Welcome to Shelter Island
In the mid-1600s, Nathaniel Sylvester and a group of other sugar merchants purchased the island for 1,600 pounds of Barbados sugar from the native Manhasset tribe who called it “Manhansack-aha-quash-awomack” (island sheltered by islands). Situated in the bay between the North and South Forks, Shelter Island is only accessible by boat or ferry. Locals like to say the best thing about Shelter Island is the ferry, and the worst thing about the island is the ferry. With ferries running every 5-10 minutes, and taking about half that to get you to and from the island, it is both easily accessible and relatively inaccessible at the same time, which has helped maintain it’s peaceful vibe throughout the years, and made it a favorite among those looking for a slower pace in the Hamptons. While more remote, Shelter Island has established itself as both a self-sufficient town, with its own hardware store, department store, golf links and more, and as a resort community, with several renowned accommodations like the Ram’s Head Inn, the Pridwin Hotel, reopening in 2022, and Sunset Beach, owned by famed hotelier Andre Balasz. A frequent stop for anyone with a boat, Sunset is most famously known for its multilevel restaurant/bar overlooking the beach that will transport you back to the St. Tropez in the 1950s, and recently featured a pop-up shop by colorful Italian fashion house Marni. Visitors come from all over to eat at Vine Street Cafe, considered by many to be one of the best restaurants in all of the Hamptons, and Marie Eiffel Market, the Island’s own French deli.
Shelter Island Real Estate
Mala Sander and her team are the leading Hamptons real estate agents, helping clients sell and buy Hamptons real estate. They are the ultimate experts in buying, selling, and renting a property in the Hamptons every step of the way, from the initial meeting and showings to negotiation and closing. Contact Mala Sander today to learn more about their real estate services in the Hamptons or browse our exclusive listings of Shelter Island homes for sale or lease below.
For more options, check out these nearby neighborhoods: