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Billy Joel Sells Centre Island “House on the Hill” for $28.75M — Sets Long Island Record Outside the Hamptons
“House on the Hill” Finally Finds a Buyer
After more than 20 years, Billy Joel has sold his iconic Centre Island waterfront estate, MiddleSea, for $28.75 million — the highest residential sale ever recorded on Long Island outside of the Hamptons. Combined with last year’s $7 million gatehouse sale, the full property traded for $35.75 million.
Listed Two Years Ago, Sold Now
Joel first put MiddleSea on the market in 2023 while a five-year renovation was still underway. At a UBS Arena show that year, he reassured fans about his beloved ties:
“Just because I’m selling that house doesn’t mean I’m leaving Long Island. I’m just gonna spend a little more time in Florida like old Jewish guys from Long Island do.”
Now, after strategic repositioning and a global bidding war, the estate has officially changed hands.
A North Shore Landmark
Long known to boaters as “the house on the hill,” the estate sits high above Oyster Bay. Joel purchased the original 14-acre property in 2002 for $22.5 million and later expanded it with two waterfront lots and the gatehouse, ultimately assembling roughly 21 acres — a rare contiguous waterfront holding in tightly held Centre Island.
Smart Repositioning Seals the Deal
The estate initially struggled to find a buyer with the 20,000-square-foot red-brick manor mid-renovation. By spring 2025, the listing strategy changed:
- Main residence: $29.9 million
- Two waterfront lots (including gatehouse): $4.95 million each
This approach reignited global interest, sparking a competitive bidding war among three finalists. The new owner remains private.
Inside the Renovated Manor
The six-bedroom, 11-bath manor features a 30-foot entry hall with sweeping marble staircase and panoramic water views. Amenities include:
- Grand ballroom and entertaining spaces
- Temperature-controlled wine cellar
- Private spa and bowling alley
- Outdoor tennis court, pool, and private dock
- Guest house, beach house, and eight-car garage
A Defining Moment for Long Island Real Estate
Centre Island is known for generational ownership and rare trophy sales. MiddleSea’s record-breaking deal marks a milestone for the North Shore — and Joel remains part of the Long Island landscape even as he splits time with Florida.