A 19th century Connecticut sawmill that was transformed into a luxury three-bedroom stone estate has hit the market for $1.75 million—offering up not only a picture-perfect waterfront retreat, but also the chance to own your very own private waterfall.
The idyllic dwelling, which is located in Branford, last changed hands more than 20 years ago, when it was sold for just $900,000 in July 2001, around 70 years after it was turned from a working mill into a 2.02-acre private residence.
Yet the abode still features many of the elements that it did when it served as a sawmill, including the original wooden beams, stone walls, and grand fireplaces.
But there is one material that makes the property particularly special—and also sees it tied to several other iconic East Coast structures.
“The structure was built of Stony Creek pink granite that was quarried around the corner, which makes it super, super special,” said listing agent Nancy Bullis of Coldwell Banker Realty. “Some other prominent structures made using Stony Creek pink granite include the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, the base of the Lincoln Memorial, and the Brooklyn Bridge.”
Other historic highlights found inside the home include four original fireplaces, cathedral ceilings with exposed beams, built-ins, and custom millwork.
“It was turned into a home around 1939 or 1940,” Bullis said. “It was always the intent to maintain much of the mill’s historic integrity.”
And it’s not just the home itself where history has been made; the exterior of the dwelling also boasts several special features, namely the waterfall, which once powered the sawmill’s operation and still flows freely beside the house today.
“There is a lovely pond that flows into the sawmill and then goes out to Long Island Sound,” Bullis added.
The home’s proximity to the water not only makes for some truly incredible vistas, but also provides a form of entertainment for any outdoor enthusiasts, she said.
“Another fun thing to note is you can kayak directly from the property,” Bullis revealed. “There are also parts that sit over the water fortified by Stony Creek granite.”
While much of the mill’s original bones have been maintained, the home also offers several much more modern amenities that have been slowly added over time, all the while ensuring that the most historic elements were carefully preserved.
The three-bedroom residence features a modernized kitchen with updated appliances, a water-facing dining room, and a home office with access to a glass-enclosed sunroom with skylights.
“It’s located in the district of Stony Creek that is home to the Thimble Islands, which is a boater’s paradise,” Bullis said. “It’s a very desirable part of Branford.”
There are additional updates that could be made to the home, particularly by anyone looking for more space in which to house loved ones and guests.
A wine storage system and two bonus rooms with fireplaces that could be transformed into additional guest accommodations can be found on the ground floor.
A second parcel of land features a two-car garage along with a two-room structure that might be ideally used as a guest cottage, artist studio, or home office.
“I think the next buyer will be someone who loves historic structures and is looking for a unique property,” she said. “I have never seen a property quite like this one that has been meticulously maintained over the years. The sellers have taken great care to keep the pedigree of the home so it’s authentic.”
Also found on the property are stone terraces overlooking the waterfall, a private creek side pier, garden paths, and lush landscaping.
“I think it is probably going to be someone’s token home,” Bullis said. “It could be either a primary or secondary residence, but I picture someone who loves to entertain on the weekends, and maybe lives in the city or out of state, who wants to come here on the weekends.”
“I could also see a multigenerational family wanting to live here,” she added. “The next person will be someone who understands the land and the unique nature of its location. It’s a very special property.”
