Introduction:
Tucked away in the serene enclave of Lloyd Harbor on Long Island’s North Shore lies a historic treasure—Kjaki Estate. This magnificent Tudor Revival mansion, originally built in 1926, is more than just a luxurious residence; it is a living piece of American history. Once home to Bee Gees legend Robin Gibb, the estate captures the opulence of the Gold Coast era while maintaining a legacy of cultural, architectural, and personal significance.
Commissioned by lumber magnate Arthur H. Fleming as a wedding gift for his daughter, Kjaki was designed to reflect both affluence and tranquility. True to its Native American name meaning “far from noise”, the estate was a haven for the elite. Overlooking Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbor, the property offered seclusion with breathtaking natural views. Albert Einstein himself was said to be a frequent guest, staying in a room rumored to hold a hidden desk behind a waist-high door—a charming nod to the estate’s mystique.
But it wasn’t until Robin Gibb took ownership in the 1970s that Kjaki stepped into the limelight of pop culture. At the peak of the Bee Gees’ international fame, Robin sought refuge from the pressures of stardom in this peaceful estate. Drawn by the property’s privacy and splendor, he made stylistic changes in line with the times—bleaching floors, painting walls white—bringing a modern, minimalist flair to its traditional bones. Though later reversed, his alterations became part of the property’s layered history.
Architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue, known for landmarks like St. Bartholomew’s Church in Manhattan and Caltech’s campus, designed Kjaki with enduring elegance. Its 16,000 square feet span seven bedrooms, seven full baths, three half baths, and ten fireplaces. Interior details like mahogany coffered ceilings, marble floors, and a secret Prohibition-era speakeasy behind the library bookcase hint at its storied past. Meanwhile, oversized windows flood the rooms with natural light and frame views of the Long Island Sound.
Outside, the estate is no less impressive: 500 feet of private beach, a deep-water dock, a greenhouse, a swimming pool, and a caretaker’s cottage all grace the nearly seven-acre property. Renovations over the past two decades introduced geothermal HVAC, radiant heated floors, and updated kitchens—all while honoring Goodhue’s original vision.
Kjaki has passed through several hands, with each owner enhancing its beauty and legacy. In 2011, it underwent a $7.5 million renovation, and by 2021, it returned to the market for $12.9 million, its value a testament to its enduring allure. Its past associations with both Einstein and Robin Gibb have made it not just a residence, but a symbol of both historical and cultural significance.
Today, the estate stands as a rare and refined reminder of a bygone era—an architectural marvel, a celebrity retreat, and a piece of Long Island’s vibrant tapestry. And in the stillness of its grounds, one might still hear the soft echoes of music… far from noise.