REAL ESTATE

INSIDE STORIES BEHIND AREA
REAL ESTATE DEALS (continued)

Equestrian Estate
Southport $9,950,000
Called Dearmeadow, this nearly 21-acre property is a serious equestrian's dream come true, offering meadows, a paddock with split-rail fencing and close proximity to Fairfield County Hunt Club—just a short trot down the road—which has the most extensive network of bridle trails in Fairfield County. There are plenty of comforts for two-legged creatures, too, starting with the 7,000-square-foot white clapboard estate that was completely rebuilt in 2002 using century-old floorboards, beams and mantels. The home also features five bedrooms and seven bathrooms (plus one half bathroom), including a home spa with a wet/dry sauna. Penny Lyons of Al Filappone Associates, William Raveis Real Estate, has the listing, (203) 671-9992.

DESIGNER SALE (click photo for larger view)

Colonial
New Canaan
$6,495,000
Here's an immaculately renovated Colonial that was thoughtfully equipped with every sybaritic detail you can dream up (and a few extras, as well). There's a private dock on the pond that the family uses to launch kayaks in summer and host skating parties in winter. There's also a swimming pool that's beautifully sited amid tiered terraces and gardens. Inside the home, we're especially partial to the wood-paneled den with a fireplace and wet bar, but rest assured that the new kitchen, butler's pantry and family room, with its stone hearth, are also lovely. Each of the five en suite bedrooms has a private balcony (with a total of seven bathrooms and two half bathrooms throughout). Plus, the lower level offers an exercise room with a shower, a recreation space and a wine cellar. Leslie Razook of Barbara Cleary's Realty Guild in New Canaan has the listing, (203) 918-4452.

Clapboard Hill Classic
Westport
$4,995,000
Clapboard Hill is one of the prettiest roads in one of Westport's prettiest neighborhoods: Called Green's Farm, this Camelot-like enclave offers quiet streets lined with gracious homes and close proximity to beaches, town and its own charming (seldom do we use this word in the same sentence as MetroNorth) train station, with an hour's ride into Grand Central. Plus, Martha Stewart used to live here, so you know it's nice. Martha herself would certainly approve of this nearly 6,900-square-foot Colonial, recently rebuilt by its owner, interior designer Leslie Cohen. It offers five bedrooms and six bathrooms (plus two half bathrooms), including a cupola-topped master suite. The rear of the home features a series of French doors opening onto terraces, a gorgeous pool and spa, and an outdoor kitchen that's perfect for entertaining. Joni Usdan of Coldwell Banker Riverside Shavell in Westport has the listing, (203) 227-8424.

TOWN AND COUNTRY (click photo for larger view)

Burton Brook Farm
Lakeville
$1,925,000
Lakeville has its bucolic postcard-worthy country roads that practically guarantee privacy. Unlike many of these towns, which are miles away from the nearest grocery store or gas station, Lakeville also has a thriving-but-picturesque Main Street where you can get a good cup of coffee, drop into a yoga class, or pick up groceries. And, of course, Lakeville has a lake, with a town beach and Hotchkiss on its far shore. The Burton Brook Farm property is one of the grand, in-town antiques that help make the village so pretty. Built in 1763, the Georgian-style home has been restored and expanded, offering five bedrooms, three bathrooms (plus two half bathrooms) and, on the five-acre grounds, an antique barn. Andrew Gates of Sotheby's International Realty of Lakeville has the listing, (860) 435-5924.