Though there are roads on Shelter Island, you cannot drive to it. Instead, access is only made possible via ferry, either from Greenport in the north or North Haven in the south. That restriction makes Shelter Island an enchanting locale, floating idyllically between and blending the lifestyles of Long Island’s twin forks. Mashomack Preserve takes up an entire third of Shelter Island — thousands of acres of protected nature highlighted by flourishing plant and animal life. However, it’s not all ducks and turtles here; in the land that remains, humankind also thrives. Demand in Shelter Island is exceptionally high, and homes in the area rise to match it. Charming and glorious, these timeless residences vary in style and size — from waterfront estates to hillside Victorians to rustic farmhouses. Island life also means abundant water, something Shelter Island takes advantage of at its serene beaches and bustling marinas.