"Penny Pond" (demolished) (Old Brookville, New York)

 place with historical importance, estate (manor / mansion land), mansion / manor house / villa, historical layer / disappeared object

The 41-acre estate of VASSS Founder James H. Van Alen and his wife, Candace, also known as Jimmy and Candy. The Van Alens, who also summered at a large estate in Newport named Avalon, lived at the estate during part of their winters, spending the other half either in New York City or at Palm Beach. In 1982, the estate was the scene of Van Alen's 80th birthday party. When asked by his wife whether or not he really wanted people to know he was 80, he responded " I am not only sure, I am proud!". 150 guests gathered that night to celebrate the event.

Although it in no way resembled the stately turn-of-the-century homes for which the North Shore of Nassau County is famous, the eight-bedroom, eight-bath house typified the gracious clapboard architecture that can also be found there. The home was said to be worth $3-5 million.

Jimmy died in 1991, leaving both Avalon and Penny Pond to Candy. Candy continued to live at both residences, spending her summers in Newport and winters in Old Brookville. In 2000 she began contemplating plans on subdividing most of Penny Pond's land. In 2002 she filled the plans for the subdivision. The plans were to subdivide 26 of the estate's 41 acres, leaving 15 acres of land, which included the manor house, guest cottage, garage and pond, for Mrs Van Alen to still reside on. Mrs Van Alen died February of that year, before the plans could be completed. Her remaining 15 acres were sold and Penny Pond went for $4 million. It was demolished in 2005.