For $2M, a Connecticut estate with a rebuilt barn and ties to the NYC art world

A five-acre estate in Connecticut that once belonged to a New York City heiress and patron of the arts is now asking $1.995 million. The property at 453-455 Newtown Turnpike was once owned by Alice DeLamar, the daughter of Joseph Raphael DeLamar, a mining mogul who made a fortune in the industry during the late 19th century. Throughout her life, Alice financially supported the careers of many artists and writers, even allowing many of them to stay at her multiple properties. The unique compound includes a four-bedroom main house, two guest cottages, an 1800’s blacksmith forge, and a three-room “dollhouse.”

Other notable names linked to the property include ballet dancer Tanaquil Le Clercq and New York City Ballet co-founder George Balanchine. Balanchine and dancer George Volodine even taught dance classes in the former barn, which now serves as the main residence. And according to the listing, jazz composer Dave Brubeck used to practice at the property and photographer Jean Chevalier, 1920s model Bettina Jones, and painter Pavel Tchelitcheff all stayed at the Newtown Turnpike estate.

A converted barn serves as the four-bedroom main residence. The home has been rebuilt but retains its original features, including vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and unique custom doors. After a renovation in 2004, the residence boasts a nautical theme, with a crow’s nest observatory, shell-inspired spiral staircase, ship’s dumbwaiter, and mosaic tile.

The home’s main living and dining area boasts a huge stone fireplace, lots of windows, and custom millwork throughout. Tons of counter space and storage can be found in the country-style kitchen, which also features a large center island with a copper hood and top-of-the-line appliances.

In the main bedroom, there’s a lovely fireplace, windowed doors that open to the backyard, and an en-suite bathroom with a copper soaking tub and stone rotunda shower with a glass ceiling. All remaining bathrooms have private bathrooms, with one boasting a steam shower.

More space can be found in the form of a den, lower level family room, and a heated screened-in porch and patio. In addition to the main property, two guest cottages, an 1800’s blacksmith forge, and a three-room 1928 “dollhouse,” which reportedly got its name since it was the playroom for Jean Chevalier’s daughter.

[Listing: 453-455 Newtown Turnpike by Joel and Lori Associates for William Pitt – Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty]

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All photos courtesy of Sean Fowler, Planomatic