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SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK
Have you ever taken a ride to nowhere and discovered something somewhere? Well, that's just what happened to us this past weekend. My boyfriend and I headed east for an afternoon outing this past Saturday. We wanted to check out Meadow Croft, an historic estate in Sayville, New York that was once owned by Teddy Roosevelt's cousin, John Ellis Roosevelt. We heard there was a vineyard there. As we drove beyond the main house, we came upon a hidden gem. Loughlin Vineyards lies just at the end of this sprawling, yet intimate landscape.
Founded over 40 years ago by Barney Loughlin and his family, Loughlin Vineyard is a hidden gem in the Long Island wine scene. Tucked away on this historic site, their vineyard offers a tranquil escape where guests can savor fine wines, unwind with friends and family, and soak in the beauty that is everywhere. There's live music and food, but it's the atmosphere that is best here.
As you drive down the winding road past the main house, you come upon a hidden vineyard that opens up to sprawling grounds. It's a mid-size vineyard, but it has the feel of something much bigger. You know this is a special place.
Loughlin Vineyards offers an intimate experience. There are plenty of seating areas, and you can reserve your place ahead of time. Whether you're a couple or a family of ten, they can accommodate you.
Meadow Croft is a rare 19th‑century Long Island south shore estate, summer home of John Ellis Roosevelt (first cousin of Theodore Roosevelt), now a restored historic site open for seasonal tours
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History & Architecture
Built in two distinct sections, Meadow Croft combines an original mid‑19th‑century farmhouse (c.1850) with a 1891–1892 Colonial Revival mansion designed by local architect Isaac H. Green, Jr.
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. The property also includes a carriage house, auto house, caretaker’s cottage, garage, stable, and an early 20th‑century swimming pool
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.John Ellis Roosevelt purchased the estate in 1890, and it was used as a summer retreat for the Roosevelt family. Notable artifacts include the original dining room table and chairs where Theodore Roosevelt dined with John Ellis in 1903, and a grand piano donated by the Roosevelt family
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Preservation
In the 1980s, the property was at risk of demolition. The Bayport‑Blue Point Heritage Association (BBPHA) secured a New York State grant and restored the house and outbuildings, using historical ledgers, photos, and period furnishings to guide the work
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. The estate was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987
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Location
Meadow Croft is situated on Middle Road, Sayville, NY, within Sans Souci County Park
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