A secluded treasure nestled on a private island. In the 1950s, Paul Mellon, heir to the famous banking family that established the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., and his wife Bunny chose this setting for a summer retreat. They created a home of elegance, comfort and great beauty, where they entertained world leaders, movie stars and industrialists. Bunny shaped the gardens and landscape, creating an exquisite blend of native plantings and trees. The 7,300-square-foot main house is integrated into the land, with its eight bedrooms offering views of either the sea or the gardens. Natural pathways wind through the property, connecting the main house to cottages—including a former art studio converted into a private suite—and lead to a beach house, where the Mellons hosted President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline. With over 500 feet of waterfront, a private dock, and access to a private island, now serving as a protected bird sanctuary, this is an island haven like no other.
For sale
$23,850,000
17 Indian Trl, Barnstable, MA 02630
8beds
7,310sqft
Est.:
Single Family Residence
Built in 1954
7.43 Acres Lot
$1,857,200 Zestimate®
$3,263/sqft
$375/mo HOA
What's special
Private islandBeach housePrivate dockNatural pathways
- 61 days
- on Zillow |
- 2,600 |
- 87 |
Zillow last checked: 7 hours ago
Listing updated: July 21, 2025 at 04:59pm
Listed by:
Joanna Dresser,
LandVest, Inc.,
Kelly Powers Crosby
Source: MLS PIN,MLS#: 73388659
Travel times
Tour with a buyer's agent
Tour with a buyer's agent
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 8
- Bathrooms: 9
- Full bathrooms: 9
Heating
- Oil
Cooling
- Central Air
Features
- Wet Bar
- Flooring: Hardwood
- Has basement: No
- Number of fireplaces: 4
Interior area
- Total structure area: 7,310
- Total interior livable area: 7,310 sqft
- Finished area above ground: 7,310
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 8
- Parking features: Detached
- Garage spaces: 6
Features
- Patio & porch: Patio, Covered
- Exterior features: Patio, Covered Patio/Deck, Tennis Court(s), Storage, Greenhouse, Professional Landscaping, Stone Wall
- Has view: Yes
- View description: Scenic View(s)
- Waterfront features: Waterfront, Sound, River, River, Sound, 0 to 1/10 Mile To Beach, Beach Ownership(Private)
Lot
- Size: 7.43 Acres
- Features: Flood Plain
Details
- Additional structures: Greenhouse
- Parcel number: 2239319
- Zoning: RF-1
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Other (See Remarks)
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Foundation: Other
Condition
- Year built: 1954
Utilities & green energy
- Electric: Generator
- Sewer: Private Sewer
- Water: Public
Community & HOA
Community
- Features: Tennis Court(s), Park, Golf, Conservation Area, House of Worship, Marina
- Security: Security System
HOA
- Has HOA: Yes
- HOA fee: $4,500 annually
Location
- Region: Barnstable
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $3,263/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $9,002,100
- Annual tax amount: $74,701
- Date on market: 6/11/2025
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