The Artists’ Colony in Oakdale is a historic community in an enclave just south of the Montauk

Concealed in a quiet enclave south of the Montauk, the Artists’ Colony in Oakdale remains a tranquil setting relatively hidden from the public. No commercial centers to interfere with the authentic historic community. Throughout the yearly cycle, a bike tour is known to pass through in early spring, and during the winter holiday season, you may get a view of Santa Claus riding on top of the local fire truck to spread holiday cheer. Other than that, local tourists from neighboring towns occasionally ride through to share a look at “Munchkin Land.” On occasion, you may encounter a neighbor looking for a lost dog or couples riding bikes/working on well kept gardens reminiscent of Georgetown.

The name is derived from the unique assortment of former animal pens of the W.K. Vanderbilt Estate, Idle Hour, nestled close to Dowling College and the Great South Bay. Bought by a philanthropist/artists for a summer artists’ colony, the community was eventually bought by individual buyers. Many who were interested in preserving the historic nature of the place and the task has been lovingly passed down from generation to generation.

The master chicken coop is the second largest home in the community. An elegant reminder of an earlier age, this two story brick home dates from the turn of the century (1890’s) The 2500sq. foot residence features a large sunken living room with exposed beams, a bay window looking out to the large yard, a former sheep meadow, with a hand-crafted brick fireplace and many unique arts and crafts style details. The floors throughout the house are large plank oak and red maple. The downstairs also features a dining area with a leaded glass cupboard and velvet lined built-in shelf and a library/den. The galley kitchen, while small, is open to possibilities. There is also a full bath with original tiles downstairs, just across from a tile mural near the antique Dutch door. Upstairs, there are three wormy pacci-cypress paneled bedrooms and a full bath with original tile work and a small alcove with a tiny loft and an antique door that opens for a view of the Queen Anne Style Caretaker’s Cottage just across the one-way street.

One city architect has proposed that part of the 2nd floor ceiling be extended into the large attic area to create a cathedral ceiling. While lovingly preserving the original nature of the home, the present owner has replaced the original roof with a new 30-year warranty and skylight in the master bedroom. The electrical system has also been upgraded. The oil burner is in excellent shape and occupies a small furnace area with a window.

What more magic could one find than this lovely home in a true storybook community? A wonderful place to raise a family with the local (Connetquot ) Idle Hour Elementary school just outside the brick fortress of the colony.

For residents who are interested in the sea, there is a system of canals running through the neighborhood that once supplied the irrigation to the Vanderbilt’s farmland. These same canals can now take you in boat or kayak out into the Great South Bay and beyond. Once past the Snapper Inn, with a view of the Bayard Cutting Arboretum, it’s just a turn to the port towards Fire Island.

The Artists’ Colony also has a tiny pig wallow which through the Lobbying of locals has been restored. The master chicken coop and its unique setting in a charming and peaceful neighborhood reflects the old world charm of a bygone era. It will take a unique and special buyer to take over the legacy.