coastal views homes with acreage luxury condos top builders distinguished agents Katharine hepburn’s Former estate 10 mohegan avenue | old saybrooK, Ct This isn’t a dream; it’s Fenwick...or is it Paradise? T his isn’t a dream; it’s Fen- wick…or is it Paradise?” – Katharine Hepburn FAM- ILY ESTATE For the actress and her family, Fenwick, a private beach community off the Con- necticut coast, was a place they called home for nearly a century. Now back on the market after an extraordinary renovation, the historic Katharine Hepburn home remains to be the quintes- sential family estate – a water- front centerpiece with its own private sandy beach, private dock and Golden Pond. THE HISTORY In 1939, Katharine Hepburn bought a large set of building blocks from F.A.O. Schwarz and used them to construct a model of her dream home. Later that year, she and her family con- structed a special and serenely situated home on the Long Island Sound– the home we now call the Katharine Hepburn Estate. It would remain her most prized and cherished possession over the next 65 years. THE REnOvaTIOn In 2005, New York Builder Frank Sciame embarked on a complete renovation of the property. Bringing to bear his experience restoring some of New York City’s greatest land- marks including the Pierpont Morgan Library and Museum, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Guggenheim Museum, he over- saw the project which included raising the structure five feet to protect it from the Long Island Sound. All new systems were installed, and the historic structure seamlessly augment- ed to create light-filled rooms while preserving the historical integrity of the structure. From restoring the home’s original pine-paneled fireplaces to incor- porating oversized windows, coffered ceilings and built-in cabinetry throughout, the exe- cuted design is a marriage of history and modern amenities. The result – a quintessential family home, carrying on a most important legacy. THE HISTORIc HOmE The main residence, set serene- ly on the Long Island Sound, includes over 8000 square feet of living space on three floors, with six bedrooms each with their own private baths, and seven fireplaces. The cook’s kitchen fea- tures an AGA stove and Sub Zero refrigerator and is adjacent to the living room and dining room, OFFERED AT inquiRiEs AssOciATE On THE WEB both of which overlook the Long Island Sound, a pond and private dock for boating to the Hamp- tons less than an hour away. In the 1930s and 1940s, Howard Hughes landed his seaplane directly in front of the home, and today, the same opportu- nity awaits its new owner. A den, chart room, potting room, pantry, laundry room and two-car garage complete the estate. THE nEIgHbORHOOd At the eastern tip of Fenwick, the Hepburn residence sits on 1.47 acres with over 200 feet of waterfront overlooking the Long Island Sound. Adjacent, more than three additional acres were designated by Katharine Hep- burn to remain forever open. The conservation parcel is now owned and maintained by the Lynde Point Land Trust, thus assuring privacy and unobstructed views in perpetuity. Fenwick, a commu- nity of 83 homes, was established in the 1600s and is located where the Long Island Sound meets the Connecticut River. The private community is known for its golf course, swimming and boating. $14,800,000 Colette Harron 1 860.304.2391 •1 860.767.7488 13 Main Street, Essex, Connecticut 06426 William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty MLS#M9147884 View online http://w w.homesofdistinctionct.com homes w of distinction / | September 2014 19