaid hardwood floors, vaulted ceiling, and one-of-a-kind marble fireplace would enthrall all who entered. On one side, a huge den with conical fireplace, wet bar, and extensive built-in cabinetry, opened to an expansive deck leading to the extraordinarily large circular inground pool. On the other side, a magnificent circular dining room with back-lit dome ceiling opens through two walls of sliders to the deck and pool area. The oversized kitchen must have been state-of-the-art in its day ready to serve up a feast for guests and featured a unique breakfast room with glass walls and ceiling giving you full view of all nature has to offer. In a wing of its own, the palatial master suite was an ideal retreat offering a large bedroom with fireplace and built-ins, two generous baths, and two dressing rooms with custom closets. Two additional bedroom-and-bath suites are down a staircase in the walk-out lower level. And bedrooms four and five sharing a bath are off the kitchen. The remainder of the finished lower level includes a spacious recreation room with kitchenette, a study with built-ins, a large laundry room, ample storage and utility rooms, two changing rooms with bath, and a second stairs to kitchen area.
Oh, the possibilities for this exceptional property are endless! It would make a fabulous compound with its separate house and indoor sports court for friends and family. It is zoned for horses, and with huge grassy area, it could support several. Since it encompasses two lots, it could be divided and sold separately. But whatever you decide, it should fill your heart with joy to have such a secluded and private getaway, close to nature and to charming Oyster Bay Village. About a mile away, it offers a waterfront center, marina, delightful shops, restaurants, and railroad station providing about an hour trip to Manhattan. One of Long Island’s wealthiest communities, Mill Neck offers a nature preserve, walking trails, a four-acre Japanese stroll garden, and proximity to the 400acre Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, a skating pond near Beaver Lake, and the Shu Swamp Nature preserve trails near Francis Lake.
Regina Rogers
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
O 516.945.0244 | M 516.314.0953 regina.rogers@elliman.com luxuryelliman.com elliman.com
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