A collection of eight private islands off Branford, Connecticut have re-entered the market for $50 million, which is $28 million less than when it was last listed.
Situated in and around Stony Creek Harbor in Branford, the eight islands in the Thimble Islands archipelago feature multiple residences and outbuildings, all unique with landscaped grounds and private docks, according to the listing. Property records show the largest island of this collection is the 8-acre Rogers Island, which includes a 13,000-square-foot home. Built in 1900, the 10-bedroom Tudor-style mansion on Rogers Island has a pool complex, tennis court, greenhouse, and a golf putting green designed by the great golfer Jack Nicklaus, according to the listing.
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The sale also includes the following islands: Wheeler Island, Jepson, and Reel Islands, Cut in Two East Island, Cut in Two West Island, East Crib Island, Belden Island and an on-shore waterfront property on Prospect Hill.
"We will soon be also offering each island for sale separately as well," said Melissa Frank Lutz of Douglas Elliman Real Estate, the listing agent for the islands. Property records show the sellers are Christine and Edmund Stoecklein, the couple who own more than a dozen inhabitable islands in this area.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Ms. Stoecklein’s collection of islands in Thimble began with West Crib Island, an island purchased by her former husband John Svenningsen, founder of the party supplies company Amscan Holdings. Ms. Stoecklein had been acquiring other islands after Svenningsen’s death in 1997.
Bill Fandel of Telluride Sotheby’s International Realty told The Wall Street Journal that Ms. Stoecklein spent more than $30 million to buy the islands, then spent millions more on renovations, infrastructure and landscaping.
Mr. Fandel was the co-listing agent when the island collection first hit the market in June 2016 for $78 million. He didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
"They were listed previously and are now offered for a lower price. This unique offering is priced to sell," said Ms. Frank Lutz in regards to the price reduction.
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No offer had been made for the islands as of Monday afternoon, but Frank Lutz said she had received a lot of interest and inquiries. "It is an ideal location for someone seeking total privacy and luxury, while also being easily accessible by helicopter or boat," she said.