Cobble Villa, Long Beach, New York
historic place
Cobble Villa, also known as Villa Clara, was a historic place located in Long Beach, Nassau County, New York. It was erected around 1912 for Senator William H. Reynolds, who was the developer of the City of Long Beach. This 2 1/2-story structure was built in the Mediterranean Revival style, featuring brick and stucco, and constructed with hollow tile, cement, and cobble stone. Senator Reynolds intended Cobble Villa to be a showpiece, demonstrating his vision for a planned resort community. It was considered the sole surviving example of his initial "English country villa" design concept for the barrier island. The property was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015. The Steele family resided in the villa since 1978. Clara Steele, an Italian artist, enhanced the interior with trompe l'oeil paintings, adding to its cultural value. Despite preservation efforts, Cobble Villa was demolished in November 2025 due to its condition. This site remains historically significant for its connection to the early development of Long Beach.