487 North StreetGone with the wind?
This beautiful property (across from Dingletown and just up on your left (or down - who remembers these things?) has a 1906 house on it, "renovated" in 1950. Okay, that probably means you'll want to do a little work, but it's a terrific house and it sits on 14 acres of spectacular lawn/meadow that, sadly, has been approved for a 5-lot subdivision. Originally offered at $23,500,000, it was reduced about 21% yesterday to $18,500,000. In better times that would surely generate a builder's interest, but I don't know of any builders in town who are actively searching for a project this size. Perhaps there are; I certainly don't pretend to know all the big builders in town, but speaking as a resident who has always admired the grace of the existing house and the beautiful sweep of the lawns surrounding it, I hope that some Russian fleeing from Putin and looking for a safe place to stash some of his cash picks this place up and keeps it just as it is.
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I'm sure this property will sell -Chris - however - I hope not to a Russian - these Russian's like to throw their weight - around - ever been on a airplane with them or wait in line getting your coffee with a couple of them - no manners - could care less about waiting before others in the line - just rough and rude - thugs. Where are all these thugs coming from? What is wrong with us?
You know, almost the same thing has been said about every ethnic group that has come to our shores at one time or another. I'm sure that there are old-line Mayflower decendants who would be only too happy to tell tales about your own Irish, German, Italian, and/or Eastern European forebears.
I especially enjoyed watching the spectacle on Simmons Lane as a new Russian resident tried to build an oversized house there. One of the chief complainants was the family of the storied Zalman Simmons, the mattress maker who came to town in the 1920s with his own newly-minted fortune and proceeded to build--guess what? A very big, splashy house on what we now know as Simmons Lane.
I'm sure that old man Simmons didn't fit your image of the perfect Greenwich citizen back then, but his family grew and prospered here, and have contributed to our town in many philanthropic ways.
Too bad that you can't see beyond differences in etiquette and custom to be a little more accepting. Better start trying, because the new money--and therefore power--in town is going to look very different from what you're used to.
I, for one, suspect that it could be a refreshing change.
Russian Schmushin - I don't have to be friends with the guy but I do have to look at his house. If the house and lands remain intact, I'll be happy. Doesn't have to be bought by a Russian, of course, I just couldn't think of any country with legitimate rich people who can still spend with abandon.
Good comment re: "newcomers". Some of my ancestors landed with the Dutch in what was then New Amsterdam, others came over with their fellow Irish in the 1850's and who knows where my mother's side came from? The family has absorbed all these ruffians and even a few Mormans and thrived, just as our country has. I say, if you want to work then come on in: Mexican, Haitian and, I suppose, if we still have room for them, even the Irish - what the hell, it's a big country.
Chris, On the topic of tear-downs and new development, do you or any of your readers know what is going on with the house on Brookridge Drive (near high school)? The house is several houses in on the right when you turn off the Putnam Ave. It is one of those old mansions that sits on property that straddles Brookridge/Stanwich. I drove by today and there was a huge "DEMOLITION" sign out front. What gives? Why would such a large old stone mansion be set for demolition? Is it set for a sub-division? I was always fond of the old field stone home that sits on the site, I would think it would be a candidate for restoration/renovation rather than demolition. Any insights are welcomed.
Thanks, Stanwich
Hi Chris, I heard there were alot of houses in Greenwich made via modular home building methods instead of stick built houses. Any experience/stories in one of these completed houses? Resell value, how it looks, sentiment with realtors about these houses. Thank you.
Hi Chris, I heard there were alot of houses in Greenwich made via modular home building methods instead of stick built houses. Any experience/stories in one of these completed houses? Resell value, how it looks, sentiment with realtors about these houses. Thank you.
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