Centre Island's Southerly sold to British yachtsman

Last year when Patricia Altschul’s estate Southerly went into contract, listing agent Barbara Candee of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty proclaimed the new owner to be a denizen of the United Kingdom and a “lover of boats.”

Although Candee would not comment further, REAL LI has confirmed the buyer is Londoner Colin Buffin and his wife Susan. Buffin is chief executive of Candover, one of Britain's largest private equity firms and a competitive yachtsman who was surely lured by the property’s deep water dock.

The deal closed March 20. The latest asking price had been $15.8 million. The home sold for $12.5 million. The 10-acre estate had been on the market since 2006.

Altschul was travelling and could not be reached for comment. She is the wife of the late banker and philanthropist Arthur Altschul. His daughter is CBS contributing correspondent Serena Altschul.

Now that Southerly has sold, maybe there is hope for neighbor and Newsday-wannabe-owner Rupert Murdoch, who is listing his nearby estate for sale at $12.8 million. Billy Joel is also still trying to sell Middlesea on the island for $32.5 million.