Even if you don’t remember who John Philip Sousa is, you probably have heard “Stars and Stripes Forever” at a fireworks display or watched a marching band play one of his compositions. Sousa wrote so many military marches that he earned the title, “The American March King” and led the official presidential bands for five consecutive administrations.

His successful career allowed him to purchase a beautiful home in Sands Point on Long Island, NY known as “Wildbank” and that home is on the National Register. This historic 2.6-acre property is currently listed for sale at $7,880,000.

The living room has beige sofa sets that p[air well with the sunny walls and dark hardwood flooring. On the far side is a fireplace topped with a painting. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.

The walls of this formal dining room is filled with scenic wallpaper that matches with the tone of the dining chair cushions surrounding the large table. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com. — The walls of this formal dining room are filled with scenic wallpaper that matches with the tone of the dining chair cushions surrounding the large table. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.

This is the kitchen that has a coffered ceiling to match the wooden cabinetry lining the walls as well as the narrow kitchen island. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.

This is a look at the back of the house that has patios and terraces lining the exterior walls along with dormer windows. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.

This is a look at the rear of the house with lush landscaping fitted with an outdoor dining area under the shade of tall trees. This also leads down to the long pier. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.

All photos are used with permission from TopTenRealEstateDeals.com

Wildbank was designed and built by architect A. B. Trowbridge in 1907. The stucco home is decorated traditionally yet has all the modern convenience one expects in a property of this value. A fine hand-painted Zuber scenic American wallpaper in the formal dining room, for instance, is like that chosen by Jackie Kennedy for the Oval Office reception room at the White House.

The custom kitchen nearby is perfect for gourmet cooks and guests to partake in sharing a glass of wine from either of the two wine cellars while creating memories in the spacious workspace. With six bedrooms, six baths, a study, a workout room, and the large formal rooms this is a good place for a large family.

Guests can stay in the two-bedroom apartment above the four-car garage. That garage also holds a potting shed, the second wine cellar, and a tack room where Sousa kept equipment for his prize-winning horse. Now there are separate backup generators for the main house and guest apartment to maintain power if necessary. Across from the front entry drive, a tennis court is tucked away behind the foliage of mature plantings.

The property’s grounds are as attractive as its buildings. The front of the home faces westward where the New York City skyline glitters at night. The gated entry is enhanced by mature professional landscaping and at the rear of the house, a sandy beach and a long deep-water pier provide access to the water.

Decked balconies across the length of the house and a covered terrace provide comfortable spots for viewing the activity on Long Island Sound. Near the beach, waterside seating and dining terraces are surrounded by perennial beds to make outdoor entertaining simple.

The combination of waterfront, views, grounds, and home features give Wildbank a great many possibilities. This property can be a primary residence for a multi-generational or a blended family or it could be a convenient weekend getaway from the city.

Photo credit: Douglas Elliman

Source: www.elliman.com