4 Dawn Ln Presents a Legendary 1971 Norman Jaffe Waterfront Estate in New York

Date of Publishing: December 27, 2025

A rare piece of architectural history has resurfaced on Shelter Island, where a meticulously restored modernist estate is now asking $17.995 million. Located at 4 Dawn Ln, the celebrated Osofsky House stands as one of the most intact residential works by the late Norman Jaffe, whose influence helped define the modern Hamptons aesthetic. Set against the open waters of Gardiners Bay, the property offers a compelling blend of provenance, privacy, and contemporary luxury within the upper tier of Shelter Island Heights Real Estate.

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Designed by a Master, Preserved With Intention

Originally completed in 1971 and expanded a decade later, the residence was shaped entirely by Norman Jaffe’s vision. The home’s low-profile geometry, cantilevered decks, and expansive glazing were conceived to blur the boundary between architecture and landscape. According to listing agent Nicholas Brown of Sotheby’s International Realty, the goal was always harmony rather than spectacle. “Jaffe designed the house to sit lightly on the land,” Brown told Luxury Houses Magazine. “The renovation honored that intent, refining the home without disrupting its original soul.”

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The most recent restoration was overseen by the current owner, a noted designer, who approached the project with restraint. Public records show the property last traded in 2020, and since then it has been carefully reimagined to meet modern expectations while preserving its architectural integrity—an approach that resonates strongly with today’s discerning New York Real Estate buyers.

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SEE MORE: New York Luxury Living: A Warm, Traditional-Inspired Home with Modern Flair Asking $12.95 Million

Resort-Style Living Along Gardiners Bay

Set on 1.7 acres with approximately 175 feet of private waterfront, 4 Dawn Ln offers sweeping bay views from nearly every room. The residence features six ensuite bedrooms, along with eight full bathrooms and two powder rooms, creating a layout well suited for both family living and large-scale entertaining. Interiors flow seamlessly toward outdoor terraces, where the water becomes a constant backdrop.

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“The connection to the bay is extraordinary,” Brown told Luxury Houses. “From sunrise to sunset, the views define how the house is experienced.” Amenities such as a heated gunite pool, a private gym, a home theater, and a detached guest wing elevate the property into true resort territory, while remaining consistent with Jaffe’s understated modernism.

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SEE MORE: An Iconic $18M North Fork Waterfront Retreat with Exceptional Privacy

Landscape, Lifestyle, and Community

The grounds are equally thoughtful, designed with native coastal plantings and pollinator gardens that evolve with the seasons. The landscaping softens the home’s modern lines while enhancing privacy, reinforcing a sense of retreat that has become increasingly rare in Shelter Island Heights Real Estate.

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Beyond the gates, Shelter Island Heights offers a distinct lifestyle within the broader New York Real Estate market. Accessible by ferry from both forks of the Hamptons, the area appeals to buyers seeking discretion without isolation. Marinas, farm-to-table dining, and the cultural energy of nearby Sag Harbor are all within easy reach, yet the island retains a rhythm that feels removed from the crowds of the South Fork.

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“Shelter Island attracts people who value authenticity,” Brown told Luxury Houses Magazine. “It’s about living well, not being seen.”

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SEE MORE: An Extraordinary Waterfront Villa in Lloyd Harbor’s Exclusive Enclave, Asking $10.5 Million

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A Modernist Trophy With Lasting Value

With its architectural pedigree, waterfront setting, and sensitive modernization, 4 Dawn Ln represents a rare opportunity to acquire a legacy property that transcends trends. As interest in architect-designed homes continues to grow across New York Real Estate, estates of this caliber—particularly those tied so closely to Norman Jaffe—are increasingly difficult to replicate.