This season, why not put a new spin on “home for the holidays” and consider the listings featured here as the ultimate gift? We’ve even organized them according to passion points and favorite pastimes with contact information for the Realtors who will guide you through a highly personalized “holiday house tour.” Our best to you this season!
For Would-Be Presidents
Here’s a home that’s perfect for that special someone who has presidential aspirations—and/or is a huge fan of House of Cards or Scandal. Currently the second-most expensive listing on the Connecticut market, its multi-columned façade bears a striking resemblance to the White House. That impression extends into the entrance hall, which is comprised of a three-story rotunda with a sweeping double staircase. Step further into the formal rooms though, and the nearly 20,000-square-foot interiors are home-like and light-filled—with expansive windows onto the pool and Long Island Sound. Located on 5.8 acres on a private peninsula in Greenwich, the property also includes a putting green and a tennis court, as well as an indoor swimming pool. Tamar Lurie of Coldwell Banker in Greenwich has the listing.
For Thomas Jefferson fans, how about a faithful reproduction of his Monticello, just listed for $6.5 million? This newly constructed Somers estate was built by Prestley (“Pres”) Blake, one of the brothers who founded the Friendly’s chain of ice cream parlors. Story goes that Blake challenged himself to re-create Monticello on land adjacent to his own 80-acre horse farm—not to live in but to sell. Its completion coincides with Blake’s 100th birthday and the ice-cream tycoon lavished a century’s worth of love to create the nearly 10,000-square-foot home. He re-created much of the fanciness that graces Monticello’s interiors—including custom millwork and murals—and exteriors, especially the handmade red bricks from Virginia. It’s listed with Sherri Milkie of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty in Old Lyme.
For the Bicoastal Billionaire
Ever wish you didn’t have to choose between island life and city living? Between skyline views and water vistas? If so, then Belvedere Island, located on the Tiburon Peninsula in San Francisco Bay may be the place for you. And the hands-down most impressive estate there is Locksley Hall, now listed for $49 million. Constructed in 1904 with a $30 million facelift completed in 2008, the home features teak from Burma, fireplaces imported from England, Murano-glass Italian chandeliers and—to welcome guests—a 4,000-pound bronze entry gate. On the terraced grounds are a pool, poolhouse with a steam shower, sauna and spa, all with stunning views over the Bay, city and Golden Gate Bridge. It’s listed with Neal Ward Properties, affiliated with McGuire Real Estate, in San Francisco. 415-351-4660.
For the History Buff
For the historically minded who wants a real antique, check out the circa-1760 saltbox in Essex, one of the oldest homes on the Connecticut market. It was built for the Hayden family, who settled early and widely along the Connecticut River, on one of the village’s most picturesque streets, across from the library. Original features include wide-board chestnut floors, exposed beams and four fireplaces. The property also offers a studio office with a sleeping loft and full bathroom. Kathy and Don Shannehan of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty in Essex have the $768,000 listing.
For the Beach Babe
Your Pisces—or any swimmer or beachcomber—loves nothing more than to be entirely surrounded by water. There’s a $9.5 million-estate in Westport that serves up H2O in every imaginable way. Most notably, the circa-2012 home has a private sandy beach measuring 360 feet with unbroken views over Long Island Sound. The pool and pool terrace take in Sound views too, as does the private deck off the master suite. There’s also a second terrace, just steps from the sand, with a fireplace and space for outdoor dining. And the best news: It was built with the highest safety standards and remained entirely unaffected by Hurricane Sandy. Martha Eidman of Coldwell Banker in Westport has the listing.
For the Wine Lover
This Westport antique has a lot going for it, with its handsomely updated interiors on a pretty, 2.4-acre Greens Farms lot. But let’s start on the lower level, where there’s a stone-walled wine cellar and dining area, featuring an antique iron gate. Upstairs, the spaces for entertaining include the kitchen, with a butler’s pantry and nine-foot-high, glass-fronted cabinetry, a formal dining room and a truly great great room with antique stone floors and Palladian windows. Built in 1870, the home also features a wide, curved porch, a Pilates studio in the garage, a swimming pool and a tennis court. Cynthia Melchiorri of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty in Westport has the $4,750,000 listing.
For the Equestrian
One of the swankiest spots for horses and their two-legged friends is a nearly 13-acre working farm that comes with all the fixings, including a stable, an indoor riding arena, paddocks, run-in sheds and an equipment garage with living quarters for grooms. The $23.5-million Greenwich property also offers a green-built, shingle-style main house with a geothermal heating and cooling system, along with gorgeous interiors offering five bedrooms and seven bathrooms. It’s listed with Brad Hvolbeck & Associates Realtors in Greenwich.