Featured in Architectural Digest, this extraordinary oceanfront residence on Steels Walk in Water Island, designed by acclaimed architect and designer Carl D’Aquino, is one of the most distinctive and architecturally significant properties on all of Fire Island. As co-founder of the internationally celebrated design firm D’Aquino Monaco, D’Aquino is renowned for creating homes that blend modernist architecture with warmth, craftsmanship, and a profound connection to their natural surroundings — a philosophy beautifully realized throughout this remarkable coastal retreat.
Comprised of two dramatic octagonal-shaped structures seamlessly joined at the center, the home was thoughtfully conceived to embrace its breathtaking setting, where unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean, rolling dunes, and endless sky become part of everyday living. Every angle, sightline, and material was intentionally selected to create a seamless dialogue between architecture and landscape, resulting in a home that feels both visionary and deeply serene.
Offering 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, the residence blends refined coastal sophistication with a tranquil, resort-like atmosphere. Expansive living spaces are carefully positioned to maximize privacy, natural light, and connection to the outdoors, creating an effortless flow between the interiors and the surrounding decks. Throughout the home, extraordinary craftsmanship and attention to detail elevate every space. The striking clapboard ceilings were meticulously installed piece by piece, creating warmth, texture, and architectural rhythm overhead — a labor-intensive design element that speaks to the level of artistry woven into the home.
In the kitchen, custom cabinetry was handcrafted in Brooklyn, then carefully transported to Water Island in sections and thoughtfully assembled in place — a remarkable undertaking that reflects the bespoke nature of the residence and the uncompromising dedication to quality and design.
The outdoor spaces are equally exceptional. A sprawling oceanfront deck unfolds toward the dunes and shoreline, offering multiple areas for lounging, dining, and entertaining against the ever-changing backdrop of the Atlantic. The heated pool is framed by sun-washed decking and lush landscaping, while a tranquil waterfall pond and curated gardens create moments of calm and seclusion throughout the property. Tucked above it all, the private second-floor deck off the primary suite offers sweeping ocean views and an unmatched sense of peace — ideal for quiet mornings, sunset cocktails, or stargazing beneath the open sky.
Surrounded by nature and designed for complete privacy, this is more than a home — it is a rare coastal sanctuary unlike anything else on Water Island. Celebrated for its architecture, craftsmanship, setting, and atmosphere, this once-in-a-generation offering presents the opportunity to own a truly iconic stretch of Fire Island oceanfront.
