Shinnecock Hills

Golf, Shinnecock tribe and an art community dominate the area
While Shinnecock’s main attraction is the golf club where the U.S. Open has been held numerous times, the deep history of the Shinnecock tribe can be felt throughout the area. Over Labor Day weekend, the Shinnecock Reservation opens to the public for an annual powwow, and visitors can stop into smoke shops along the highway. Lesser known about the area is that painter William Merritt Chase founded a summer art academy in the late 1800s based on the plein-air schools popular in Europe. He also painted many scenes in and around Shinnecock, which can be seen at the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill. Chase’s NYC art school later became Parsons School of Design.

Historic cottages from the art colony have become billionaires’ estates
While wealthy businessman flock to Shinnecock Hills for its famed links and have built grand estates overlooking the bay, the area still holds true to its historic art roots. A section called the “Art Colony” contains houses and cottages from Chase’s era. Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has an estate here close to the Shinnecock Golf Club. Simple 2-bedroom ranch homes start at around $500K and housing prices quickly rise to seven figures.