Mansion Global

A Private Connecticut Island That Hosted Marilyn Monroe

It’s on the market for the first time in 30 years

Save

Listing of the Day

Location: Tavern Island, Norwalk, Connecticut

Price: $10,995,000

It’s not every day, nor any day for that matter, a property can claim host to a Revolutionary War battle, and visits by Marilyn Monroe and Barbra Streisand (not all at the same time, of course).

Located off the coast of Norwalk, Connecticut, Tavern Island is just such a place. "It’s truly one of the rarest finds in the New York Metropolitan area," says Rick Higgins, chairman & founder of Higgins Group/ Christie’s International Real Estate. "It’s serenely removed from the every day, yet entirely accessible," he says.

On the market for the first time in 30 years, if walls could talk, Tavern would have an illustrious story to tell. The land was first inhabited by European settlers in 1651 and was later used as a fortress guarding the entrance to the Rowayton Harbor against the British during the Battle of Norwalk. "A cannon was found off the island in the water when they were dredging," says Mr. Higgins.

More:Island Fantasies Heat Up Among Luxury Property Buyers

The main home, an English country colonial was built in the 1930s and housed screenwriter Lillian Hellman while she finished her classic "The Little Foxes." Broadway lyricist Billy Rose moved in during the 1960s and hosted legendary parties, with guest lists including the likes of Monroe and Streisand.  

The Stats:

The 6,116-square-foot main home has six bedrooms, four full bathrooms and three half-bathrooms. There’s also a guest cottage with two bedrooms, and a boathouse with a large game room and one bedroom. The entire island is three and a half acres.

The Design Pedigree

Interiors within the three-story home are open and airy and include 360-degree views of the water. Accents throughout create a rustic-chic vibe and comprise coffered wood paneling, wood-beamed ceilings, stone trim and accent walls, and massive picture windows, which maximize the vistas beyond.

Built-in bench seating in bedrooms and stairwells adds a homey feel. The main residence also showcases an expansive deck with stone pillars and walls that spans the length of the home and offers ample space for relaxing and entertaining against a backdrop of the water.   

Amenities

Aside from your standard finds like a pool, gym, and a requisite guest house, the home also comes with its very own wood-clad Japanese tea house that has a meeting room and a bedroom. Other amenities include a deep-water dock, boathouse, two boats, and several private beaches.

More:Find Out How to Buy an Island Next to Leonardo DiCaprio’s

Neighborhood Notes

While living on a private island means your own personal oasis (translation: there’s not a neighbor for miles), Tavern is close to the mainland of Norwalk, so civilization is only an eight-minute boat ride away. Tavern is also located near the fishing village of Rowayton and about an hour and a half from Midtown Manhattan.

Listing agent: Rick Higgins, chairman & founder of Higgins Group/ Christie’s International Real Estate

View the listing

Write to Listing of the Day