Equestrian estates require more than barns
GREENWICH — Barns are naturally essential to any equestrian property, but they’re not the only amenity buyers should consider when searching for a place to live alongside their beloved horses. Janet Milligan, a broker with William Raveis Real Estate in Greenwich, has a long history transacting in some of the town’s most renowned equestrian estates. She noted that some other essential features are riding rings and paddocks, tack rooms, storage for hay, grain and equipment; and, of course, lots of land for grazing, exercising and training. Properties with indoor riding rings — no longer permitted by the town —are also especially coveted.
“The town of Greenwich feels it results in bringing commercial real estate to private, residential areas,” Milligan explained, “so, if your property has one, it would be grandfathered, and a big plus.”
Milligan is currently representing the sellers of three equestrian properties, each with distinctive personalities and amenities. Listed for $3.499 million is 28 Stiles Lane —known as Stone Hollow Farm —is a 6.35-acre gated estate with direct access to the Greenwich Riding and Trails Association system. In addition to the six-bedroom, 7,190-square-foot colonial, the barn’s interiors are crafted in antique pine and affords four stalls, a tack room and feed room. There is also a riding ring, four turnouts, automatic irrigation system and several paddocks.
Milligan also represents the seller of 2 Cowdray Park Drive —Quimby Lane Farm —which is part of the bucolic Conyers Farm Association. The main house, situated among 13.34 acres, is brand new – completed in 2019, with interiors designed by Lynn Cone. The property also includes a pool and pool house, tennis and paddle courts, quarters for staff, and a 20-stall barn built especially for polo ponies. “Inside the barn, there’s also an office, tack room, laundry room, and on the second floor, three apartments for the groomsmen. There are several paddocks and riding rings. … And the property is just a short ride or walk to the polo fields for summer Sunday matches.” Quimby Lane Farm is listed for $5.997 million.
Denbigh Farm at 591 Riversville Road sits high on its 17.2-acre lot – high enough to afford views of Long Island Sound in the distance. Milligan as listed this remarkable home – with a seven-bedroom, 13,343-square-foot main house, English gardens, and a plethora of on-site amenities for horses and humans – for $30 million. “This property has an exquisite, stunning and spectacular state-of-the-art barn,” Milligan said.
“There are four horse stalls, plus two smaller ones for ponies. The barn also has a tack room, feed room, and a finished lower level that may be used for additional storage or leveraged as an office, perhaps. There is a glorious townhouse apartment for the caretaker-groomsman, and many paddocks and riding rings.
Built in 2001, 20 Locust Road is currently listed for $2.195 million by Julie Church of Houlihan Lawrence. The equestrian property comprises a threebedroom colonial with graciously proportioned rooms and timeless, elegant interior design, and garaging for two cars. The fouracre lot also provides plenty of level land for horses, and on-site equestrian amenities, including a threestall barn, tack room, a wash stall and feed room, and several fenced pastures.
This property also affords access to the trails system.
“The Greenwich Riding and Trails Association is a very dynamic organization and offers members access to amazing bridle trails,” 20 Locust Road’s owner explained. “None of the neighboring towns, except Bedford, N.Y., can boast such an extensive system. Literally, you can ride for hours, going from one end of town to the other —north of the Merritt [Parkway] —through a variety of terrains, meadows and fields, to forests and along streams. It is truly magnificent. Sometimes, it’s impossible to believe that you are less than an hour to midtown Manhattan.”
The seller also provided some insight into how it functions as an equestrian estate: “One of the best aspects of our property … is having paddocks adjacent to the barn for in-out access. If the weather gets bad or uncomfortable – wet or too hot – the horses can go straight into their stalls. They have access to enter and exit at will.”
The seller also noted that the property has three large pastures, which can be leveraged on a rotational schedule, allowing the grasses time to regrow.
“From almost everywhere in the house, we can see the horses and barn,” the seller said. “It makes for an unbeatable view, but also for a horse person, it’s practical and dream come true.”