New Canaan, CT 06840
Orchard’s End, built in 1929 during the great estates era, this brick and limestone country retreat is a wonderful example of architecture in the grand manner. Designed by New York architect William B. Tubby, his outstanding designs include Waveny House in New Canaan, Dunnellen Hall in Greenwich and the William H. Childs House in Brooklyn.
Yet for all of the estate’s timeless beauty and gracious bearing, the current owners of Orchard’s End felt that it lacked sufficient living space for the family to gather comfortably together. Their request for an addition posed the unique design challenge of expanding the square footage of the house without making it seem larger than its already sizable dimensions. Beginning in 2014, the current owners retained world renowned architect Dinyar Wadia to embark on a 3-year 6 million dollar renovation perfecting the already expansive 10,000 square foot addition completed by the previous owners. Not only was the main residence improved and expanded upon a brand new 2,000 square foot 4-bedroom guest house, along with a custom designed 5,000 square foot wellness center, a custom pool with spa and new terraces transformed Orchard's End Estate into a true masterpiece. In a recent interview with Dinyar, he stated he believes in today's market this estate would cost in excess of 25 million dollars to replicate the main house alone, excluding land costs, the new 5,000 square foot wellness center, and fully renovated guest house.
The main residence’s addition includes a new kitchen, great room, outdoor courtyard, and study. Providing the inspiration for the great room was Castle Duart, located on the Isle of Mull and featured in the 1999 movie Entrapment in which Sean Connery and Catherina Zeta-Jones, playing art thieves, practice their moves for a high-tech heist. Smitten by the stylish setting, the clients asked Dinyar to recreate a similar sort of room for their new addition, a request he relished. Featuring a double-height ceiling, massive stone fireplace with intricate carvings and custom bronze handrails leading up to a second-story mezzanine, the great room has become a treasured place for all family to gather. Linking this room to the main residence is a glass-paned corridor featuring iron frames and true divided lights. Stunning views of the garden terrace are on display on one side while the new kitchen is visible through the courtyard, which flanks the other side of the corridor. Together with the roof lights in the kitchen and double-height bay windows in the great room, the new space is drenched in sunlight, inviting the family to linger in its welcoming glow.
Prior to being incorporated in 1801, New Canaan was shared by the neighboring towns of Stamford and Norwalk, and was known as Canaan Parish. Today, this vibrant and charming town remains distinctive with its manicured landscapes, grand architecture, and bustling downtown. With a reputation as a great place to raise a family, and known for its high-profile residents from the entertainment, sports, business, and news industries, New Canaan is also rich in history, an enjoyable place to shop, play, and dine, and a fabulous place to visit.
One of the few “walking towns” in Fairfield County, New Canaan Center offers residents and visitors an array of retail options. Boutique shops line the streets and share the stage with high-end commercially known stores, offering cutting-edge fashion, top-of-the-line home goods, one-of-a-kind gifts, and everyday lifestyle products and services. Dining options abound … from breakfast nooks and bakeries, pubs to bistros, ethnic food to fine dining, the food scene is quite extraordinary.
New Canaan’s new 42,000 square foot library whose stunning design pays homage to mid-century modern architecture is a wonderful attraction for all residents. Surrounded by pollinator gardens and designed for interactive learning, explore cooking classes, sewing machines, conference rooms, rooftop terrace, built-in café, and of course a top-tier selection of books.
New Canaan boasts many premier attractions where residents engage in a number of activities. Grace Farms, an 80 acre cultural center for community events and performances, The Glass House is a world-renowned mecca for mid-century modern architecture and the YMCA host a number of healthy living and youth development programs.
New Canaan is also home to world class, historical parks. The famed Waveny Park spans over 250 acres includes 3.5 miles of jogging/walking trails, soccer, baseball and softball fields, picnic area, platform tennis coursts, a swimming facility, artificial turf water tower field and bounds of open areas. Waveny also contains the PowerHouse Performing Arts Center, The Carriage Barn, Spencer’s Run Dog Park, Lapham Community Center and The Waveny Lodge and The Waveny House where all of the parks and recreation for the town are run out of. Also enjoy Kiwanis Park, Mead Memorial Park, Mill Pond Park, Ed Dixon Memorial Park, Bristow Bird Sanctuary and Irwin Park all located within scenic New Canaan.
Considered a New York City suburb (approximately 45 miles outside of the city), New Canaan is 22.5 square miles and has a population nearing 20,000. Community activities include the Annual Summer Village Fair and Sidewalk Sales, a 45-year-old event that continues to bring out the entire town. Dazzling fireworks at Waveny Park are a Fourth of July tradition, the Halloween Parade is a child’s delight, and the popular Holiday Stroll is so popular, the town has now implemented monthly Stroll Evenings, creating a block party 12 nights out of the year! We invite you to visit our New Canaan. Experience a New England town with a style and sensibility all its own – but for all to enjoy.
544 Oenoke Ridge
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