Billy Joel Pulls Waterfront Long Island Mansion Off Market After Failed Sales Efforts
Prolific singer-songwriter Billy Joel has pulled his 21-acre North Shore Long Island waterfront estate, dubbed MiddleSea, from the market after a revamped sales plan and subsequent price reduction failed to secure a sale. The property, valued at $29.9 million, had been listed for sale in pieces since last year, with its sprawling main house asking $25 million.
Joel initially put the entire estate up for sale in 2023, but it remained unsold due to its lengthy renovation timeline. To revive interest, his team reconfigured the property into three separate parcels – the main house, two adjacent buildable lots, and a gatehouse that had already sold for $7 million.
The restructuring effort ultimately failed to generate buzz among potential buyers. Joel loyalists, however, remained interested, despite the price not being enough to spark a bidding war. The sale was said to be "going nowhere," according to Emmett Laffey, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Laffey International Realty, which handled the listing.
Joel purchased the estate in 2002 for $22.5 million and has since spent years renovating it, with some estimates suggesting that the project took over five years to complete. During this time, he never moved back into the main house, preferring instead to stay in the gatehouse or a nearby guest house.
The property boasts an impressive array of amenities, including a spa, ballroom, wine cellar, and bowling alley in the guesthouse, as well as six-car garage, tennis court, helipad, and expansive views of Long Island Sound. Joel has been spending his days in Florida since removing the estate from the market.
Prolific singer-songwriter Billy Joel has pulled his 21-acre North Shore Long Island waterfront estate, dubbed MiddleSea, from the market after a revamped sales plan and subsequent price reduction failed to secure a sale. The property, valued at $29.9 million, had been listed for sale in pieces since last year, with its sprawling main house asking $25 million.
Joel initially put the entire estate up for sale in 2023, but it remained unsold due to its lengthy renovation timeline. To revive interest, his team reconfigured the property into three separate parcels – the main house, two adjacent buildable lots, and a gatehouse that had already sold for $7 million.
The restructuring effort ultimately failed to generate buzz among potential buyers. Joel loyalists, however, remained interested, despite the price not being enough to spark a bidding war. The sale was said to be "going nowhere," according to Emmett Laffey, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Laffey International Realty, which handled the listing.
Joel purchased the estate in 2002 for $22.5 million and has since spent years renovating it, with some estimates suggesting that the project took over five years to complete. During this time, he never moved back into the main house, preferring instead to stay in the gatehouse or a nearby guest house.
The property boasts an impressive array of amenities, including a spa, ballroom, wine cellar, and bowling alley in the guesthouse, as well as six-car garage, tennis court, helipad, and expansive views of Long Island Sound. Joel has been spending his days in Florida since removing the estate from the market.
I think it's pretty cool that Billy Joel is hanging onto his waterfront Long Island mansion for now. I mean, who wouldn't want a 21-acre paradise with a spa, ballroom, and bowling alley? 
The fact that he's been putting in all this time and money into the estate has clearly paid off, even if it hasn't sold yet. Maybe he just wants to enjoy the space before selling or using it as a vacation home. That's totally understandable, especially considering he's been spending his days soaking up the sun in Florida 
. The property is definitely one of a kind, and I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who would love to own such an amazing piece of real estate. 
... anyway, I think it's kinda weird that Billy Joel never moved back into the main house during all those years of renovating it. Like, wouldn't that have been a good excuse to stay put and save on a mortgage? And what's up with the gatehouse being sold for $7 million? Is that like, the normal price for a fancy guest house now? 
! I mean, can you imagine anyone willing to shell out that kinda cash for a fixer-upper like MiddleSea? 
Billy Joel's got some serious love for this place, but it seems his team just didn't get the buzz they were hoping for. Maybe if he had sold it off in smaller chunks sooner, it would've been easier to attract buyers. Anyone thinking of taking on a renovation project knows how time-consuming and costly that can be 
. The perks are definitely impressive – spa, bowling alley, and all that jazz 
– but for most people, the price just wouldn't cut it. Guess Billy Joel's still enjoying life in Florida while his Long Island gem remains unsold 
i mean who needs all that space & luxury when ur just gonna stay in florida most of the time anyway? and 29.9 million is still waaay too much 4 a regular joe to afford even if they wanted to buy it
. I mean, the guy's got a legit songwriting career and all that jazz... 29 million bucks for a waterfront estate is already insane 
, but others are probably like me – "what's the point?" 
. Still, 6-car garage? Tennis court? Helipad? That's some next-level luxury, dude! 
after they tried to sell it 3 times already ! i mean, i get it, the price was a lil steep $29.9 million is not cheap 
it has a spa, ballroom, wine cellar, and even a bowling alley in the guesthouse 
plus a helipad and tennis court - talk about ultimate luxury life 
anyone got a 5-yr renovation timeline on their hands 
? 
, but selling his dream home is like selling a piece of himself. The fact that he's pulled it off the market again is kinda sad. I get why he wanted to try to revamp the sales plan and price it lower, but at this point, I think he might just be stuck with it forever 
i mean 29.9 million is a lot of cash but i guess its better than nothing lol imagine having that kinda space to yourself 
anyway, someone pls get me an invite to his next florida beach party 
maybe he'll just keep it for himself lol who knows?
he's had it for like 23 years already! anyone think it's just a tax write-off at this point? I mean, i get it, the renovation took forever but $29.9 million is crazy 
that's dedication. anyhoo, hope he finds a buyer soon or just enjoys the peace & quiet 
and now he's gonna be the only one with access to all those sick amenities 
i feel him tho, he spent like 5 years renovating that place and never moved back in 
meanwhile ppl stil love him, thats def cool, fans 4eva 