Matinecock

With its wooded streets and sprawling estates, driving through the village of Matinecock is a unique experience. It’s a bit like stepping into the North Shore’s past and getting a glimpse at the Gold Coast in its heyday. “Matinecock has 5-acre zoning and it’s more of an estate-like area,” says Christy Porter, an associate broker at Daniel Gale and Sotheby’s International Realty. Despite the private and sometimes secluded atmosphere fostered by its large estates, Matinecock’s northern border is tucked right up against Locust Valley’s charming downtown, which is full of boutiques and restaurants—all less than 2 miles from the center of the village. “One of the reasons people move here is the quaintness of Locust Valley,” Porter says. “Matinecock has old-style houses and an estate-like setting. It’s entirely different, but it’s all very close to each other. Close to arteries for commuting, shopping, public and private schools. You have many options.” From Locust Valley, Matinecock residents can take the train to Manhattan, a trip that takes about an hour and 10 minutes. And despite the sense of privacy that many Matinecock residents cherish, the village still has a welcoming community centered around nearby country clubs. “I also think people move here because they feel as if it’s a friendly place,” Porter says.

With zoning set at a minimum of 5 acres, most of the homes in Matinecock fall into the luxury real estate market. Many of these sprawling homes have beautifully manicured grounds with amenities like private pools, tennis courts and indoor home movie theaters. The private estate-like atmosphere that reigns in Matinecock isn’t set to change any time soon, either. “The villages did a moratorium several years ago trying to protect the estate-like nature of this area,” Porter says. It’s hard to find a home in Matinecock for less than $1.5 million, and prices can climb as high as $10 million for an updated estate with extensive acreage and plenty of amenities. Despite these high price tags, Porter says that the housing market in Matinecock is very active. Low inventory and high demand fuel competition for the houses that make it onto the market and mean that houses go quickly, often selling for over the asking price. “A lot of New Yorkers come in and buy in this area because they think it’s good value,” Porter says.

Children in Matinecock are served by the Locust Valley School district, which Niche gives an A rating. They attend schools like Ann Macarthur Primary School, Locust Valley Intermediate School and Locust Valley Middle and High School. The journalism and music programs at the high school are both award-winning, with the particularly popular music program boasting enrollment from a third of the school’s students.

According to Porter, country clubs play a central role in life in Matinecock. Many residents join these clubs to gain access not only to their amenities but also as a way to connect with the community—though the amenities certainly don’t hurt! Sitting near the heart of the neighborhood, Piping Rock Club offers members amenities like a nationally-ranked 18-hole golf course, tennis and pickleball courts, a beach club with a pool house and more. There are also several preserves like the Cushman Woods in and around Matinecock, providing acres of wooded trails where residents love to hike.

Residents often meet up with friends to wine and dine at Basil Leaf Café or visit the small collection of beauty salons and shops in Matinecock’s small shopping center, Locust Valley Plaza. When they want a little more excitement, residents make the short drive to Locust Valley, whose quaint downtown is full of antique stores and boutiques. When they get hungry, Locust Valley also has a wide range of restaurants. A couple of local favorites include Piñons Pizza Company and Buckram Stables Café, where residents enjoy sitting down for drinks and American fare like fried chicken. Locust Valley’s proximity gives Matinecock residents plenty to do when they want it, but at the end of the day, the peacefulness and privacy of Matinecock’s large estates are what set it apart and make it an ideal home for so many.

Written By

Christina Norwood

Photography Contributed By

Perez Folds

Video By

Grace Kim