Sea Cliff's 'Columbia Cottage' Victorian lists for $1.3 million
Columbia Cottage, an 1880s Sea Cliff home, is on the market for $1.3 million. Credit: Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty
On the veranda of a sage-green Victorian in the village of Sea Cliff, Francis and Susan Keenan have hosted dinners and gatherings. Several doors open onto the porch, which the Keenans have treated as an extra room with a view of the water.
"It's a house where you can throw a lot of nice parties," Susan said. The goings-on are shrouded by trees out front.
Now in their 70s, the Keenans spend about half the year at a second home in Florida and have put the three-bed, two-bath Long Island home on the market for $1.3 million. Annual taxes on the 0.12-acre Park Way property, which falls within the North Shore Central School District, total $20,591.
The veranda has been the scene of dinners and gatherings for the current homeowners. Credit: Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty
"It's an old house," said Susan, 74. "It's been updated to make it comfortable, but there's still a lot of the older features in there, and it's a house that is very welcoming."
The build dates back to at least the turn of the 20th century, according to property records. A deed filed in 2014 states that the plot of land, then considered part of Queens County, was on the map in 1876. Though the house is not a historical site, it wears a decorative plaque the Keenans had made. Below the name "Columbia Cottage," the plaque reads, "circa 1880."
A plaque on the home says it was built circa 1880. Credit: Daniel Gale Sothebys International Realty
In renovating the home, the Keenans took care to preserve its character, said listing agent Damian Ross, of Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty. Home heating systems are fueled by natural gas and hot water. The house is cooled by central air conditioning, but high-velocity units make the system less noticeable, Ross said.
"I was pleasantly surprised, because I walk into a lot of these old, old homes and it's very difficult to restore them without disturbing their charm," Ross said of his first impression of the home.
The kitchen. Credit: Daniel Gale Sothebys International Realty
Among "Old World details" retained, Ross said, are tray ceilings in the living and dining rooms, coffered ceilings in the den and various millwork elements.
"It doesn't feel like an old, creaky house," Ross said.
And from most rooms, there are water views, Ross said. With high ceilings and round windows, "the primary bedroom has sort of a nautical feel," he added.
Tray and coffered ceilings and various millwork elements are among the details retained in the home, the listing agent said. Credit: Daniel Gale Sothebys International Realty
For Francis, 73, and Susan, part of the appeal of the home was its proximity to public stairs that lead to various neighborhood staples. The beach, the yacht club and village restaurants are within walking distance, she said.
"You can literally walk out your back door and walk up the steps right into town and go to the restaurants or whatever," Ross said.
Arielle Dollinger joined Newsday as a staff reporter in 2022. Previously, she covered local and national news as a freelancer for The New York Times, Newsday and other outlets.
