I traced the roads leading to this mysterious island and took a drive through the neighborhood. Making my way past the bodegas and crowded multi-fams in the Cove, I found a sign warning me that Wallack’s Point was a Private Neighborhood and that if I were to proceed, I would be shot. OK, I made that last part up. Maybe. Wallack’s Point was in the news recently because it’s where William F. Buckley lived and died. I’m not sure which house was his and I’m not creepy enough to try to find out. I should mention that I didn’t take any pictures because I wasn’t sure how crazy-secretive the people of the Point were. Plus I’m always afraid Martin Kove will jump out and attack me. Back to the ‘hood in question…all I have to say is: WOW. It makes North Stamford and Shippan look like (perish the thought!) middle-class neighborhoods. Most of the homes have beachfront property and lots of sunny exposure. I saw one house on Willowbrook Avenue listed for $1.75 million. The crown jewel of Wallack’s Point, however, is a little place called Caritas Island, which is what I saw on the satellite map. Here’s a nicer picture:
It was actually on Forbes’ list of the most expensive private islands in 2006 – $25 million+. The entrance to the bridge to Caritas Island is gated, complete with an intercom to announce your presence and be judged worthy or unworthy of passage.If you want to take a drive through the Point and feel insignificant, drive down Cove Road, turn south on Soundview Avenue and take that past Cummings Park. From there, check out Willowbrook Avenue, Wallacks Lane and Wallacks Drive. Just don’t tell them I sent you.
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4 comments:
My mom and I grew up there. I could tell you some stories. And yes, I could tell you which house was Mr. Buckley's.
To answer dplaz1's comment from the previous ones, the name of the family was Gilbert. The mom was a Morgan. My grew up friends with one of the daughters in the 50s and 60s. For sure, I can find out if there were LSD experiments. If there were, it was probably the Gilbert kids and my mother and uncle.
To answer dplaz1's comment from the previous ones, the name of the family was Gilbert. The mom was a Morgan. My grew up friends with one of the daughters in the 50s and 60s. For sure, I can find out if there were LSD experiments. If there were, it was probably the Gilbert kids and my mother and uncle.
I spent my summers on Wallack Point, my relatives, Myrtle ( youngest prima doña at the metropolitan opera) and Harold Burns bought the 12 acres on Burns Road in 1927 for $ 120,000. Dollars.
They lived in Manhattan and spent the weekends at Wallack Point. Our home had a fabulous beach party house, on the sound, a grass tennis court, greenhouses, and early on a stable with horses. Also, several guest cottages because they entertained lavishly in those days.
The home on the island at the end of the road was indeed owned by the Gilbert's, who were part of the Rockefeller family.
Fourth of July fireworks were best seem from there.
Bill Buckley lived on the next property on the
other side of Burns Avenue. Both properties went from the road to the beach.
It was the most wonderful place to spend summer days, and Stamford was a very small town, I am amazed at how it has turned into such a corporate community.
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