Archive for the 'North Fork Neighborhoods' Category

Lazy Day Views of Greenport

July 14th, 2008 category: North Fork NeighborhoodsNo Comments »

After having been on a long visit to the west for a VIP, it was for real estate reasons that we found ourselves relaxing in Greenport, New York, for a quick visit.

While we live close by (Southold, Long Island, New York), the summer season is upon us, and there is no place quite like Greenport for those loving both water, and sailing (not to mention shopping, but that’s another blog ).

Below, some highlights of our lazy afternoon.

For those seeking a restful vacation retreat (or lifestyle), call us to view properties for sale in Greenport, New York. Options Realty: 631-727-2227

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The Arcade in Greenport Just Might Have It

June 12th, 2008 category: North Fork Neighborhoods, People and Places1 Comment »

 

Profiled this week is a business in Greenport, New York celebrating it’s 80th year in operation.

The ARCADE is known to locals in the area as the “go-to” for just about anything (and more). According to Bob, who has owned the store for seven years, the philosophy of his buying department is to stock anything that a person might find useful. The result of this effort has provided the Arcade with a reputation for having it all- from candy to cotton sheets to candles- and everything in between.

In addition to school supplies, the Arcade offers yard flags, wind chimes, magnets, glasses, clothing, footwear, decorative arts, toys, kitchen appliances, towels, rugs, curtains, dog toys, beach necessities and anything else that might be more difficult to locate.

According to Bob, the most prominent visitors are the summer crowd- a longtime favorite shopping destination, the Arcade has a loyal following from seasonal visitors that call Greenport home.

I recall a similar “five and dime” when I was small, and it was a store that we relished visiting- for children, it’s a step back in time fondly recalled by parents.

These charming stores are becoming a rarity. “There are only a thousand or so remaining nationally”, states Bob, noting that the current climate of rising costs jeopardize the existence of this kind of unique retail offering.

Let’s hope that the Arcade enjoys another 80 years- and congratulations on such a significant birthday!

If you need it, they likely have it- visit the Arcade when you reach Greenport. The Arcade is located on Main street, with ample parking located behind the store.

 

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Location, Location, Location

May 14th, 2008 category: North Fork Neighborhoods, Southold Real Estate1 Comment »

This exceptional opportunity offers enormous potential in an upscale neighborhood two blocks from gorgeous Kenney’s beach. An impressively long driveway leads to this gem, offering privacy. Across the street, enjoy the peace of Great Pond, with the Long Island Sound offering summer fun, just a short walk away. The sellers have added a new garage, offering its own potential for uses- finish one area for a private study or guest area- you’ll still have the use of a full two car garage.

If you are mechanically or artistically inclined, think dream work space for your projects. The original attached one car garage is ready for finishing, affording additional space for a separate family room, or perhaps a master suite. With enormous potential, in addition to a fabulous location, this home is expansion-ready! The sellers have added unique, high quality windows throughout, and completed the outside with vinyl siding.

This home is landscaped professionally, maintaining the “woodsy” feel in the front without obstructing the home itself. A large, sunny kitchen is part of a “great room” layout- the “hot” look of today. With all of the important factors present for someone interested in investing in potential, this home has it.

What it also has is LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION…making this a true gem for beach lovers seeking proximity, with an eye toward future expansion. A large deck overlooks the backyard, and the hot tub is included. If you are seeking a home to “make your own”, this may be the one- call us today!

See the website itself at www.7720Soundview.com for all the good information on this opportunity.

Stop in for our…

OPEN HOUSE - Sunday 5/18 11-2 PM

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A NON Vacation Home on the North fork of Long Island

April 7th, 2008 category: Buyers, North Fork NeighborhoodsNo Comments »

The North Fork of Long Island- Vacation Homes for the Non-Vacation Home Minded…

Let’s face it- the thought of a retreat is appealing to everyone. I’ve visited friends at their “retreats” in Connecticut, or upstate NY, and the homes are made for relaxation- woods, lakes, deer…the whole serene dream.

Until it’s time to pick up the milk that was forgotten on the way up- how far back was that little grocery store??

On the North Fork of Long Island, amidst the beaches, woods, deer and open spaces, the grocery stores are conveniently close.

While this may seem trivial when making up a checklist of second home requirements, it only takes one absent carton of milk to interrupt a day designed for sleeping in, exploring, and relaxing.

Especially if, like me, you have a child that has one absolute requirement of their own: a bowl of Cap’n Crunch in the morning. Ok- I like Lucky Charms in the morning.

Southold, in addition to a new Starbucks, is also home to the IGA on Main Street- while we live in a “house in the woods”, the store is five driving minutes away. As a “guest-ination”, summer provokes visitors, and trips to the store are a daily routine.

Cutchogue and Mattituck, NY, also have their own grocery stores within a few miles of the furthest homes- both Waldbaums (Mattituck) and King Kullen (Cutchogue) provide all that is needed for a weekend retreat.

A vacation/second home does not have to mean complete isolation, and one visit to the North Fork of Long Island will have you thinking about additional trips. Call to find out more about real estate on the North Fork- the milk’s on us.

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Location, Location, Location in Southold New York

March 24th, 2008 category: North Fork Neighborhoods, Southold Real EstateNo Comments »

We are featuring a home with an exceptional location, and unlimited potential in Southold, New York.

One of the most enduring characteristics of a “solid” home purchase is LOCATION. In Southold, while choices abound for opportunity, we recently listed a home that seems to have it all.

A stellar location, 7720 Soundview Avenue is set back amongst trees, with privacy afforded- “Great Pond” is directly across the street.

Surrounded by homes that are higher in asking price (currently available pricing ranges from $895k to nearly 3million), this home provides walking distance proximity to the Long Island Sound, with Kenneys Beach providing a day of fun destination for both kids and adults. An easy, tree lined walk provides the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy one of the most lovely beaches offered in the area.

Location: CHECK.

Due to the abundance of larger homes dotting Soundview Avenue, 7720 provides an entry price point well below the “norm” for this location. While the size and views justify the asking prices, purchasing in a location with properties in the “stellar” range is always a good idea.

Price: CHECK.

In keeping with age old advice to purchase potential as well as price and location, while this home is perfect as a “weekend getaway”, the presence of a newly erected, heated three car garage is food for the imagination- should the need to “expand” present itself, the structure affords additional space, with potential for finishing. A guest area,or private work space, is ripe for finishing, with privacy afforded. In addition to the three car garage, the existing one-car attached garage is waiting for finishing- asun-room, perhaps, or a master suite?

Potential: CHECK.

Additionally, the owners have lovingly engaged in their “green thumb” activities- while the trees have yet to bloom, the flowers planted over the years are starting to emerge. Coupled with a pond just outside the front door, and a hot tub in the back, this home offers a wonderful vacation feeling- “peaceful” comes to mind. Combined with the charming location of a town intent on retaining a rural feel, the opportunity is rare, indeed.

Quality of life: CHECK.

TO VIEW THIS WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY, CALL TODAY!

Click here for the link to the detailed flyer on this home with lots more photos.

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Winter on The North Fork of Long Island

January 8th, 2008 category: North Fork Neighborhoods, People and PlacesNo Comments »

I am currently spending my sixth winter on the North Fork of Long Island. A bustling, sunny summer destination for those seeking the peace of a truly rural area, we are a vacation/second home spot for many.

Wintertime here slows what is already a desired and relaxed pace. Farm stands, once the family filled hot spots on weekends, take a winter solstice, with no produce to fill the shelves and baskets. While a few remain open, it is seasonal enjoyment.

Restaurants (one of a few exceptions is O’Mally’s ) often assume relaxed productivity by shortening hours, or days of operation. This is fine, because as locals, we expect it, and schedule our dining out accordingly. As long as hours in which to receive a great pizza remain steady (Pagano’s and Cheesy Charlies in Southold), we’re great!

Holiday weekends bustle with the return of family members lining the deli, freshly arrived from some far away college- I couldn’t help but think that it was nice to see this contingent, surely missed by the winter locals. One of my favorites, Wayside Market, recently reopened having experienced a fire. The store looks great; the crowd waiting in line over Thanksgiving seemed quite happy to wait, glad that the doors have reopened.

The Suffolk Times lists activities available for the North Fork “year rounders”, but sometimes it’s enough just to visit the empty beach, where deer are often found- their prints in the snow and sand belie their invisible presence. Owners bring their dogs to the beach, offering an off-season excuse to visit the quiet, shell-lined oasis.

This is a year round outdoor community if ever there was one- the walkers are faithful, and the reassurance that they bring is welcomed, because in the midst of the “quiet”, I’m reminded twice daily that this is, indeed, a vibrant community. Our dogs relax on the furniture awaiting an opportunity to voice their enthusiasm at anyone that happens to use the street in their world.

The North Fork of Long Island, particularly the hamlets east of Riverhead, is not for the nightlife loving crowd (although the younger set seems to enjoy Greenport ). Rather, it’s a place that has fought to retain a rural feel, offering a family oriented summer retreat, and a peaceful winter for those that call it home.

For weekend excursions to NYC, the Hampton Jitney offers ongoing opportunities for those seeking a bit of travel to one of the most amazing cities in the world- transportation in comfort provided, just a few hours away? Nice.

For anyone wondering what it might be like to spend winters in a “summer” environment, I can only offer the highest recommendations. No plane trip for world class shows-a Jitney. No flight for a beach, either Hamptons or North Fork- both within 45 minutes (or two minutes).

The ability to make “local” friends is one event (and often, less than a mile) away weekly- the offerings are ongoing, and available to all, from Scrabble to church events to charitable opportunities, to mothers with toddlers, to Bingo- it’s available.

We love it here, and would be happy to show you the opportunities that exist for you in the North Fork of Long Island. Contact Options Realty at 631-727-2227.

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Apollo Falling?

December 16th, 2007 category: Downtown Riverhead, North Fork Neighborhoods, Real Estate Philosophy, Riverhead Real Estate1 Comment »

Condemnation possibilities were announced this past week in Riverhead.

The previous post on this topic has developed into an extended situation that can only now become more stagnant than ever. The Supervisor of Riverhead, Phil Cardinale, received a request from Apollo’s Vice President to begin condemnation procedures.

With this news the continuation of a long, protracted process for revitalization, in this authors opinion, is likely. The lawsuit that Riverhead Enterprises would file could take years to settle. Those types of stops in the condemnation process place the advancement for a reborn downtown into a holding pattern.

John Stefans in his article Apollo offer is rejected, closes his article with a glimmer of hope on the horizon, the possibility of arbitration to come up with a fair price agreeable to both parties.

“Condemnation through eminent domain of seven buildings in downtown Riverhead became more of a possibility Friday when Riverhead Enterprises, owner of the properties, formally rejected an offer by Apollo Real Estate Advisors to purchase them for its sweeping urban renewal project on the south side of West Main Street…Mr. Cardinale said Tuesday he hopes condemnation can be avoided and said he plans to ask both sides to agree to a mutually acceptable third-party arbitrator to arrive at a fair price.”

Was there anything unfair about the Apollo offer that was on the table? More information is needed. I wouldn’t be surprised if Sheldon Gordon and Riverhead Enterprises have an agenda that I do not yet have information on. “Going away” is not something that should be expected of this contingent.

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SHOPPING ON THE NORTH FORK OF LONG ISLAND

December 16th, 2007 category: North Fork Neighborhoods1 Comment »

With just a few weeks to do holiday shopping, the motivation kicked in, and I headed to the Tanger Outlet in Riverhead, New York. The home of such fabulous outlet stores such as Coach, Ralph Lauren, J Crew, Ann Taylor, and a host of others, it seemed the logical gift-giving locale.

For some items, it worked. For other more unique items, however, I found myself delighted with the Greenport, New York opportunities.

Greenport, having experienced its own magical rejuvenation, offers gifts that TALK. I don’t mean whisper- I mean figuratively reach out and scream, “I’M THE ONE”! While Tanger offers great buys on quality merchandise, it is (perhaps due to the onslaught of catalogues this time of year) somewhat generic. Or, perhaps I just arrived late, but the items seemed…ordinary.

Greenport, however, has some time tested go-to’s that really cut down on shopping time- I can count on these stores to have gifts that are special.

My favorite store in Greenport is Island Silk. Located in the heart of the shopping district, Island Silk offers quality in basics (turtlenecks, pants) but always carries a large offering of fresh, unique clothing- that well located ruffle on the sweater, or fur adorning the cuffs. Just…COOL STUFF. My sister (who is impeccable) and my mother (a bit more bohemian)- CHECK. Mission accomplished with a black capelet with fur that is just ADORABLE, and a warm cotton sweater with fringe. Twenty minutes, and I’d searched for hours at Tanger.

A little store across the street called the Bayview Shoppe provided the PERFECT cotton place-mats, napkins, and table runner for another family member. They recently redid their kitchen, and in the spirit of quality, this store offers unusual and lovely table adornments, as well as clothing- already accomplished . Another twenty minute CHECK.

For the Irishman in my life, a shop called CURRANS IRISH SHOP has a number of authentic irish sweaters, coats, hats, and socks- you know the kind. You can just tell that this is the real, Irish “stuff”. This took a bit longer, because I wanted to add a few accessory items (as well as try on a few of the coats myself- hey, I can play, too). In addition to clothing, they offer jewelry and home items for people that love the Irish, and who doesn’t? Bono was playing as I did my shopping.

There is actually, in Greenport, a REAL kids toy shop on Main Street. This toy shop does NOT carry videos or tech stuff. Nope- just TOYS. Lionel trains, puzzles, kites, bubble guns, stuffed animals, games- you know, stuff that WE used to get. I remember my friend, Kim, having loads of toy horses- you know, the ones that look like real horses and are plastic, with accessories like a saddle- that type of item is carried here. In my opinion, the GOOD stuff! Check, check, check and check (for the little nieces and nephews. The older kids are Tanger and Riverhead kids).

Finally, our neighbor. Gladys keeps watch over our dogs. What more to say? When we first moved to Southold, we didn’t realize that the deer were RIGHT THERE- with an unfenced yard, it took a while- OK- it took a FENCE- to force them to stay in the yard. They saw the deer well before I did, and by the time I’d turn back to look at them, they’d be GONE. Our dogs give Gladys a little token of their owners appreciation, but it has to be YUMMY. Sweet Indulgences has it- a special way to say thank you for what it, in reality, a REALLY BIG thank you. She lets us know, when we deliver the gift from the dogs each year, that we “spoil her”- nah. She spoils us every time we leave the house and know that there is an “eye out.”

All of this shopping, accomplished in no time. In a shopping area that, while small, INSISTS on a calm and enjoyable experience- did I mention that I had lunch looking at the water?

If you’re looking to move to the North Fork of Long Island, we’d love to help you with that shopping excursion!

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Mattituck-Laurel Historical Society Lawn Sale Approaches- The BIGGIE!

June 14th, 2007 category: North Fork Neighborhoods, People and Places, Real Estate NewsNo Comments »

To those in the North Fork of Long Island, New York that LOVE a great yard sale, the queen of sales approaches, featuring antiques, collectibles, furniture, bake sale and more. On July 7, 2007, from 8am to 4pm the Mattituck-Laurel Historical Society will be providing the creme de la creme- come one, come all!

An annual event, this is a sought after lawn sale, offering collectors of unique treasures the opportunity to locate anything from vintage linens, jewelry, clothing, china, and trinkets at amazing prices.
We’ve had the pleasure of attending this event, and it has never disappointed. The cars arrive early, so be prepared for a pleasant stroll along Main Road in Mattituck, New York to reach the sale. The sale is held on the lawn of the Museum grounds on Main Road (Rte. 25) and Cardinal Drive, Mattituck.
- and the number of participating vendors make this a “can’t miss” for those interested in items that are located on the North Fork.

Donation $1.00 – Rain Date 7/8 – For additional information, please call: (631) 298-0020 or 298-5248.

Take the weekend to look at houses for sale on the North Fork- Riverhead, Jamesport, Aquebogue, Laurel, Mattituck, Cutchogue, Peconic, Southold, Greenport, East Marion, and Orient, New York. We’d love to help!

Technorati Tags: Long Island, New York, North Fork, Southold

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Hello Bayview

June 7th, 2007 category: Buyers, North Fork Neighborhoods, People and Places, Sellers, Southold Real Estate5 Comments »

Hello, Bayview, located in Southold, New York-

Options Realty is the “new kid on the block”- we are brand new, with something to PROVE.
We have a combined 32 years of real estate experience, receiving top accolades from some of the nation’s largest home builders. We know how to market properties.

Sean Stark, the owner of Options Realty, has a family with deep ties to the Southold area, and specifically the Bayview area. Sean’s Great, Great Grandfather worked a farm in Bayview in the 1850’s and 1860’s, and built a house on Pine Neck road. Sean’s parents were the original owners of one of the “red” houses that was beautifully re-done recently. It’s a connection to the area that lasts from generation to generation…

What we offer is an opportunity for you to try something different.

Technology is making a huge impact on the ability of buyers to locate your home. We provide a service that not only offers a local flavor, but shares this area with potential buyers across the country. We focus on EXPOSURE. It is our belief that real estate is a numbers game, and sharing your property with local agents, as well as agents across New York, and the United States, will provide you with the opportunity to get the most for your home. The more you know, and the more we offer, the more you’ll gain.

WE ALSO WANT TO SAVE YOU MONEY.
Below, please find information regarding sold homes in the Bayview area. These homes were listed with various agencies in the North Fork, and the information is gathered from the multiple listing service of Long Island.
We hope that this assists with your investigation of the market. Things change daily; these are the current statistics. Please contact us at 631-727-2227 for additional details.

AT OPTIONS REALTY, WE COMMIT TO RETURNING YOUR CALL, BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 8 A.M. AND 8 P.M, MONDAY THROUGH SUNDAY, WITHIN 1/2 HOUR. TRY IT: 631-727-2227.We are located in the Old Post Office building in Riverhead, New York. We live in Southold. We are committed to you, and anxious to prove it.

Our home selling/home buying services include the towns and hamlets of Riverhead, Aquebogue, Jamesport, Laurel, Peconic, Southold, Cutchogue, Greenport, East Marion, and Orient, New York, all located in the North Fork of Long Island. Call us to sell your home; call us to buy a home. Visit www.optionsrealty.com, or view a listing at www.2220depotln.com in order to check out our individual web sites. Yours can be next!

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