Sale of Water Mill House Will Help Rebuild 10 Sandy-Ravaged Homes
The late Sarah Rubenstein bequeathed her Water Mill home with water views to Habitat for Humanity New York City, and now the sale of the valuable house will enable the reconstruction of 10 Staten Island homes that were decimated by Superstorm Sandy.
Rubenstein’s three-bedroom, two-bath house at 108 Westminster Road in the hamlet of Water Mill was listed in June for $1.45 million, and now it is in contract for the full asking price, according to Douglas Elliman Real Estate, which brokered the sale. Douglas Elliman agents Priscilla Garston and Alyra Hoffman had the exclusive listing.
“This is an amazing thing that Habitat for Humanity is doing for those still suffering after Hurricane Sandy,” Douglas Elliman President and CEO Dottie Herman said. “I am so proud that Priscilla and Alyra worked to secure the best possible outcome for all parties. Habitat for Humanity is a wonderful organization that does a lot of good for a lot of people and, as a firm, we are honored to have been a part of this transaction.”
Habitat for Humanity New York City CEO Neil Hetherington said, “The extraordinary thing about this is that the money earned from one single home, in one of the most luxurious markets in the country, will provide enough funds to build 10 homes for those in need in Staten Island.”
The house is on just 0.3 acres and, according to Douglas Elliman, has neighborhood dock rights and water access on Calf Creek, which accesses Mecox Bay.
Former President Jimmy Carter and wife Rosalynn, the former first lady, are expected to visit the new Staten Island homes in October, as the initiative is part of the 2013 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. The project, which is slated to begin October 6, will include 1,000 volunteers across Queens and Staten Island.