Tavern Island: Connecticut’s Secluded Sanctuary
There is perhaps no greater space than one’s own private island retreat.
Listed in October 2012 for $12.9 million by Doug Werner, William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, Darien, Conn., Tavern Island in Rowayton, Conn., is a dream. With a total lot of 3.5 acres (not including an additional 0.46 on the mainland), the main abode is a 1902, recently renovated Tudor-style home, clocking in at 6,116 square feet, six bedrooms, four baths, three half-baths, and endless ocean views from literally every room.
A covered porch overlooks the regulation-size pool, private beach, and tea house, which sits on a raised stone foundation. The tea house serves as yet another one of the many ways to relax and take in the beauty of the surrounding Long Island Sound. Hankering for a fire? There’s an oceanside fire pit just below.
The property also boasts a caretaker’s cottage (circa the 1820s), complete with its own bedroom and bathroom facilities, and renovations that include a higher kitchen ceiling and renovated counters and appliances. Dockside, a boat house stands with more guest quarters, a game room, workshop and full basement for extra storage space.
The island is powered via city water and electric, and has its own private generator and electrical conduits, all stored and run underground. The island is functional year-round, with mainland dock access any month of the year and an 8,000 gallon oil tank for the colder seasons.
Other notables include recently doubled seawalls and a walkway circling the island’s own private garden.
European settlers first landed at Tavern Island in 1651 (as evidenced by a rock carving on the island). Although details are scarce, the island switched hands often since then, all in private transactions. Rumor has it that Tavern Island also served as a setting for several Gatsby-esque parties given by one of its former owners, Billy Rose, the legendary showman. Another owner, a Norwalk, Conn., pilot, would frequently aid ships into the channel. These captains would then stop by “The Tavern” to have drinks with their pilot friend, hence the name.
The listing price includes everything a new owner would need: boats, docks, pumps, lines, hoses, mowers, etc. Entirely self-sufficient, Tavern Island really is the perfect getaway.
Hewitt Sells Lovely Toluca Lake Home
Actress Jennifer Love Hewitt recenly sold her home in the upscale Toluca Lake neighborhood of L.A. Originally listed at $2.895 million, the “Party of Five” star closed at $2.15 million. While it’s not quite what she asked for, the price is still half a million more than the $1.695 million she dropped on the home back in 1998, right around the release of her slasher sequel “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer.”
The six bedroom, six bathroom California home was built in 1952 and covers 6,000 square feet. Resting on a quarter of an acre, features include the usual high-end pool and patio, but also a few unique touches, like a private dance studio and some super femme pink wallpaper.
The actress still owns another Toluca Lake property across the street from the one she recently sold. This property, which sits right on the shore of Toluca Lake, is worth a considerable amount more—Hewitt bought it for $5.5 million in 2006. While the actress is holding on to this lakeside luxury spot for now, she is renting it out.
Currently, Hewitt stars in the Lifetime TV series “The Client List,” with a second season airing in May.
Could the Set of a ‘Nightmare’ Be a Dream for Its Next Buyer?
Most buyers are searching for the house of their dreams—not a house of their nightmares. But the home that provided the set for Wes Craven’s 1984 cult classic “A Nightmare on Elm Street” is now on the market in West Hollywood. The home is listed at $2.1 million, a small price to pay for 2,700 square feet of terror.
Outside, a guest house and pool are nestled among Freddy Kruger’s infamous stomping grounds. Inside—which was never featured in the film—buyers can benefit from three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a fireplace, arched entries, walnut floors and a newly updated kitchen.
Built in 1919, the current owner purchased the property in 2006 and completely renovated it. In addition to “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” the home’s exterior was also featured in the 1985 sequel “A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2: Freddy’s Revenge” and the 1994 installment “Wes Craven’s New Nightmare.”
Unbeatable Views on the Big Sur Coast
Located on perhaps the most scenic of stretches on the California coastline, this four-bedroom, five-bathroom residence is definitely a sight to be seen. Situated above the rocks and white water of the Pacific Ocean, the estate offers 9,849 square feet of living space and includes an indoor pool with a breathtaking view of the staggering rocks below.
Feeling cooped up inside on a beautiful night? The answer to that: an outdoor Jacuzzi on the mountain side of the home, perfect for hosting an evening with friends or a wine soiree with family. The home’s spacious living room, kitchen and family room are open and flowing, allowing for even more viewing points to enjoy and take in the coast.
The property is about 10.5 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea and offers its new owners many years of leisurely cruises up the coast and even a local national forest.
This Big Sur beauty is currently on the market and listed by Ben and Carole Heinrich, The Heinrich Team/Coldwell Banker Del Monte Realty, Carmel, Calif., for $10.8 million.
Western Wonder in Boise, Idaho
For horse owners looking for a western retreat, this Boise property may be just the spot. Listed at $5.5 million by Kathie Nahas, Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Group, Eagle, Idaho, this compound sits on 12 acres of lush land. The home itself is comprised of 18,434 square feet and includes seven bedrooms and nine baths. Also on the lot is a barn ready for a four-legged inhabitant, and a guest home or in-law quarters attached to the main home.
Another main grab is its indoor/outdoor pool room with a clear garage-like door that opens up to the outdoors. Swim inside when the weather doesn’t cooperate or open the room up to the outdoor portion of the pool when the sun is shining.
Other sources of entertainment in the home include a billiards room and a full movie theater with cozy leather recliners for all your guests.
