Oakdale, Idle Hour

Oakdale, Artist Colony

The Artist Colony

Concealed in a quiet enclave south of the Montauk Hwy, 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.

What more comfort could one find than this lovely home next to 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. 

For Idle Hour Residents there is a Beach Club on the Bay with a Kidde Pool, Large main Pool and a Snack Shack.  Here the community gathers for local holiday parties and Seasonal get together.  There are Several Large Marinas’ for all of your boating needs and wonderful Long time established Seafood Restaurants along the Conetquot River. 

We have many homes available in this delightful community.

For more history and information  please contact me at Netter Real Estate.