T
he Gold Coast of Long Island, once the epicenter of excess and extravagance, now shines with a more subdued luster. A century has passed since F. Scott Fitzgerald penned "The Great Gatsby," but the area's allure remains strong, albeit in a different guise.

    Today, the North Shore is home to a select few who crave exclusivity and legacy living. They're drawn to the area's top schools, low-key atmosphere, and commutability – a trifecta that makes it an ideal haven for those seeking a multi-generational legacy. These modern-day aristocrats don't sacrifice creature comforts for old-world charm; instead, they seamlessly blend cutting-edge technology with vast wellness spaces within their grand estates.

    The median sale price in the area has dropped to $1.3 million, making it a rare find when a historic mansion hits the market. The recent sale of Erchless, a 92-acre estate in Old Westbury, set an all-time record for a residence in both Nassau County and Old Westbury, fetching $21 million. This Georgian-style brick mansion boasts 26 rooms, a swimming pool, cabanas, and a rhododendron garden that supplies the New York Botanical Garden.

    Buyers of these properties are often enthusiasts of old-world charm, seeking to create a lasting legacy. They're not unlike their predecessors from a century ago, who sought to leave an indelible mark on the area's landscape. As Maria Babaev of Douglas Elliman notes, "The Gatsby lifestyle was fiction, but on the North Shore, it's kind of real."

    Among the remaining relics of Fitzgerald's time is Haut Bois, a seven-bedroom estate in Brookville inspired by the Palace of Versailles. Currently listed for $14.9 million, this architectural gem is a testament to the area's rich history and enduring allure.

    The Gold Coast may not be the swinging scene it once was, but its charm remains intact. As Irene Vultaggio, who resides in a French Chateau-style stone manor next to the Sands Point Lighthouse, aptly puts it: "I'm Cinderella, and I live in a castle." However, she's quick to point out that people here aren't living the same crazy life as their counterparts in the Hamptons – a sentiment shared by many who call this exclusive enclave home.