Location: Islip, NY
Size: 70 acres
Date of hike: March 1, 2025
The Scully Estate features a short hike through a diverse mix of habitats on a property that includes a majestic mansion built in the early 1900s. I heard about the preserve while recently interviewing a nearby resident named Peter Mi Mento, who I had profiled in a weekly section I write for Newsday called “Hometown Hero.” Di Mento, 88, was recognized by a local legislator for his efforts performing tasks such as clearing trails and repairing birdhouses within the historic estate and he recommended that I visit it once he heard I like to hike. And boy, I’m happy he did.
Before exploring, I learned more about the history and habitats of the Scully Estate, which is managed by the nonprofit Seatuck Environmental Association through a partnership with the Suffolk County Parks Department. Apparently, the land was once part of a nearly 300-acre gentleman's farm called Windholme Farm that included the neighboring 200-acre Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge from the late 1880s until the early 20th century, according to the estate’s website. Windholme belonged to Samuel and Natalie Peters, the former being a coal broker and city banker who enjoyed boating in the Great South Bay. “The Peters gave the property (which was eventually divided by South Bay Avenue) to their two children, Harry and Louisine,” said the estate's website. “Harry took the 200 acres to the east of South Bay Avenue, and Louisine took the 70 acres to the west.” In the 1960s, her daughter, Hathaway, committed the estate to the National Audobon Society, which sold it to the county in 2004.
The preserve’s entrance is on South Bay Avenue to the south of Maple Street,with a gravelly parking lot that is large enough for over a dozen cars. Upon parking, I immediately marched over to the picturesque mansion, which is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to the estate's website. From what I read, the home was built for Louisine and her husband, Harold, in 1917. “It was inspired by a French château and designed by the world-renowned architect Grovenor Atterbury,” the estate’s website said. “Atterbury is famous for designing Forest Hill Gardens and part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.” Next, I walked over to a trail map posted alongside the mansion that displayed habitats ranging from wetlands to woodlands as well as three tiny trails: the North Woods, West Woods and Marsh trails.
The hike’s highlight for me was probably the Marsh Trail, which took me about 20 minutes to complete and followed the border of the estate’s Heart Pond – likely named for a small island in the middle that seems to be shaped like a heart. The path featured a series of boardwalks that navigated the wetlands surrounding the pretty pond as well as a section of trail that was located literally inches from the water. The whole hike was very relaxing, especially since I was the only person in the entire preserve. I then tackled the North and West woods trails, the former of which was the longest of the estate's three trails and took about a half hour.
Regarding wildlife, the estate has everything from great-horned owls to lesser yellowlegs as well as more well-known creatures such as box turtles and white-tailed deer, according to a sign. But no pets are permitted. For those interested in the region's wildlife, the property is also home to the Suffolk County Environmental Center, which opened in 2010. “Visitors can take advantage of Seatuck’s full schedule of nature programs,” stated the estate’s website.
In closing, I’d definitely recommend the Scully Estate to local hikers seeking a fast escape into nature. The three trails can all be finished quickly and are filled with beautiful views – especially the Marsh Trail. Thank you for the incredible recommendation, Mr. Di Mento!
Parking: 40°42'54.5"N 73°12'47.6"W
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