On the Market: A Summer House on a Private Connecticut Island
In search of a remote warm weather escape? This gorgeous one-acre estate is one of the Thimble Islands, an archipelago in Long Island Sound.
Photo by Dan Milstein
0 Belden Island, Branford, CT
Price: $1,500,000
Size: 2,038 square feet
Bedrooms: 4
Baths: 2
Behold: The summer house to end all summer houses. As if having “island” in its address isn’t an impressive enough flex, this isolated abode actually has the entire one-acre isle all to itself—plus, two acres of deeded shellfish beds next to the property’s rocky edge.
As luxurious as a private island sounds (and is), the interior of this 1920 construction is wonderfully simple. Each room is covered in warm-toned planks of wood, with Douglas fir on the floors and pine across the walls and ceilings. The monochromatic foundation means anything else in the room pops—be it the stately stone fireplace, a vibrant furnishing, or the blue sky and ocean through the many windows. Since the home’s water supply is piped in from the mainland and closed in the winter due to freezing concerns, this is solely a summertime escape. But luckily, summer hasn’t even begun yet, so there are still months ahead to circle the island by taking a stroll around the dwelling’s wraparound porch. And in case an island of your own is sounding a little too remote, the nearest neighbor is only about 250 yards away—close enough to call to, but far enough to stay face mask-free.
This water-encircled estate, named Belden Island, is actually just one of several so-called Thimble Islands, an archipelago scattered off Branford’s shore in the Long Island Sound. So, if this one isn’t quite what you’re looking for, check out Wheelers Island, which hosts a castle-like home suitable for year-round living and is being sold with all of its colorful furnishings, or Jepson Island, which is smaller and less pricey with two bedrooms for $800,000.
For information, contact Margaret Muir, William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, williampitt.com.
Photo by Dan Milstein
Photo by Dan Milstein
Photo by Dan Milstein
Photo by Dan Milstein
Photo by Dan Milstein
Photo by Dan Milstein
Photo by Dan Milstein
Photo by Dan Milstein
Photo by Dan Milstein
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