Farret chose Shelter Island and Robins Island for his use.

In 1989, Suffolk County agreed to purchase Robins Island for $9.2 million and turn it into a nature preserve.

"We could have had our sanctuary with a nature preserve, Robins Island, sitting right in the middle of it," Mr. Kunz said last week.

The Nature Conservancy said that it had signed a conservation agreement with the new owner of Robins Island.

Since the Mittermayers acquired Robins Island in 1979 for $1.3 million, they have entertained many potential buyers keen on building luxury homes there.

The Wickham claim to Robins Island has been a part of family lore for generations.

"I would be the first to buy Robins Island if we could afford to," said Ms. Garant, who is emphasizing pocketbook issues.

But when I knock on doors, people don't even know where Robins Island is.

Wickham inherited nearly all of his father's large estate at age 22, including the legendary Robins Island.

One reason New Suffolk's tax rate is so low is Robins Island.