For decades, Shelter Island has attracted artists, authors, filmmakers, and creative visionaries seeking refuge from the pace of New York City. Now, one of the island’s most storied properties is searching for its next steward.
Emmy Award-winning writer-producers Robin Green and Mitchell Burgess, the acclaimed creative duo behind HBO’s The Sopranos and the creators of Blue Bloods, have listed their meticulously restored Shelter Island estate for $6.5 million. Set on two landscaped acres and anchored by an 1888 Victorian residence, the property represents a rare blend of architectural history, artistic heritage, and modern luxury living.
The couple acquired the estate in 2020 for approximately $2.8 million after discovering a property rich in character but in need of extensive restoration. Over the following years, Green and Burgess embarked on an ambitious preservation effort, carefully updating the residence while protecting the historic elements that have long defined the estate’s identity.
Today, the result is one of Shelter Island’s most compelling offerings—a private compound where Victorian elegance, resort-style amenities, and creative legacy converge.
A Storied Estate Rooted in Shelter Island History
Hidden behind gates at the end of a private drive, the property reveals itself gradually through a series of formal gardens, mature trees, and carefully designed outdoor spaces.
Originally constructed in 1888, the estate has witnessed more than a century of change while remaining one of Shelter Island’s most distinctive residential properties. The grounds have been enhanced by landscape architect Jeff Mendoza, whose work introduces structure and symmetry without overwhelming the property’s historic character.
Visitors approach the main residence along gravel pathways lined with clipped boxwood hedges and geometric garden beds. Near the entrance, a fountain-centered courtyard creates a sense of arrival, while a pergola draped in mature wisteria connects various portions of the estate.
According to information shared with California Luxury Houses, Green and Burgess viewed the restoration not simply as a renovation project but as an effort to preserve an important piece of Shelter Island’s architectural heritage.
“This property already possessed an extraordinary sense of place,” a representative familiar with the listing told California Luxury Houses. “The goal was never to reinvent it, but to honor its history while adapting it for modern living.”
Historic Interiors Meet Contemporary Comfort
Inside, the residence spans approximately 3,863 square feet and offers a series of welcoming spaces designed for both entertaining and everyday living.
The main living room showcases coffered ceilings, oversized windows, and multiple seating areas centered around a substantial stone fireplace. Natural light fills the interior throughout the day, while French doors create seamless transitions between the home’s indoor and outdoor environments.
One of the room’s most appealing features is its direct connection to the surrounding gardens. During warmer months, the courtyard effectively becomes an extension of the living space, reinforcing the indoor-outdoor lifestyle that has become synonymous with luxury East End living.
California Luxury Houses reached out to representatives associated with the property to learn more about the restoration process. While ownership declined to comment directly, listing sources noted that significant attention was devoted to preserving original architectural details while discreetly incorporating modern systems and conveniences.
A Kitchen Designed for Gatherings
The kitchen reflects the same philosophy evident throughout the estate.
Custom white cabinetry, polished stone countertops, open shelving, and glass-front storage create a bright and timeless atmosphere. At its center, a marble-topped island provides additional workspace and informal seating, while professional-grade appliances ensure the room functions as efficiently as it looks.
Adjacent dining spaces accommodate both intimate family meals and larger social gatherings, reinforcing the home’s reputation as a place designed for hosting.
“The kitchen feels entirely current without sacrificing the historic spirit of the home,” listing agent Stacey Cohen told California Luxury Houses. “Buyers are increasingly looking for authenticity, and this property delivers that in a way that’s difficult to replicate.”
A Private Primary Retreat Overlooking Gardens and Orchards
The upper level is anchored by a spacious primary suite occupying one of the home’s most private corners.
Soft neutral finishes, abundant natural light, and views across the gardens create a calming atmosphere throughout the suite. A dedicated sitting room beneath vaulted ceilings provides an additional retreat, while a distinctive circular window frames picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.
French doors open onto a private balcony overlooking the estate’s orchards and formal gardens, creating a tranquil setting for morning coffee or evening relaxation.
The adjoining bathroom continues the home’s classic aesthetic through marble finishes, traditional fixtures, and a freestanding clawfoot soaking tub positioned beneath a large window.
Together, the spaces create a primary suite that feels both elegant and deeply connected to the natural beauty of Shelter Island.
A Creative Legacy Lives On
One of the estate’s most unique features can be found within a converted barn that now houses a dedicated artist studio.
Positioned beneath vaulted ceilings and surrounded by windows, the studio offers an inspiring environment for painting, writing, design, or other creative pursuits. White-painted surfaces and abundant daylight create a gallery-like atmosphere that feels intentionally removed from the home’s more formal living spaces.
The creative nature of the property aligns naturally with Shelter Island’s longstanding reputation as a destination for artists, writers, and cultural figures.
“Properties like this have always attracted people who value creativity and privacy,” a local real estate professional familiar with the area told California Luxury Houses. “There’s a unique energy here that’s difficult to find elsewhere in the Hamptons market.”
Resort-Style Outdoor Amenities
While the main residence serves as the estate’s architectural centerpiece, the outdoor amenities elevate the property into true resort territory.
A 60-foot saltwater swimming pool anchors the grounds, surrounded by manicured hedges, stone pathways, and mature landscaping that provide exceptional privacy.
Adjacent to the pool, a covered cabana functions as an outdoor living room complete with draped curtains and comfortable seating areas. Nearby, a separate pool house provides fully independent guest accommodations including living space, kitchen facilities, a bedroom, and a private bathroom.
The arrangement allows visitors to enjoy privacy while remaining connected to the estate’s primary gathering areas.
According to listing representatives, the outdoor improvements were designed to create a seamless experience where family and guests could comfortably spend entire weekends without ever needing to leave the property.
Life on Shelter Island
Part of the estate’s appeal lies in its location.
Situated between the North and South Forks of Long Island, Shelter Island offers a lifestyle that remains distinct from neighboring Hamptons communities. Residents enjoy a slower pace, abundant natural beauty, marinas, beaches, nature preserves, and a strong sense of community.
The property is located within easy reach of Crescent Beach, Shelter Island Yacht Club, local farm stands, waterfront restaurants, and boutique shops throughout the island’s village centers.
For buyers seeking luxury without the intensity of more crowded East End destinations, Shelter Island continues to represent one of New York’s most desirable coastal enclaves.
A Rare Opportunity to Own a Piece of Creative History
The sale marks the next chapter for a property that has long served as a gathering place for creative minds.
What Green and Burgess acquired as a restoration challenge has emerged as one of Shelter Island’s most thoughtfully revived historic estates. Their stewardship preserved not only the architecture but also the spirit that has made the property special for generations.
California Luxury Houses understands that the owners invested years carefully balancing preservation with modernization, creating a residence that feels simultaneously historic and highly functional for contemporary living.
For the future owner, the opportunity extends far beyond acquiring a beautiful home. It offers a chance to become part of an enduring Shelter Island story—one shaped by creativity, craftsmanship, and more than a century of history.