Backcountry living, close to town
Greenwich’s idyllic countryside continues to draw residents who seek land, luxury and respit
Backcountry has always had a unique value proposition for buyers: larger lots and larger homes, equestrian estates, privacy, the feeling of being in the country, with the convenience of being reasonably within reach of downtown Greenwich and neighboring New York destinations, and just quick train ride into Manhattan. Like with other regions of Greenwich and Fairfield County, the pandemic shined a new spotlight on backcountry, in particular, for buyers seeking sanctuary.
“COVID and ‘WOOFH’ — work occasionally or often from home — have had a big impact on backcountry sales, with COVID-motivated buyers wanting more space and amenities outside, and more rooms for home offices and schoolwork areas inside,” Mark Pruner explained. He’s a Realtor with the Compass brokerage on Greenwich Avenue.
“Our sales volume for the first nine months of 2021 is up 76% over the same period last year,” he said, attributing the remarkable gains to a steady demand for higher-value properties across Greenwich, including backcountry.
“Backcountry has the highest reported sale at $45 million paid for Tommy Hilfiger’s estate, which went to contract in only two months,” he said.
Pruner is the co-listing agent for 15 Laub Pond Road — a backcountry property he said has everything Greenwich buyers are looking for: a large, flat lot; lots of amenities and spacious interiors. This home has four bedrooms, six baths and 7,403 square feet of living space.
“It is a beautiful, well-designed contemporary on 4.2 acres in backcountry Greenwich. It has an indoor pool, exercise area, sauna and shower, as well as an outdoor hot tub,” he noted. Plus, there’s a must-see second-floor office with glass walls, sliding glass doors and an interior window that overlooks a double-height living room. The current asking price for 15 Laub Pond Road is $2.599 million.
Joy Kim Metalios is an associate broker and managing director of the Metalios Group at Houlihan Lawrence in Greenwich. She’s currently representing the seller of 958 Lake Avenue in backcountry, a property that has special appeal to buyers who may be seeking a full-time residence or a weekend and holiday retreat.
Built in 1983, this contemporary home has five bedrooms, six bathrooms, 4,847 square feet of living space and attached garaging for three cars.
“This house is incredibly sunny, with high ceilings,” Metalios said. “It is set up high off the street, so it is private.”
In keeping with the contemporary architecture, the interiors are designed to showcase natural materials, like hardwood flooring and a fieldstone fireplace. The oversized windows allow for spectacular views of the grounds.
“With its big windows, you feel like you are a part of nature,” the listing broker said.
The 4-acre property affords space to add a pool. The backcountry location may feel remote and patently rural, but it’s just a quick drive down Lake Avenue to get to the heart of Greenwich for daily conveniences, world-class restaurants and shopping, local schools, and the Greenwich train station. The North White Plains train station is a second option for commuting to and from New York City. 958 Lake Avenue is currently listed for $2.89 million.
Douglas Elliman Real Estate’s Jennifer Leahy is representing the seller of 3 Hycliff Road in backcountry, a home she said is “completely move-in ready and offers every amenity one could ask for.” Inside the six-bedroom 10,850-square-foot home designed by Granoff Architects, there’s a gym, a home theatre and a wine cellar; outside, buyers will discover a serene in-ground pool and pool house.
“The house sits on a very private 4.95-acre lot, surrounded by manicured lawns and beautiful gardens,” Leahy said. 3 Hycliff Road is currently listed for $4.999 million.
“What I am noticing about backcountry inventory is that there is a shortage of bigger houses with more space and additional structures, like a pool or guesthouse,” Leahy said. Homeowners with these types of properties, who may be considering selling in the future, may be able to capitalize on the opportunity to list now.