Lyme, Conn. (August 3, 2016) — William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty today announced that the firm has listed the former residence of musical theatre star Norma Terris, a “Follies Girl” most remembered for her role of Magnolia in the original Broadway production of “Show Boat” in 1927. Originally built in 1749, the converted Lyme, Conn. residence once served as a popular stagecoach tavern stop known as Gould Tavern, where former President Andrew Jackson is rumored to have frequented along his travels. Essex agent team Jennifer and Jane Associates, comprising Jennifer Caulfield and Jane Macy Pfeffer, have the listing, which is offered at $820,000.
Norma Terris was a renowned American performer and vocalist who held lead roles in several theatre productions, Broadway shows and movies throughout her career. Terris owned the converted tavern home for nearly 50 years, until her death in 1989. While residing here, the highly acclaimed star lived extravagantly, holding frequent lavish parties, and working to mindfully renovate and update the historic property.
Originally operating as a successful sawmill, gristmill and weaving business run by the Gould family, the site later became a local tavern for guests to enjoy drinks and refreshments during their stagecoach travels. Historical evidence of this can be found throughout the four-bedroom, two and a half-bath home, as seen in its period millwork, raised paneling, wide board flooring, exposed chestnut beamed ceilings and six working fireplaces. The home’s lower level additionally includes the original tavern space, with a walk-in fireplace used to warm stagecoach guests, stone walls and double doors that lead out to a stone terrace for relaxing and listening to the sounds of the Eight Mile River, which lies across the quiet country road. An updated, sun-filled kitchen, featuring a large center island and top-notch appliances, seamlessly leads into a sunroom with floor to ceiling windows and a quiet, informal dining area. Moving on, residents can enjoy a more elegant atmosphere for formal entertaining in the dining room, which includes a fireplace as well as ample neighboring living room space.
The upper level contains four bedrooms, one of which is the luxurious master suite, offering a fireplace, new bathroom and dressing room. An in-ground pool resting on the home’s 3.28 acres of bucolic land completes the property.
“It’s incredible to see the pieces of the past come together in this fabulously preserved antique home,” said Caulfield. “From its previous ownership to its meticulous updates and truly stunning location, this home is one to remember.”
“It’s not surprising why someone as glamorous as Norma Terris would choose to call this residence home,” said Pfeffer. “We are truly honored to be shedding light upon this vintage treasure, tucked peacefully away on Connecticut’s beautiful coast.”
For more information on the property, located at 90 Salem Road, please visit the firm’s website here.
About William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty
Founded in 1949, William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty manages a $3.9-billion portfolio with more than 1,000 sales associates in 28 brokerages spanning Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Westchester County, New York. William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty is the largest Sotheby’s International Realty(R) affiliate globally and the 28th-largest real estate company by sales volume in the United States. A full-service real estate firm headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty provides ancillary services including commercial services through its affiliation with Building and Land Technology, a second-generation development company based in Stamford, Connecticut; William Pitt Insurance Services; and an award-winning global relocation division. For more information, visit the website at williampitt.com.
Sotheby’s International Realty’s worldwide network includes approximately 18,000 sales associates located in approximately 825 offices throughout 61 countries and territories.
William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty Contact:
Jenifer and Jane Associates
Real Estate Agents
Jpfeffer@williampitt.com
860.767.7488 ext. 307