EXCLUSIVE: Louis C.K.’s Historic Shelter Island Home—and Former Presidential Retreat—Hits the Market Again for $4.5 Million

Comedian Louis C.K. is making another bid for a buyer for his longtime home on New York’s Shelter Island, putting the historic dwelling back on the market with a sizable discount, just over a year after it was first listed for $9.25 million.

Realtor.com® can exclusively reveal that the home is now on the market for $4.5 million, less than half of the price that the actor had originally hoped to get.

Still, Louis, 57, stands to earn a hefty profit on the prestigious property, which was built in 1901, having purchased it for $2.4 million in 2014—getting not only a treasured piece of architectural history, but also a slice of presidential luxury.

Long before the comedian turned the Tudor-style structure into a celebrity sanctuary, it is said to have served as a retreat for President William McKinley and his vice president and eventual successor, Theodore Roosevelt, during the turn of the 20th century.

The six-bedroom, five-bathroom dwelling known as Primrose Cottage earned further acclaim many years later when New York Yankees legend Babe Ruth summered at the property as a guest of then-Congressman James Roe.

According to reports, the home also has a close tie to author and playwright J.M. Barrie, who is said to have hosted the final dress rehearsal for his Broadway play “Peter Pan” at Westmoreland House—the sprawling estate on which Primrose Cottage is located.

Barrie is understood to have taken inspiration from Westmoreland House when conjuring up his vision of Never Never Land, returning to the abode to perfect his play before debuting it on stage in New York in 1905.

In recent years, the property has undergone extensive renovations and updates to offer every level of luxury befitting an A-list star—or a sitting president. Though, beautiful historic details remain.

During his ownership of the abode, Louis—who was born Louis Alfred Székely—has carried out a great deal of work on it, with one insider noting to Realtor.com that he not only restored the original millwork, but also integrated a host of modern amenities.

“His decade-long transformation of this 1901 Tudor masterpiece is a preservation success story,” a source said. “From original millwork restoration to modern amenities integration, this property showcases how celebrity stewardship can breathe new life into historic estates.”

Yet for all of its history and the extensive work that Louis has done, the home has struggled to find a buyer. The historic abode was last listed in December 2024 with a reduced ask of $7.95 million. In June of this year, it was removed from the market.

But now, Louis is making another attempt to secure a buyer—turning to new listing agents, Carl Gambino and Marco Maida of the Gambino Group at Compass, to help him with the endeavor.

Hailed as a “monument to American history,” the dwelling offers more than 5,000 square feet of living space, including a newly renovated kitchen with a butler’s pantry, as well as formal living and dining rooms and a screened porch.

Louis also installed a new pool and a hot tub at the back of the dwelling, turning it into the perfect summer escape.

The home sits on more than 2 acres of waterfront land and comes with a private deep-water dock that can accommodate multiple boats.

The picturesque abode—ideal for whiling away the hottest season—also features its fair share of cozy amenities, including six “meticulously restored” fireplaces.

For those seeking a hidden haven from city life, Shelter Island offers a level of privacy that cannot be found in the nearby Hamptons.

Known for its nature trails and picturesque beaches, the island is just 27 square miles and can be accessed only by ferry. The island is also home to several historic properties, as well as a number of modern eateries and boutiques.