The exquisite village of Point O’Woods is the oldest and most private of all Fire Island’s communities. It is gated so people don’t just drop in uninvited.
In 1899, Charles Hand and William Griffin, two devoted and farsighted planners, steered the Point O’Woods Association in a direction that has been maintained for over 100 years.
The careful planning of the community, its architecture and landscaping has created a graceful, old world charm. The number of homes has remained fairly constant with the 128 originally planned by the Association in the 1920’s. Sadly, some of these gems have been lost in storms.
The wooden boardwalks meander through the lush foliage under canopies of tall trees. The classic, cedar-shingled Victorian homes are nearly hidden from view, nestled in the wild roses.
Unique on Fire Island, part of the original railroad built by Captain Clock in the 1880’s, still transports residents from the ferry to the ocean.
Point O’Woods is informal, quiet, conservative, and private. The lifestyle is relaxed, and entertaining at home is the norm.
The Point O’Woods Yacht Squadron is the oldest yacht club on Fire Island and the oldest community organization. Sailing is a passion here, and the club competes island-wide in regattas with Saltaire and Dunewood.
Tennis is played at the the Club, a magnificent example of the cedar-shingled architecture of this town. There is also a grocery store, candy shop, nature center and post office.
A day camp welcomes the children. The ferry and parking lots in Bay Shore are private, and there are no public facilities.
This family oriented community requires its residents to have children. In order to purchase a home here, families must be recommended by a club member and interviewed by the real estate committee. After renting for a year, they are eligible to buy. The land is owned by the Association, and leased to householders for 99 years. The residents are friendly, but ask visitors to respect their privacy.
