Old Field offers waterfront living on the Long Island Sound
Living in Old Field may be a dream come true for anyone who loves water views, water sports and outdoor activities. Harbors and bays almost entirely surround the compact, 2.2-square-mile community. There's also a large inland pond. While some communities have mascots, this Brookhaven town has a lighthouse. The Long Island Sound on the north shore calmly laps in the shadow of a bluff on which stands the village's famous maritime structure. It's the town's second lighthouse and was built to replace one powered by whale oil lamps. The Old Field Point of Light silhouette is the village's most recognizable feature. Old Field is primarily residential. What makes the village so unique is the various laws trustees passed to prevent population and housing density. In the 17th century, Native Americans sold the land known as Old Field to European farmers, fishermen and shipbuilders, and by the early 1900s, these same laborers relocated to communities closer to trains and employers. For much of the next century, including today, Old Field is known for its large mansions and sprawling estates. The village has diversified a lot over the past few decades, but bylaws strongly restrict projects that encourage population growth and housing density. However, just a few miles away, you'll find shopping plazas, eateries, Stony Brook University and some of the largest employers in the county.
Scenic beaches line Old Field’s shores, offering both resident-only and public access.
Old Field’s waterfront setting and historic charm make it a sought-after Long Island village.
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Exclusive beaches, hiking and kayaking at Flax Pond Tidal Wetland Area
Old Field's coasts and ponds are lined with beaches. Most are scenic; some are rocky and not easy to navigate without proper water shoes, and, like Cranes Neck Beach on the north shore, not all are easy to find. Accessibility is one of the strategies for maintaining exclusivity throughout the village. Day trippers will drive an extra mile or two for a public beach with ample parking, onsite rest stations and a snack bar. Some of the local beaches even require resident badges and parking stickers. Flax Pond Tidal Wetland Area is free and open year-round. The more than 150-acre scenic property offers activities like hiking, hunting and fishing, kayaking and wildlife viewing.
Interestingly, the original Old Field lighthouse was completed in 1824 at a cost of $4,000 (roughly about $125,000 in the 2020s). These days, a used car costs four or five times that amount. The “modern,” Old Field Point of Light was built in 1868 and powered by kerosene lamps. In the 1930s, the government gave it an automatic revolving light, which is still capable of providing navigational aid.
Take in tidal wetlands from Flax Pond Bridge, a favorite walking spot in Old Field.
Fishing along Old Field’s quiet shoreline is a favorite pastime for local anglers.
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Large lots and views of the water are standard in Old Field
Homes in Old Field list for as low as $1 million. At this price point, you can get a modern or classic-style house with views of Smithtown Bay and Flax Pond barely concealed behind a curtain of trees. Estates that list for more than $5 million overlook The Narrows or harbor. Most properties in Old Field are hidden in a thicket of old-growth trees, down long private driveways or behind walls and gates. For the most part, homes with waterfront views are the norm.
Old Field is known for luxury mansions set along the Long Island Sound.
Modern design stands out among Old Field’s waterfront homes and historic estates.
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Highly rated Three Village schools
The Three Village Central School District serves Old Field students. Niche gives it an A-plus and ranks it the third-best district in Suffolk County. The closest public schools are Setauket Elementary School, which has an A, and Paul J. Gelinas Junior High School, which has an A-plus. Both are located in Setauket, a neighborhood a few miles to the south. Niche gives Ward Melville Senior High School an A-plus and names it the third-best public high school in the county.
Setauket Elementary provides A-rated education just minutes from Old Field.
Ward Melville High School fosters community pride in the Three Village district near Old Field.
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Shops and restaurants on North Country Road
North Country Road is a busy corridor where locals can find retail shops, restaurants, bars and grocery stores. In January 2022, Newsday wrote about the new noodle shops opening in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, including Ichi Sushi & Ramen in East Setauket, which serves classic ramen bowls, sushi rolls and nigiri. Chico's Tex-Mex is a relative newcomer to the area. The eatery transitioned from slinging tacos from a trailer to its current brick-and-mortar taqueria. The owner, a Long Island native, says he opened the eatery to employ workers who lost their jobs during the pandemic.
Enjoy homestyle meals at Setauket Village Diner, a local favorite near Old Field.
Se-Port Deli serves giant heroes in East Setauket, close to Old Field.
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Photography Contributed By
Jeff Rainone
Video By
Antoine Allen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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Nestled in the Incorporated Village of Old Field, this 2.17-acre lot offers the perfect setting to build your dream home. Health Department approval and septic permits are already in place. Architectural plans designed by renown architect Michael Macrina have been completed for a stunning residence befitting this prestigious area. Enjoy all the benefits of Old Field Village living—including
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