Private French Country Estate-New Canaan CT-Pool-Film Set-Dec avail
House in New Canaan
10 guests · 6 bedrooms · 6 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
Top-tier experienceOne of the higher cost properties in the area
About this house rental
BARNUM/LILY PONS FRENCH NORMANDY MANOR
2018 Recipient of the New Canaan Preservation Alliance President's Preservation Award.
****** Confirmation of reservation will be contingent upon signing of our rental agreement.
1) 4 nights minimum during the year and 7 knights required during Summer.
2-3) Corporate Rental is a possibility
4) 5 min walking distance to the Graybarns Tavern/Inn/Mercantile on the Silvermine River- offering a rustic and sophisticated farm to table restaurant with a terrace overlooking the Silvermine River and gourmet lunch and 2 min walk to the Silvermine Market (a quaint BYO Café ideal for breakfast, lunch, dinner or take out if you don’t feel like cooking!)
5) 3 min walking distance to the Silvermine Art Guild Center and less than 3 miles from not only Grace Farms, a serene and spectacular ultramodern sanctuary to experience nature and the arts, but also the iconic Philip Johnson Glass House.
6) 15-20 min drive to the recently inaugurated American Contemporary Theater in Ridgefield CT.
7) VIP Weekend Escapades/ Workshops/Seminars.
8) Maximum of 1 dog following pre-approval.
9) PELOTON bike available to guests
HISTORICAL DETAILS
Designed by well reknown architect, Frank J. Forster in 1923 for the Barnum family (Circus Family- The Greatest Showman) and also once lived by famous French opera singer, Lily Pons, and conductor Andre Kostelanetz, this architectural jewel has been preserved and restored and is an ideal retreat for a peaceful escape, remarkably less than 3 miles from downtown New Canaan and less than 1 hr from Manhattan.
This Authentic French Normandy Property is completely encapsulated by mature gardens/ plantings, and situated on 3 flat acres of sweeping emerald lawns, which provide a very serene and private country setting.
PROPERTY DETAILS
- 6 bedrooms in total (4 on the 1st floor: 1 master BR with King bed, 55 inch TV, cathedral ceilings and a stunning fireplace, 1 BR with Queen Bed & bath, 1 BR with Full bed with bath and 1 BR with 2 Twin beds & bath and TV),
2 on the 2nd floor: 1 upper level master suite BR with Queen bed, walk-in closets and Bath and 1 BR with Queen bed and Bath. Please note that every BR has a magnificent view of the surrounding foliage and professionally landscaped grounds.
- 5 full and 2 half completely renovated Bathrooms
- A Chef’s Kitchen with top of the line appliances (NEW 48 Inch Thermador 8 burners cooking range, Viking Refrigerator and Wall over, Miele Dishwasher) and antimicrobial stainless steel countertops
- A dining room with massive exposed Beams, leading to a very private Terrace and Pool Area (perfect for elegant entertaining or Al fresco dining)
- A living room with very high cathedral ceilings, massive exposed beams, stone fireplace and a library- all with access to the back terrace and pool area as well as the front terrace.
- A family room with a 65 inch Sony Smart HDTV connected to an Amazon Fire TV Cube (Netflix and Amazon Prime), a Bose Wave SoundTouch, a large brick rustic fireplace, and another dining table leading to a 3rd outdoor terrace with an outdoor dining table and sitting area for cocktails.
- 3 terraces, all with sitting outdoor furniture
- 1 heated In ground pool
- 1 outdoor firepit with sitting area
- 1 large lower level playroom for children with 55 inch TV and many great toys to play with.
- 1 NEW PELOTON BIKE
- 1 LARGE WEBER BBQ GRILL
AREA DETAILS/ACTIVITIES
- New Canaan is a quintessential New England town that combines “old fashioned harmony with contemporary sophistication”. Considered part of the CT Gold Coast, New Canaan offers a wide range of architectures from the Harvard Five Modern Houses to historic farms/parks and stately mansions. According to Niche rigorous market analysis, New Canaan was named "Best town to raise a family" . New Canaan has one of the most charming and picturesque bustling downtowns in the region with premiere shopping, diverse restaurants and gourmet stores. Most recently, we have been blessed to enjoy the newly opened Grace Farms, named “Top 10 destination from NYC” and considered a "Spectacular Spiritual Sanctuary with an Ultramodern twist".
There are an abundant of activities to do, all within minutes from the house:
- The Philip Johnson Glass House
- Silvermine Guild Art Center
- Grace Farms
- Public Golf Courses (Oak Hills Golf Course and Sterling Farms)
- Horseback riding at Silvermine Farm
- Waveny Park (Wooded Trails ideal for walking/running, Paddle Tennis Courts and acres of lawns perfect for picnicking), Mead Park (ideal for Tennis & Playground), Irwin Park (ideal for walking/ running and biking)
- New Canaan Nature Center (Trails and Nature) and Stamford Nature Center (Animal Farm)
- 10 Minutes to Darien and Norwalk beaches
- 20 min to Westport and Greenwich beaches
- 20 min to Westchester airport
- 5 min to train station
- 45 min to the picturesque Litchfield County, CT (perfect for antiquing and exploring)
1hr from Mystic Seaport, CT
- 2.5 hrs to Boston and Cape Cod Massachussets, Newport Rhode Island
- 2 hrs to the Hamptons New York
This beautiful property is nestled in the historic neighborhood of New Canaan, called Silvermine, a wooded quaint enclave that follows the Silvermine River. It is steeped in history and the arts with an eclectic array of architectural styles. This home is within 2 min walking distance to the Silvermine Guild Art Center (Art Gallery and an Art School with classes/workshops for all ages and summer camps for children); The Silvermine Market (a quaint BYO Café ideal for breakfast, lunch, dinner or take out if you don’t feel like cooking; the Silvermine River; Graybarns Tavern on the Silvermine River (Boutique Hotel with a Farm to Table restaurant) and Mercantile at Graybarns for breakfast & lunch.
SEASONAL ACTIVITIES
FALL: Admire the glorious and vibrant New England color changing foliage of the season (last week of October); Enjoy a glass of wine on the terraces; roast marshmallows on the firepit; read a book and listen to music by the crackling fireplaces throughout the house; experience a unique thanksgiving experience by entertaining your friends and family and feel the warmth and joy of the festivities.
WINTER: Celebrate Christmas/ New Year in this magical and captivating environment, beautifully decorated for the festivities; visit Santa Claus during his annual visit at the Silvermine Tavern; listen to the New Canaan residents carol on Church Hill on Christmas Eve (a beloved tradition since 1919); visit one of the many Houses of Worship in the area; or take a day trip to admire the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and do window shopping on Fifth Avenue.
SUMMER: Wake up to the birds chirping and fall asleep with the crickets singing; lounge by the pool with a book; dine or entertain Al Fresco; stroll the property after dinner and enjoy the fireflies under the starry sky; barbecue some delicious steaks from Fleishers Craft Butchery in Westport or seafood from Fjord Fish Market in New Canaan.
2018 Recipient of the New Canaan Preservation Alliance President's Preservation Award.
****** Confirmation of reservation will be contingent upon signing of our rental agreement.
1) 4 nights minimum during the year and 7 knights required during Summer.
2-3) Corporate Rental is a possibility
4) 5 min walking distance to the Graybarns Tavern/Inn/Mercantile on the Silvermine River- offering a rustic and sophisticated farm to table restaurant with a terrace overlooking the Silvermine River and gourmet lunch and 2 min walk to the Silvermine Market (a quaint BYO Café ideal for breakfast, lunch, dinner or take out if you don’t feel like cooking!)
5) 3 min walking distance to the Silvermine Art Guild Center and less than 3 miles from not only Grace Farms, a serene and spectacular ultramodern sanctuary to experience nature and the arts, but also the iconic Philip Johnson Glass House.
6) 15-20 min drive to the recently inaugurated American Contemporary Theater in Ridgefield CT.
7) VIP Weekend Escapades/ Workshops/Seminars.
8) Maximum of 1 dog following pre-approval.
9) PELOTON bike available to guests
HISTORICAL DETAILS
Designed by well reknown architect, Frank J. Forster in 1923 for the Barnum family (Circus Family- The Greatest Showman) and also once lived by famous French opera singer, Lily Pons, and conductor Andre Kostelanetz, this architectural jewel has been preserved and restored and is an ideal retreat for a peaceful escape, remarkably less than 3 miles from downtown New Canaan and less than 1 hr from Manhattan.
This Authentic French Normandy Property is completely encapsulated by mature gardens/ plantings, and situated on 3 flat acres of sweeping emerald lawns, which provide a very serene and private country setting.
PROPERTY DETAILS
- 6 bedrooms in total (4 on the 1st floor: 1 master BR with King bed, 55 inch TV, cathedral ceilings and a stunning fireplace, 1 BR with Queen Bed & bath, 1 BR with Full bed with bath and 1 BR with 2 Twin beds & bath and TV),
2 on the 2nd floor: 1 upper level master suite BR with Queen bed, walk-in closets and Bath and 1 BR with Queen bed and Bath. Please note that every BR has a magnificent view of the surrounding foliage and professionally landscaped grounds.
- 5 full and 2 half completely renovated Bathrooms
- A Chef’s Kitchen with top of the line appliances (NEW 48 Inch Thermador 8 burners cooking range, Viking Refrigerator and Wall over, Miele Dishwasher) and antimicrobial stainless steel countertops
- A dining room with massive exposed Beams, leading to a very private Terrace and Pool Area (perfect for elegant entertaining or Al fresco dining)
- A living room with very high cathedral ceilings, massive exposed beams, stone fireplace and a library- all with access to the back terrace and pool area as well as the front terrace.
- A family room with a 65 inch Sony Smart HDTV connected to an Amazon Fire TV Cube (Netflix and Amazon Prime), a Bose Wave SoundTouch, a large brick rustic fireplace, and another dining table leading to a 3rd outdoor terrace with an outdoor dining table and sitting area for cocktails.
- 3 terraces, all with sitting outdoor furniture
- 1 heated In ground pool
- 1 outdoor firepit with sitting area
- 1 large lower level playroom for children with 55 inch TV and many great toys to play with.
- 1 NEW PELOTON BIKE
- 1 LARGE WEBER BBQ GRILL
AREA DETAILS/ACTIVITIES
- New Canaan is a quintessential New England town that combines “old fashioned harmony with contemporary sophistication”. Considered part of the CT Gold Coast, New Canaan offers a wide range of architectures from the Harvard Five Modern Houses to historic farms/parks and stately mansions. According to Niche rigorous market analysis, New Canaan was named "Best town to raise a family" . New Canaan has one of the most charming and picturesque bustling downtowns in the region with premiere shopping, diverse restaurants and gourmet stores. Most recently, we have been blessed to enjoy the newly opened Grace Farms, named “Top 10 destination from NYC” and considered a "Spectacular Spiritual Sanctuary with an Ultramodern twist".
There are an abundant of activities to do, all within minutes from the house:
- The Philip Johnson Glass House
- Silvermine Guild Art Center
- Grace Farms
- Public Golf Courses (Oak Hills Golf Course and Sterling Farms)
- Horseback riding at Silvermine Farm
- Waveny Park (Wooded Trails ideal for walking/running, Paddle Tennis Courts and acres of lawns perfect for picnicking), Mead Park (ideal for Tennis & Playground), Irwin Park (ideal for walking/ running and biking)
- New Canaan Nature Center (Trails and Nature) and Stamford Nature Center (Animal Farm)
- 10 Minutes to Darien and Norwalk beaches
- 20 min to Westport and Greenwich beaches
- 20 min to Westchester airport
- 5 min to train station
- 45 min to the picturesque Litchfield County, CT (perfect for antiquing and exploring)
1hr from Mystic Seaport, CT
- 2.5 hrs to Boston and Cape Cod Massachussets, Newport Rhode Island
- 2 hrs to the Hamptons New York
This beautiful property is nestled in the historic neighborhood of New Canaan, called Silvermine, a wooded quaint enclave that follows the Silvermine River. It is steeped in history and the arts with an eclectic array of architectural styles. This home is within 2 min walking distance to the Silvermine Guild Art Center (Art Gallery and an Art School with classes/workshops for all ages and summer camps for children); The Silvermine Market (a quaint BYO Café ideal for breakfast, lunch, dinner or take out if you don’t feel like cooking; the Silvermine River; Graybarns Tavern on the Silvermine River (Boutique Hotel with a Farm to Table restaurant) and Mercantile at Graybarns for breakfast & lunch.
SEASONAL ACTIVITIES
FALL: Admire the glorious and vibrant New England color changing foliage of the season (last week of October); Enjoy a glass of wine on the terraces; roast marshmallows on the firepit; read a book and listen to music by the crackling fireplaces throughout the house; experience a unique thanksgiving experience by entertaining your friends and family and feel the warmth and joy of the festivities.
WINTER: Celebrate Christmas/ New Year in this magical and captivating environment, beautifully decorated for the festivities; visit Santa Claus during his annual visit at the Silvermine Tavern; listen to the New Canaan residents carol on Church Hill on Christmas Eve (a beloved tradition since 1919); visit one of the many Houses of Worship in the area; or take a day trip to admire the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and do window shopping on Fifth Avenue.
SUMMER: Wake up to the birds chirping and fall asleep with the crickets singing; lounge by the pool with a book; dine or entertain Al Fresco; stroll the property after dinner and enjoy the fireflies under the starry sky; barbecue some delicious steaks from Fleishers Craft Butchery in Westport or seafood from Fjord Fish Market in New Canaan.
Amenities
Pool
Air conditioner
Pets allowed
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
Hot tub or spa
TV
Gym or Fitness Center
Garden
Family friendly
Map of New Canaan
££££
Ratings and reviews
5.0 / 5.0
Our stay at Gersende's property was delightful. We had seven friends together for a wedding and this house and property served as a much appreciated comfortable and peaceful retreat. The pool was lovely, the kitchen was well-stocked and functional and the homes quirks and charm grew on us a little more each day. We walked to GrayBarns Mercantile every morning for coffee and it was a quick drive from the grocery as well as the PJ Glass House. Gersende was kind, easy to reach and incredibly accommodating and we are all grateful to have been welcomed into her beautiful home.
5.0 / 5.0
Stayed at this home for a family wedding in the area and it was perfect. Bedrooms for each member, beautiful grounds, and a very unique homes with lots of interesting rooms. Very relaxing, and the home owners were very welcoming. Would highly recommend this property.
5.0 / 5.0
To stay with family in this place…. Priceless!
Amazing time! Wish we stayed longer. Total privacy!
The House grows on you every new day!
Won’t want to leave.
5.0 / 5.0
We had a fabulous time. The house was so interesting with so may things to look at. It was nice that it was still decorated for Christmas. We had plenty of room to spread out. Didn't really see the kids for days!
5.0 / 5.0
The house is very comfortable, fully stocked, and was exactly as described. We enjoyed the board games, pool, and the grounds. The owners were responsive and were easy to communicate with.
5.0 / 5.0
We rented this lovely unique home for a birthday weekend for us, our 4 grown kids, and in laws. We had the most wonderful time and hope to visit again and again. The house has a super interesting history and a one of a kind decor. We felt transported to a foreign country. The kitchen is well stocked and modern. The hosts are communicative helpful and responsive. Everyone enjoyed themselves. Beds were super comfortable. Some space is a little time and the layout is unique but this is a very very special kind of home. We will be back!
5.0 / 5.0
Everything was perfect, including plenty of beds and baths and beautiful kitchen. Gersende and Eduardo's home was the perfect place for six friends to gather and reminisce.
5.0 / 5.0
This amazing house is all about atmosphere. Venture beyond the leafy grounds and you find yourself in Fairfield County, but within the stone gates, you find yourself in your favorite part of France. Plenty of bedrooms! Chef's kitchen. Fantastic outdoor space and a great patio/pool. the hardest part is deciding where to start the party.
5.0 / 5.0
My husband and I rented this lovely home for two weeks with our grown children and 3 grandchildren recently. It was an experience of a lifetime! Mrs G and Eduardo now seem like friends after planning the celebration and then meeting them during our stay at this beautiful place. We have rented thru VRBO for 21 years and this experience far exceeds anything else. The home is "magical" as our 10 year old grandson described it. None of us wanted to leave. The pool is more beautiful than the pictures show and we played volleyball every evening as a family. The kitchen is unbelievable so I enjoyed that since several of us love to cook. I could go on and on but will end by thanking Mrs G and Eduardo for making our anniversary celebration so special...love to you both!! Mary Kay and Stephen Ellinger from Virginia.
5.0 / 5.0
Intriguing home that makes you feel like you are on an adventure rather than a rental home. What makes the home unique is also a bit of a drawback if you are looking for functionality and convenience- such as the bathroom doors downstairs did not close all the way and the downstairs main bedroom beds had no headboards. It is an old home so “the beauty and the beast”. However, The home sets a special mood and that is the home’s magic! ( a larger hot water heater would be helpful for the #of bedrooms.) The vines on the windows, the curated artifacts, and the very tall ceilings with beams gave an allure . This is a home that is lived in and the children left sweet letters in their rooms. The location is gorgeous and the Silvermine market is a walk away and has wonderful coffees and sandwiches to take out.
5.0 / 5.0
Property is even better than the pictures. We had to travel back to CT for a family event and needed a spacious house with plenty of room for relaxing and this place did not disappoint! The gourmet kitchen and heated pool were great as was the downstairs playroom for the kids. It is a unique house which made the stay that much more memorable. Gersende and Eduardo were excellent hosts and great communicators, would highly recommend.
5.0 / 5.0
We stayed at Gersende and Eduardo's home for our daughter's wedding. It is truly a special and enchanting place. Gersende is a wonderful host and was easy to work with. The house is beautiful and comfortable while providing plenty of space for our family and several of our daughter's bridesmaids. This home contributed to making this special event even more special. I would heartily recommend staying here and hope to do so again!
2.5 / 5.0
Our family had a wonderful, relaxing Thanksgiving in this beautiful and comfortable home. The owners were very accommodating and welcoming. I would definitely recommend this property.
2.5 / 5.0
Better than anything we could have hoped for. Host Gersende was great, the house was a fairy tale.
Warmest recommendations to stay here with friends/family/a few couples
2.5 / 5.0
We have been renting every year for 8 years, and this holiday house was the best of all. Located ideally, close to everything and yet nested superbly in historic and friendly Silvermine; the property is more extended than the online listing suggests, with additional running and adventure space around the charming terraces which prove a shady area at all time of day. The pool is beautiful and safe. The owner, Gersende was friendly, responsive t the minute, and helpful, and when we thought the pool had an issue it was fixed immediately with extra follow up and attention. And what makes this home unique is its European charm! it was like a holiday in a Normandy "Manoire" without the trouble of travel. We certainly hope to come back next year.
5.0 / 5.0
This is such a warm and friendly house. For various reasons I spent a week there alone, followed by a week with a house-full. It was cosy for just me and great for a large group; we could spread out in the different areas. We enjoyed the space, the antiques and the evening wildlife. Whilst quite a built up area it is very wooded and so pretty. In the evenings we walked into Silvermine for drinks or dinner at the pub - which was super smart and delicious. A great place to stay and explore Connecticut - we will be back!
5.0 / 5.0
We had a wonderful winter stay at the house over Christmas 2017. The layout meant that none of the guests were every on top of one another. The entire family particularly loved the big fireplace in the living area, which made Christmas extra festive. Gersende was immediately responsive to our enquiries before and during our vacation. The beds were incredibly comfortable and the kitchen was very well stocked with equipment. There is also a fantastic playroom in the basement that has more toys and games than you would think possible, both for girls and boys, so was an invaluable entertainment for our 3 yr old, but would delight any child up to 8 too. It snowed on Christmas Day which made the whole stay extra special. It’s a very individual house and we haven’t seen another like it in CT or Westchester.
5.0 / 5.0
When you arrive at Gersende and Eduardo's home you can't but feel that you've stepped back in time. It looks like a French chateau from another era but has all the modern conveniences inside. We stayed there for two nights with a group of 8 for a business retreat and it was a great choice for a group our size. The living room with its dramatic high ceilings and comfortable couches was perfect for the many hours we spent there on team building and personal growth exercises. Breaks included stepping outside for a breath of fresh air on the home's many charming terraces. The modern granite kitchen kept us refreshed and satiated during the day and we were able to easily grab take-out Chinese for dinner in the town of New Canaan -- a mere five minutes away. Gersende and Eduardo are lovely and gracious hosts-- meeting us at the house when we arrived, leaving us a bottle of wine and answering any questions we had all weekend instantly via text. The whole experience feels like a vacation get away even though it is really a short ride from NYC.
5.0 / 5.0
We had a great time, Kid Friendly. Great Yard. Enjoyed being close to town and close to train and parkway. Cosy House. Lovely pool. Really nice family that owns it and they could not have been sweeter.
5.0 / 5.0
I love it and love the hosts!
5.0 / 5.0
What an fantastic place! I spent 2 weeks here with my family. A beautiful property right in the middle of lush parkland with loads of outdoor space for the kids to safely play and a gorgeous pool for luxuriating - it's gated so no worries about the toddler straying. The house is beautiful and spacious with very tasteful decor. Super comfy beds! We were welcomed by the charming owners who gave us loads of tips about local activities, restaurants and shops - and a very nice glass of rosé too!! Was great to enjoy this place in the summer sunshine. We also plan to come back in the winter to cosy up by the roaring fireplaces.
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in New Canaan?
The average price for a rental in New Canaan is £400 per night. This rental is £824 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Private French Country Estate-New Canaan CT-Pool-Film Set-Dec avail. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
Yes, a swimming pool is available for use at Private French Country Estate-New Canaan CT-Pool-Film Set-Dec avail. Enjoy the water!
Is Private French Country Estate-New Canaan CT-Pool-Film Set-Dec avail pet friendly?
Yes! This house is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at Private French Country Estate-New Canaan CT-Pool-Film Set-Dec avail?
We found 15 amenities for this rental. This includes pool, air conditioner, pets allowed, kitchen or kitchenette, and internet / wifi.
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