The historic Connecticut paradise is back again and no one can stop talking about it. Hollywood icon Katharine Hepburn’s serene summer home returns to the market, and is currently listed by William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty Essex agent Collette Harron for $14,800,000. The estate has been a Fenwick community landmark on the Old Saybrook, Conn. shoreline since 1939.
Surrounded by a total of 3 ½ acres of waterfront land, this over 8,000 square-foot home contains three floors that overlook brilliant views of the Long Island Sound with a private, sandy beach just a few steps away from the front door. Hepburn wished to keep her summer getaway as secluded as possible, and for 65 years, the highly acclaimed actress enjoyed the tranquility of her Fenwick “paradise,” as she often referred to it.
Upon entering the home, there are several luxurious living spaces that include living and dining rooms overlooking the Sound and a pond located behind the house, a kitchen with AGA stove and Sub-Zero refrigerator, den, chart room, potting room, pantry and laundry room. There are also six bedrooms, seven and a half baths, and seven fireplaces. The grounds of the estate are equally impressive, with a pristine expanse of private beach and a dock that allows boating access to the Hamptons. Access to landing seaplanes in the front yard is also available, where Hepburn’s good old friend, aviator Howard Hughes, would often land for an afternoon visit.
Back in 2011, the estate appeared on the market with a listing price of $18,000,000 for the home on the original plot of 1 ½ acres, and $28,000,000 for all included surrounding lots. Fresh on the market again, it has this time been relisted without the option of buying the two additional lots. Owner Frank Sciame, the founder of Sciame Construction, is currently building a beach house for his family on one, and hopes to gain approvals to build another waterfront home on the other. Sciame has been involved with the Hepburn estate since 2005, when the well-praised New York City builder led renovations to protect the house from destructive storms such as Hurricane Sandy, raising it five feet off the ground. In addition, Sciame helped to maintain the home’s historic brilliance and architectural beauty by installing new systems and expanding it with light-filled rooms.
Representing such a notorious Connecticut home humbles agent Collette Harron. “The historic Katharine Hepburn home remains the quintessential family estate, featuring an extraordinary renovation that maintains its legacy,” said Harron. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to market this most prized and cherished possession of one of our culture’s most important icons.” Legendary actress Katharine Hepburn undoubtedly lives on through her quiet escape that continues to get much deserved attention on Old Saybrook’s peaceful Connecticut shoreline.