Though quiet by other community standards on Fire Island, Lonelyville is no longer as the name implies. Gone are the days of the half dozen charming, ramshackle cottages clustered around a single, narrow meandering walk that goes from bay to the ocean. The community still boasts that it does not have ferry service, a market, a liquor store or any other “luxuries” that are deemed necessities by other Fire Islanders.

There are now, however, about 75 families that have decided to make Lonelyville their vacation retreat. Interspersed among the old cottages are large contemporary houses with all the trappings of modern life.

The relative population boom of today does not prevent one from enjoying the solitude of walking along the crashing surf of the Atlantic Ocean. Nor, does it prevent lying out on the endless white beach and sunning oneself, knowing that the only disturbance is the occasional squawk from seagulls bickering over their lunch. Relish sitting on the deck with that perfect cup of coffee while watching the rays of the morning sun burst over the dune line. Or savoring a summer novel curled up on a sofa while a fire glows in the fireplace keeping out the evening chill of late August.

Who could resist this haven as a perfect place to unwind from the stresses of daily life.