Hemlock Castle
17 Hemlock Drive, Greenwich, CT
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emlock Castle offers an exceptional and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire a home that is truly regal. Nestled in the bucolic hills of Connecticut’s exclusive Gold Coast, Greenwich’s largest castle blends the look of an 18th century Edwardian country estate with the sophisticated amenities required for modern 21st century living. The setting is secluded, extremely private, and a rarity, especially given that it is located just minutes from Greenwich’s lively town center, with its fabulous restaurants, world class shopping, and several performance venues. It is also in very close proximity to several country clubs, private schools, the renowned Bruce Museum, and Westchester County Airport. Plus, the exciting pulse of Manhattan is an easy 45 minute train ride away. Hemlock Castle is tucked away and is a peaceful respite, yet is easily accessible to so much. Approx.
Approx.
Acres
of Living Space
4.18
20,298sf
14
Bedrooms
17
Bathrooms
8
Fireplaces
Approx.
Approx.
from Manhattan
Drive to Greenwich Ave
23 miles
3 min
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very detail – from the resplendent architectural elements and grand scale of the main rooms, to the enchanting and impeccably maintained gardens and grounds – is evocative of a bygone era, when the gentry spent their days fox-hunting and their evenings dining at lavish tables set with the finest appointments. Hemlock Castle transports one back in time, through the pages of a romantic British novel. To the era of Bridgerton. Now listed for sale, this extraordinary historic property, built in 1913 on approx. 4.18 park-like acres, is available for a new owner to write its next chapter.
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oasting an impressive, ivy-covered façade made from fieldstone, brick, and slate, the “Freestone Castle,” as it was originally called, was conceived by a prominent architect, James C. Green - renowned for the design of several New York City and Chicago towers - for Israel Putnam, a direct descendent of a Revolutionary War general. It was later owned by Harry H. Frazee, the owner of the Boston Red Sox - best known for trading Babe Ruth to the Yankees for $100,000 in 1919. During its recent restoration and renovation, great care was taken to ensure that the period detailing and craftsmanship were preserved while incorporating the highest possible quality modern systems and upscale amenities.
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he entrance to Hemlock Castle is through a gate, which lends formality, as well as security. The winding drive to the castle is bordered by towering trees and century-old stone walls; immediately one feels transported to another era. But it is only upon arrival at the circular cobblestone courtyard and porte-cochere that one senses the majesty of this home. The entryway is a masterpiece of glass and wrought iron that opens to an exquisite marble foyer, with classic proportions, a soaring ceiling, and Ionic columns.
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nlike many Tudor or Edwardian style homes, Hemlock Castle has an abundance of windows and is light-filled and bright. The magnificent dining room accommodates a banquetsized table and has walls of oversized windows on two sides, inviting a visual connection with the picturesque landscape.
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ntertain the most discerning guests in the stately, sprawling and sun-flooded living room with dramatic windows and three exposures. This tastefully designed space features stunning curved friezes in the ceiling and is anchored by a magnificent floor-to-ceiling limestone fireplace with intricate carving. The living room opens directly onto a newly renovated, stone veranda with its graceful archways and state-of-the-art BBQ grill, that is just right for lounging on a sunny afternoon or hosting.
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mmerse in the tranquility and calmness found in the architecturally magnificent tea room, with its oversized windows from which the peaceful, sun-dappled grounds can be enjoyed. The music room opens to a veranda with its graceful archways, that is just right for lounging on a sunny afternoon. The adjacent, extravagant study has handsome oak paneling and a built-in wet bar, ideal for when the workday rolls over into cocktail hour.
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nter the spacious chef’s kitchen, which features granite countertops, custom cabinetry, high-end appliances including a professional-grade gas range and multiple ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers. A center island illuminated by clear globe pendants is as well-suited for plating hors d’oeuvres as it is for quick weekday meals. There is a pleasant and sunny breakfast area and a butler’s pantry that provides additional room for food and drink preparation, as well as for the storage of dishware and platters.
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he luxurious, multi-room main bedroom suite is on the third floor. It is complete with several walk-in closets, his and hers bathrooms, a jetted tub encircled by windows, a dressing room with custom built-ins, and a sitting room. The rooms in this suite are lined with windows and the views of the gardens and grounds are truly serene. The sun-filled gallery leads past an office, laundry room, and gym to four additional en suite bedrooms. The third floor has two bedrooms, each with a private bath, separated by a playroom – which could easily be converted into another bedroom. One bedroom enjoys picturesque views of Long Island Sound from its balcony.
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uxurious amenities include a cavernous, 10,000 bottle wine cellar and tasting room, a sophisticated media/screening room with newly installed, state-of-the-art theater seats and screen for your viewing comfort, an all-weather Har-Tru tennis court, and a renovated stone patio with a BBQ grill. Great care was taken when designing the landscape masterplan as the plantings bloom in alignment with the changing seasons. And, that attention to detail was recognized, as the current owner received the Putnam Trust Company’s annual award for Best Landscaping. Hemlock Castle is truly a legacy estate and marks an opportunity for a new owner to carry on the tradition of exceptional living. Price: $11,800,000
Stephanie Bo Li icensed R.E. Salesperson L New York & Connecticut O 203.622.4900 M 678.650.9994 stephanie.li@elliman.com
innacle Award Winner, 2016-2021* P Diamond Award Winner, 2011-2015*
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