“The Orchard,” the oldest French Château-style estate in Newport, Rhode Island, changed hands for $2.5 million, a steep discount from its recent listing price of $6.7 million.
The sellers are Richard Saul Wurman and his wife, Gloria Nagy, Newport Patch reported.
A well-known architect and graphic designer, Mr. Wurman is also the founder of the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) conferences. Ms. Gagy, meanwhile, is a bestselling author. They have owned the house since 1993. The reasons why they are selling are not immediately known.
According to public record, the estate asked for $11 million in April 2014.
Listing agent Ms. Melanie Delman of Lila Delman Real Estate declined to discuss the price chop, citing client confidentiality.
The 4.75-acre property has kept the original formal gardens designed by architects Carrère and Hastings, a 150-year-old Florentine-style bronze and marble fountain, and two pools, one of which is the largest private pool in Newport.
The main residence was built of yellow brick and limestone. It boasts an 13,762-square-foot living space, including 16 bedrooms, 11 full bathroom and four half bathrooms. Inside, it features dentil moldings, marble floors, handcrafted mahogany doors and Baccarat crystal chandeliers.
Located at 180 Narragansett Ave., it is within easy walking distance of the Cliff Walk, a designated National Recreational Trail, as well as beaches and harbor front.
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