Billy Joel's Movin' Out lyrics are about to become a reality. The New York-born singer is leaving the Empire State for Florida – listing his 'extraordinary' Long Island estate for $49 million.
Described as a 'one-of-a-kind waterfront estate' (by listing agent Bonnie Williamson of Sotheby's International Realty), the estate is a fitting home for the Grammy-award-winning singer who rose to fame in 1973 with his hit Piano Man. Joel went on to be one of the best-selling music artists (from the 20th century to the present) – and the fourth-best-selling solo artist in the United States.
In 2002 – 29 years after his first success, Billy Joel moved into this Oyster Bay Harbor estate – currently one of the most exclusive properties in Long Island – and one of the world's best homes. Here, we tour his incredible coastal retreat.
Comprising a 20,000+ square foot house (currently undergoing more renovations), a three-bedroom beach house, an inground pool, a helicopter pad, and a floating dock – the sheer size of the estate is enough to impress, even before stepping inside.
The main home dates back to 1994, however, the estate itself is notably more historic. Railway magnate George Bullock created the home in 1914 before selling it to the doctor and interventor E.R. Squibb. Billy Joel purchased the land for $22.5 million.
Despite undergoing renovations, the main home still knows how to impress with its luxe twist on timeless coastal decor ideas. Stand-out features include a bright white entrance hall, Parquet de Versailles flooring, six fireplaces, and French Doors that overlook the bay.
Leading from the main living space, the white kitchen is equally timeless. With its veined marble countertops, backsplash, and island, the space is as clean and minimalist as it is luxurious – crowned with a gold chandelier – in the ultimate nod to luxury.
Elsewhere, the main home has five bedrooms (with walk-in closets) and six bathrooms – but this excludes those in the adjacent beach house. Other amenities include a two-lane bowling alley, a spa, a hair salon, and a wine cellar. Perhaps most unsurprisingly, there's also a music room with space for a grand piano – but we aren't about to make another reference to Joel's biggest hit...
The home, located in Centre Island, is close to Hicksville, a hamlet also set within the boundaries of Oyster Bay, where the singer grew up. Literature lovers may associate the neighborhood with Long Island’s Gold Coast, famed as the backdrop for F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. We admit – it's not quite Gatsby's mansion – but it's the closest we've ever seen in reality...
Bonnie Williamson of Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty currently holds the $49 million listing. And even if we can't all get the keys to this extraordinary home – we can read up on the life of the man who made it his home.
