Billy Joel’s Centre Island Gatehouse Sells for $7M

A storied piece of Billy Joel’s Centre Island estate quietly changed hands this past week, selling for $7 million in a discreet, off-market closing. The property, a 5,565-square-foot residence set on nearly five acres of prime Long Island beachfront, is known as the estate’s gatehouse—a name that belies its grandeur. Once part of the early 20th-century holdings of railroad magnate George Bullock, the structure is actually a blend of Bullock’s original gatehouse and carriage house, thoughtfully combined into a five-bedroom, four-bath home with dual kitchens and sweeping water views. The buyers, a couple from Long Island’s North Shore, purchased the home under a corporate entity, drawn to its historic charm and enviable location, according to the New York Post.

The property, affectionately called “Middlesea” by Joel, has served as a retreat for the legendary musician, who occasionally stayed in the gatehouse while renovations were underway on the estate’s main residence. That estate—complete with a helipad, dock, and sweeping renovations—remains on the market, re-listed last fall for $49.9 million and now adjusted below that mark. Emmett Laffey, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Laffey International Realty is the listing broker for the estate and gatehouse. Joel, who never returned to live in the main house after renovations began, is currently focused on recovery, undergoing physical therapy for a neurological condition known as normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Designed for comfort and privacy, the gatehouse features two master suites overlooking the water, a heated pool, and a screened-in patio with a built-in outdoor kitchen. Modern security measures, including an electric gate, intercom system, and surveillance camera, ensure peace of mind while maintaining the home’s quiet elegance.

In a region known for its opulence and guarded enclaves, this transaction represents something rare: a significant sale that combines historical architecture, discreet luxury, and the allure of waterfront living—just steps from the world of one of America’s most iconic musicians.

Photos: Berkshire Hathaway Homes Services / Laffey International Realty