Westport home listed for $2.9 million

WESTPORT — Today, 2 Newtown Turnpike sits on more than 4.5 acres, but originally the home sat on more than 10 acres of flat land for equestrianism.

Although sitting on nearly half the space and not currently used for equestrian activity, the home still rings true to the country-home style. Originally built in 1939, the home is best described as a vintage colonial by the listing agent Angela Benzan.

Benzan particularly enjoys the original, internal staircase set off the front door and beyond the foyer. She also noted the original molding and the french doors that lead out to the backyard — all characteristics that make up the “Gentleman’s Estate,” as described on the listing details.

The estate was once owned by the family of Joy Perfume, according to Benzan. The fragrance brand, launched by Jean Patou, in 1929. The launch was considered a risky financial decision due its closeness to the market crash in the late 1920s. The fragrance survived the

Great Depression and more in the 20th century, earning the title of Fragrance of the Century by the Fragrance Foundation FiFi Awards, according to townandcountrymagazine.com.

Some hints to the former owners are a “Joy by Jean Patou” vintage print in one of the bathrooms.

Some modifications to the original home include transforming the horse stables with a recording studio. The current owner, a music producer, in the genre of bedroom pop. According to Masterclass, bedroom pop songs are catchy and upbeat, and rose to popularity for a younger audience in the late 1960s.

The upbeat songs led to work in jingles and produced “Yummy, Yummy, Yummy” in 1968, according to Benzan. The nowretired producer has left the 1,200-square-foot recording studio in its original state.

In addition to the studio, the home has a separate cottage with two bedrooms, full bath, office and living room, according to the listing details. The main home has four bedrooms and five-and-a-half bathrooms

across more than 5,000 square feet of living space. Out the first level French doors, leads to a bluestone patio and heated granite pool. Other amenities include a cherry library, fourseason

sunroom and large bonus room.

Although modified over the years, Benzan says the home is reminiscent of the 1930s era and still feels like the private, equestrian

property it once was.

The 2 Newtown Turnpike property is listed by Angela Benzan of Higgins Group Private Brokerage, 203-226-0300.

Mark Orensteen / Contributed photo Originally built in 1939, the home at 2 Newtown Turnpike in Westport, has belonged to a perfume family, been a horse stable and now has a recording studio.