MORE LAND TO
LOVE
Acreageallowsluxury homeowners
tosculptthe landscaping anduse theoutdoor space
ByGretchen A. Peck
Oncea symbol of quietrefinement, thelibrary in aluxury home hasevolved beyond itstraditional roots. No longersimply limited to shelves with booksand leatherarmchairs, thesespacesare nowmultifunctional,doublingasreading retreats andconversation venues to stylish homeoffices, artgalleries, andgaming rooms forqualityfamilytime
When buyersgoinsearchofa newhome, they often have alistofamenities in mind.Perhaps they’dlikea home theater formovie nights with the kids. They maywishfor awellnesscenter, apoolorsportscourts. Though it’s not typically consideredanamenity,acreagecan be just as treasured and useful. Acreagecertainly lends privacytoa property, butit also provides outdoorspace to create experiences Camelot Real Estate’s Weston brokerageholds the listing for4 CowdrayParkDriveinthe private ConyersFarm Association of Greenwich, Connecticut. “Conyers Farm is oneofthe Northeast’smostdistinguished,private residential enclaves, spanning more than 1,500 acresacrossGreenwich and Armonk.Definedbyexpansive parcels, preservedopenspace and astrong commitment to privacy, it offersa rare sense of scale andserenity,”according to Vickie Kelley, CamelotReal Estate’sbrokerand principal.
“A 24/7 staffed guardhouse ensuresa high levelofsecurity and discretion, creating apeaceful,protected environment forresidents,”Kelleycontinued “Homesare setongenerous acreage—often 10 acresormore—surroundedbywoodlands, meadowsand milesofprivate roads and ridingtrails.Despite
its quietsetting,Conyers Farm is justminutes to town centers,top schools,and within easy reachofNew York City. It is also conveniently close to WestchesterCountyAirport, offering ease of access forbothcommercial andprivatetravel. Kelleyoffered someinsightintowhatmakes 4Cowdray Park Drive especially compelling—from theFrench Chateau architecture to the 13.38acres of land it presides over.The property is currently offered to the market for$6.79 million.
“The propertyunfolds as aprivate, arboretum-likelandscape, with mature, thoughtfully curatedplantingsthatreflectboth heritage andintention,” Kelleysaid. “The grounds featureanextraordinary collectionofheirloom hydrangeas, flowering trees and specimen plantings, including astriking allée of Japanese pines thatanchorthe terracegardenwith elegance and structure
“The topography offersa harmonious balanceofopen and wooded land. Sprawlinglawns aregracefully setapart, creatingdistinct ‘outdoor rooms’ idealfor croquet, lawn sports or quiet enjoyment,”the listing broker suggested. “The formal terraceand pool area providea naturalextension forentertaining, seamlesslyintegratedintothe landscape
“Beyond its currentdesign,the acreagealso offersexceptional versatility, with ample spacetoaccommodate atennis court, equestrian facilities or additional outbuildings,makingitasfunctional as it is beautiful.”
SUMMER
is in fullswing
Fairfield Countylistings affordresort-likeoutdoor spaces for theseason’smost memorableoccasions
By Gretchen A. Peck
Atlast, New Englandhas ushered in warmer temperatures. Pool covers areremoved; grills are prepped, andflowers areinbloom.AtFairfield County’s most distinctiveluxury homescurrently on the market,summerispoisedtobe“in full swing.”
Thesix-bedroom colonial at 26 Round Hill Road in Greenwich, Connecticutaffords classic architectural style—regal, with columnsframing itsperfectly centered frontdoor.The 8,626-square-foothousewas built in 1989ona 1.49-acre lot,surroundedbywoodlandslending privacy, texture and coloryear-round.HoulihanLawrenceRealtor Amanda BatesGoodroisthe listingagent forthe seller, who is asking $5.85million forthe property.
“Designed foreffortless summer entertaining,26Round Hill Road offers aresort-styleoutdoorsettingthat feels both privateand inviting,” Bates said.“Afullyequipped outdoorkitchen, wood-burningfireplace, heated pool, outdoorshowerand expansive bluestone terracescreatethe perfect backdropfor everythingfromrelaxed afternoons to elegant evenings under the stars.
Fashion icon Jay Manuel acquired themodern-themed300 SturgesRidge Road in Wiltonback in 2011.Under his direction, the7,907-square-foot home wascompletedand designedexpressly forhis stylepreferences andlifestyle
wish list, including serene outdoor spaces. Thepropertyis listedbyLaura Ancona, aRealtor with William Pitt Sotheby’s InternationalRealtyinRidgefield,Connecticut. Ancona remarked on allthe wonderful outdoor features and finishes that complementthe five-bedroom architecturally significant house.For example,the heated, saltwater-filled poolispoised forsummer.Itwas addedtothe 2.75-acre setting in 2022.The deep endplunges to more than9 feet It is complementedbywaterfalls and aseparatespa
Thepoolscape is illuminatedbysmart-controlledArtemideItalian-designedoutdoorlighting.Tothe pool deck, theyaddeda gas firetable
CONTINUE SUMMER ON PAGE 4
Resort-style outdoor settingthatfeels both privateand inviting.
Foreverydaygrilling to grand-scale entertaining,the owneradded an outdoorkitchen,witha Vikinggrill and cooktop. Nestledinthe yard,theyaddeda wood-burning fire pit area,with awraparound stonebench anda “living wall ofhornbeamtrees,” Ancona describedthe setting. Theaskingprice for300 SturgesRidge Road is $4.975 million.
Knownfor most recently being thehomeoftelevision personality Kathie LeeGifford,108 CedarCliffRoad,Riverside —“Cedar Cliff”—was listed forsale this spring,with an askingprice of $100 million. Leslie McElwreath, senior globalrealestateadvisor at Sotheby’s InternationalRealty in Greenwich,isthe listing agent. Thecenterpieceofthis 2.91-acre gatedpropertyinthe IndianHead Association is an eight-bedroomMediterraneanvilla.Inthe early2000s, the house wasexpandedwithan“EastWing,”tocreate an indulgent primarybedroom suite, aprivate office, wine cellarand a20-personhometheater.
CedarCliffsitswaterfront,with more than 1,250feetof frontage, andthe grounds have been designedfor entertainingand recreationinmind. Astone pier and private deep-waterdockprovide immediate access to the water. Thetenniscourt sits seaside, illuminated foranytime play. Apool andspa overlookthe water, as well. Plus, there’s apoolhouse witha fitness center,kitchenette, fullbath
and changing rooms. Stoneterraces anda bar crafted of bluestone lookout to Greenwich Cove
Offered to themarketfor $5.75million, 69 Birch Road in Fairfield, Connecticut is afour-bedroom, 2025-built single-familyhome,affectionately named “WhiteBirch.”The property is in theFairfield Beach association.
Jaclyn Picarillo,a Realtor with Higgins Group -Forbes GlobalProperties in Westport, is the listing agent.She imaginedthe summertime festivitiesthe next owner might host among the 0.22-acregrounds:“Designed for the effortlesscoastal lifestyle with no expense sparred, thiscustomresidencecaptures the essenceofsummer living wheresun-soaked beach days transitionseamlessly into evenings by thepool or relaxing in the eight-person saltwaterspa with therapeutic massagefeatures.
“The resort-inspired outdoorliving spaceisanchored by asoaring stonefireplace withanexceptional chef’s kitchen appointedwithpremium Lynx appliances, awraparound bar,TVs and multi-zone audio forelevatedenjoyment. A dedicateddining terraceand expansive lounge areas invitelong summer gatherings, while theoutdoor shower with changing cabanaoffersthe perfect post-beach retreat. Framed by towering Green Giantsand sculptural hornbeam trees, thegroundsevoke alush, secludedoasis ideal forunforgettablesummers. n
ASETTING “DESIGNEDFOR BOTH RETREATAND CONNECTION”
William Raveis Realto MichelleGenovesiisthe listingagent for34LaurelLakeWestinWeston. Its centerpieceisa six-bedroom colonial-style homewith10,873squarefeetof living space,a chef’skitchen, year-round sunroom, afitness center andprofessionallydesigned recordingstudio,plusa privateguest suite. Theaskingprice is $3.295 million.
“WhatI likehereisthatthe land feels usable, not overwhelming,”Genovesi remarkedonthe 5.03 acres.“You have open lawn,maturetrees forprivacy,and thepooland privatelake, whichreally setitapart. Thelakeespecially adds acalm, almostretreat-like feel youdon’t oftenfind in Weston.It’sprivate, butstill open andinviting.
Thelistingagent suggestedthe next owner could sculpt anduse thelandfor gardens,walking paths, quiet seatingareas or expanded outdoorentertaining spaces
“Oryou cansimply enjoyitasis,”she added. “It’s really about howyou want to liveonthe land.”
IN HARMONY WITH NATURE
CompassRealtorBrittanyBaity describedthe settingfor herlisting at 38 Partridge HollowRoadinGreenwich: “Set high on 8.31 acres, across adoublelot, this luxury property is accessed by agated entrance and agraceful,windingdrive thatopens to aprivate, elevatedsetting. Aseries of terraces spansmuch of the rear of thehome, cascadingacrossmultiple levels down to atenniscourtframedby mature GreenGiant arborvitae,withaflat lawn area just beyond. Thegrounds arelargelywooded, creating aserene treehouse-likeatmosphere from within,enhanced by floor-to-ceiling windowsand sliding doorsalong theback of thehouse,which capturewinterviews of Perry Pond Thepropertyalso borders theGreenwich Audubon,offeringanexceptional levelofprivacy.Meticulous landscaping further elevatesthe setting, with manicured boxwoodsand hydrangeas surrounding thepoolarea, complementedby mature trees throughout theestate.
Listedfor $7.995 million and located in thePartridge HollowAssociation, this five-bedroom contemporary-inspired home affordsnearly11,000 squarefeetofinterior livingspace,with asense ofconnectiontothe outdoors.
“The acreage invites amorethoughtful, site-drivenapproachtooutdoorliving,” Baityexplained. “With itsrock ledge,rolling topographyand blendofwoodedand open areas, the landscape naturallylends itselftoamorecreativeapproach shaped by theproperty’s naturalfeatures. …Afutureowner mightcarve out aseriesofdistinctoutdoor spaces—terraced gardens, native plantingsand quiet seatingareas—connected by winding pathsthatrespond to the land’snatural contours.Sunny pockets couldaccommodate smallgardenbeds, whileshadedareas lendthemselvestomoresecludedretreats, allworking in harmony with theproperty’sexisting character to create alandscape that feels both intentionaland organic.”
EVERCHANGING VISTAS
Theapproachto4 SherwoodIslandLaneinWestport is spectacular.
AndrewS.Whiteley, afounding member of BrownHarris Stevens’ Southportbrokerage—and listing agentfor the property—described the setting: “The property is accessed from aprivate driveway—with no sign or mailbox—nearthe
entrancetoSherwood Island StatePark. …Onceyou turn onto SherwoodIslandLane, youpassthrough gatesand thenovera privatebridge,arriving at ‘Waterlot.’ Theproperty has been in the same family for65years.”
Waterlot, whichispartofWestport’s Greens Farms association, is nowoffered to the market for$15 million
“The propertyconsists of acirca-1940 main house, which hasbeenrenovated, and expanded overthe years and twocirca-1940sguesthouses, apool house and tennis court. It hasbeena beloved family compoundfor decades,”Whiteleysaid.
Thesetting spans 20.85acres, embracedbytidal waters
“Thisiswhere this propertyisparticularlyunique,” the listing agentsuggested.
“The settingoverlookingthe salt marsh, Sherwood Island Park and Long Island Sound is much moreinteresting thanjusta ‘water view.’ …The viewhereiseverchanging with the light, season and time of day. Thebirdlifeisextraordinary,with residentbald eagles, osprey,egrets, herons, piping plovers,sandpipers, gulls and terns. Thereis alsoa plethora of waterfowl, as well as mammals likefox and deer. It is anaturelover’sparadise,with easyaccess to kayaking andpaddleboarding. In fact,athigh tide,you canpassunder the bridge andtravelall the waytoCompo Beach and the Norwalk islands.
