Shelter Island   The Township of Shelter Island is geographically located in eastern Suffolk County between Long Island's north and south fork.  The island comprises 12.1 square miles (around 8,000 acres) of land area including nearly one third of vacant land owned by The Nature Conservatory, which remains in its natural state.  The area has a year-round population of approximately 2,300 persons.  The population swells in the summer months, however, since this is a summer resort area.  As such, many homes are utilized as secondary residences.  Shelter Island is accessed from mainland via private boat or either of the two drive-on ferry services, one at the north side of the island (from Greenport on the north fork of Long Island) and one at the south side (via North Haven on the south fork).  Shelter Island has one incorporated Village and five hamlets.  Homes (approximately 1,000 dwellings) are single-family styles ranging from smaller 1-bedroom cottages to 6,000+ square feet homes situated on multiple acre parcels.  The older homes were constructed in the 1700’s and 1800's and include traditional style Victorians, ranches, and cape cods, whereas newer homes are a mix of post-modern, contemporary, and traditional styles.  As such, the area offers homes of diverse age and style.  Waterfront and water view properties tend to command a premium in this area.  The combination of limited sales in an area of 1,000 dwellings (more or less) on a 12 square mile island surrounded by water causes appraisals to be complex.  Using an experienced appraiser would be considered to be a wise decision to avoid issues down the road. We have performed appraisals and bank reviews on both waterfront properties and estate type properties on this unique island.