Billy Joel is putting his dream mansion up for sale, and it’s a hefty $49.9 million. Why so much? Well, the singer pays an astounding $567,686 in annual taxes on the sprawling 26-acre estate.
Located on Long Island’s Gold Coast, Joel purchased the luxurious property back in 2002. He had long admired it from afar as a kid and finally made it his home. “It’s not cheap, let’s put it that way,” he quipped to The New York Times, acknowledging the steep tax burden that comes with such opulence.
The estate boasts its own helipad, a private beach, and an impressive layout that requires golf carts to navigate. With 18 bedrooms, a bowling alley, and three swimming pools, there’s no shortage of entertainment for guests. Plus, there’s even a beach house and two guesthouses for friends and family.
As a Bronx native who grew up dreaming of owning this mansion—named MiddleSea—Joel reflected on his past thoughts. “Rich b*******. I’ll never live in a house like that,” he recalled. Yet, thanks to iconic hits like “Piano Man” and “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” he made that dream a reality 22 years ago, renovating and expanding the property along the way.
Now at 75, Joel is ready for a change, but he expresses some bittersweet feelings. “I love this property,” he shared. “I don’t think there’s a property as beautiful as this. When I hand over the keys, there’ll be some regret.”
Even with the sale, Joel isn’t planning to leave Long Island entirely. He owns other properties in the area and hinted at spending more time in Florida while still maintaining ties to his roots. “Just because I’m selling that house doesn’t mean I’m leaving Long Island,” he reassured fans during a concert earlier this year. “I’m just gonna spend a little more time in Florida like old Jewish guys from Long Island do.”