A ‘stunning retreat’ in Darien
Renovated 1908 Greek revival in Tokeneke Association
When you enter through the pillars at 16 East Trail in Darien, you feel like you have stepped into a painting.
With lush planned perennial gardens, architectural elements carefully and thoughtfully placed about the 2.89-acre property and a rolling landscape of greenery and privacy, it’s hard to believe you are only a three-minute drive to downtown Darien and the train station.
Believed to be designed by renowned McKim, Mead & White, this renovated 1908 Greek revival estate has been carefully restored and modernized to maintain its true authenticity.
“This stunning retreat set in the exclusive R clearly demonstrates the magical merging of Old World charm with sophisticated modern living,” said listing agent Casey Lange of Halstead Connecticut.
The intricate restoration by Hobbs highlights many original details throughout the house. They include the 16-inch ceiling moldings and the beautiful paneling and ceiling details are re-
stored to perfection as to appear new.
Interior highlights difficult to replicate include original multipiece moldings throughout the home, five unique fireplaces, details by artisans of past years and beautiful built-in glass front china cabinets.
Lange said a walk-through the house, which boasts 17 rooms, will take your breath away.
“When you enter, you are awed by the front to back entry with hand stenciled hardwood floors and then immediately drawn to a view of the backyard vistas and 10-foot ceilings throughout the first floor,” Lange said.
The gracious entry, she said, highlights a 10-foot wide grand staircase boasting a wall of windows with detailed window panes and offers space for a gallery of art.
Flanking the entry hall are the formal living room with coffered ceilings, several seating areas with fireplace and a formal dining room with fireplace and French doors leading to the outdoor terrace.
There is also a library with fireplace and walls of bookshelves. The expanded custom finished gourmet kitchen offers a huge island for entertaining, two Sub-Zero refrigerators, double ovens, a custom created hood and a sun-drenched breakfast area allowing lots of seating and bea- cons you to the many outdoor entertaining areas.
The large stone fireplace, Lange said, is the focus of the large family room surrounded by bookshelves and window seats for game night and a theater screen retracts into the ceiling for movie night.
Take in the stars or soak in the sunlight in the breathtaking conservatory overlooking the rolling gardens, which enters to the stone south facing terrace with outdoor rooms including an outdoor living room with fire pit, an outside dining room, a covered sitting area and an outdoor play space. The terrace overlooks the pool and spa with outdoor kitchen providing lots of space for entertainment and fun.
The pool area is framed by lush flowering arbors and greenery.
There is a separate guest cottage that offers a three-car garage and a wonderful guest suite with a living room, a kitchen, two additional bedrooms and a bath that can be used for in-laws.
Listing agent: Casey Lange, Halstead Connecticut, (203) 249-0900, CLange@halstead.com.