About Reflections

BUILT FOR GLAMOUR, DESIGNED FOR LEGEND.

A LIVING PIECE OF FIRE ISLAND PINES HISTORY.

Thank you to the Pines Historical Society for sharing resources that helped us build this webpage. If you’d like to learn more about the history of The Pines, please visit their website.

BUILT IN 1980

ENVISIONED BY GLORIA AND LARRY DEMANN AS MORE THAN A HOME

Throughout the 1980s, Gloria and Larry DeMann curated immersive themed experiences at Reflections —from Carnival Rio to Hooray for Hollywood

THE DREAM

DESIGNED BY ARCHITECT

This dramatic, redwood-clad mansion was later painted brilliant white. Transforming it into a castle on the water and setting the stage for Fire Island’s most talked-about parties.

THE ICONIC CAMELS

Originally from Gloria’s Manhattan restaurant, Café Pacifico, the camels were replicas of marble sculptures owned by the Shah of Iran. They weren’t alone. A few indoor palm trees made the trip too, bringing a touch of theatrical glamour to Fire Island. The statues quickly became a local landmark, and the camels synonymous with Reflections.

In the 2002, longtime Pines resident Gil Neary stepped into the Reflections story. Gil carried the torch of its party legacy while beginning careful restoration efforts to preserve its original charm. Each summer kicked off with Gil’s now-legendary birthday party, an annual blowout that honored the house’s theatrical roots and cemented its reputation as one of the island’s most vibrant private venues. Under Gil’s stewardship, Reflections remained more than a home. It was a beacon for celebration, chosen family, and Fire Island flair — past, present, and still unfolding.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR REFLECTIONS?

On August 13, 2025, Reflections officially changed ownership to long-time Pines resident, Jack Aaronson. 2025 marked Jack’s 20th year playing piano on Fire Island, and he had been playing piano at Reflections for the last 4 years. With deep respect for its past and a bold vision for its future, preserving its legacy while ushering in new creativity and connection, Reflections continues to be what it always was: a home, a gathering place, and now, a canvas for the next generation of stories. Reflections is undergoing extensive renovations, including a new kitchen, new heated floors, new deck, and of course, a custom-built piano.