If you’ve ever driven through the winding, hilly streets of Dongan Hills Colony, you know the vibe changes fast. One minute you’re in a standard NYC neighborhood, and the next, you’re looking at properties that feel like they belong in a movie. Honestly, 177 Benedict Road Staten Island is one of those spots that just stops people in their tracks. It isn’t just a house; it’s a massive statement of 1990s luxury architecture that has managed to stay relevant even as modern "glass box" trends take over the rest of the city.
People always ask about the price tag. It’s expensive. Obviously. We are talking about a pocket of Staten Island where the elevation provides views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge that feel close enough to touch. This specific property sits on a lot that defies the usual cramped New York City grid, offering a level of privacy that’s hard to find unless you’re heading out to the Hamptons or deep into Jersey.
The Architecture and Layout of 177 Benedict Road Staten Island
What makes this place tick? It’s a brick-faced colonial masterpiece built around 1995. It’s huge. We’re talking over 6,500 square feet of living space, but that number doesn’t really capture the scale because the ceilings are so high you feel like you’re in a cathedral.
The entryway is where most people lose it. You’ve got a grand double-staircase. It’s the kind of thing you see in Scarface or The Sopranos, but updated with a bit more class. The floor plan flows in a way that makes sense for big families. You have these massive formal living rooms that bleed into a kitchen that probably has more counter space than some Manhattan apartments have total square footage.
There’s a specific nuance to homes in the Colony. They weren't built for "minimalism." They were built for hosting. 177 Benedict Road was designed for the 100-person Christmas party or the catered fundraiser. The basement alone is often more finished than most people’s primary floors, usually featuring second kitchens, gym spaces, and theaters.
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Why the Dongan Hills Colony Location Matters
Location is everything, but in Staten Island, "location" means something specific. You aren't just paying for the dirt; you're paying for the "Colony" prestige. This neighborhood is tucked away on the ridge. It's quiet.
- The Elevation Factor: Because 177 Benedict Road is situated on the hill, the air feels different. You’re above the noise of Hylan Boulevard.
- Commutability: You can be at the Verrazzano in five minutes. For a professional working in Lower Manhattan or Brooklyn, this is the holy grail of commutes.
- Privacy: The lot sizes here are massive. You don't see your neighbor's kitchen through your bathroom window.
Real Estate Market Trends on Benedict Road
Look, the market for homes over $2.5 million on Staten Island is a specific beast. It doesn't move as fast as a $600,000 condo in St. George. Buyers for 177 Benedict Road Staten Island are usually local business owners, doctors from Staten Island University Hospital, or high-level executives who want a fortress.
Recent sales in the area show that while the market fluctuates, the "Colony" holds its value better than almost anywhere else on the island. When interest rates spiked in 2024 and 2025, some luxury listings languished. But not here. The scarcity of land on the hill keeps prices insulated. If you want a 10,000-square-foot lot with a view, there are only so many addresses that fit the bill. Benedict Road is one of them.
You have to consider the taxes, too. New York City property taxes are a nightmare, but compared to equivalent luxury homes in Westchester or Long Island, the "class one" tax status for 1-3 family homes on Staten Island is actually a bit of a bargain. It sounds weird to call a $30,000+ tax bill a bargain, but in the world of $3 million real estate, it sort of is.
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The Interior Experience: More Than Just Bedrooms
Let’s talk about the master suite. Usually, in these builds, the master takes up an entire wing. We’re talking about walk-in closets that are essentially rooms, and bathrooms with enough marble to sink a ship. At 177 Benedict, the focus is on the primary suite’s orientation. It’s positioned to catch the morning light over the harbor.
Then there’s the backyard. In NYC, a "yard" is usually a patch of concrete and a grill. Here, it’s a resort. Most of these homes have heated in-ground pools, outdoor kitchens, and professional landscaping that creates a literal wall of green. It’s the kind of place where you don’t feel the need to go on vacation because your house is the vacation.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Area
People think Staten Island is just one big suburb. It’s not. The Dongan Hills Colony, specifically around Benedict Road, functions more like an exclusive enclave. There’s an old-school sense of community here. Neighbors know each other.
Also, people assume these houses are "dated." Sure, some might have the gold fixtures from the 90s, but the "bones" are irreplaceable. You can't replicate the ceiling heights and the masonry work for the same price today. Construction costs have tripled. Building 177 Benedict Road from scratch today would cost significantly more than the current market value of the home plus the land. That's where the real value lies.
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Actionable Insights for Potential Buyers or Investors
If you’re looking at a property like 177 Benedict Road Staten Island, you need a strategy. This isn't a starter home.
- Audit the HVAC: A house this big has multiple zones. Replacing a commercial-grade furnace or a massive A/C compressor can cost $20,000 a pop. Check the age of the units.
- Verify the Views: Trees grow. What was a bridge view in 2010 might be a "leaf view" in 2026. Make sure the sightlines are protected or that you have the right to trim.
- Check the C of O: Staten Island is notorious for "finished basements" that aren't technically legal living spaces on the Certificate of Occupancy. Ensure the square footage matches the legal filings.
- Consult a Local Specialist: Don't use a broker who mostly sells apartments in Brooklyn. You need someone who knows the specific soil conditions and drainage patterns of the Dongan Hills ridge.
The reality of owning a home on Benedict Road is that you are buying into a legacy. It’s one of the few places in New York City where you can still feel a sense of massive scale and quietude without leaving the five boroughs.
To move forward with a property of this caliber, start by securing a jumbo loan pre-approval specifically from a lender familiar with Staten Island’s high-end appraisals. Then, schedule a private showing during the "golden hour"—just before sunset—to truly understand why the elevation of this lot is worth the premium. The way the light hits the harbor from the upper terrace isn't just a selling point; it’s the reason people stay in this neighborhood for thirty years.