For $5M, own the private Potato Island with a 90-minute commute to NYC
Own your very own private island that feels like it’s a million miles away, or at least off the coast of Maine, but is actually off the shore of Connecticut for only $4.9 million (h/t Mansion Global). With the not-at-all charming name of Potato Island, named for a group of potato-looking boulders near the shore (you say potato, we say po-tentially change that name!), this private island is part of the Thimble Islands, an archipelago of small islands, 23 of which are inhabitable, in the Long Island Sound in and around the harbor of Stony Creek in the southeast corner of Branford, Connecticut.
The 3,871-square-foot, four-bedroom house was originally built on the 1.1-acre island in 1912. It has since been extensively renovated.
The current owners, Richard and Katherine Kahan, bought the island in 1997 for $900,000. The Kahans explain that the house was in terrible condition, so bad that “There wasn’t a blade of grass on the island.” After 20 years and extensive renovations, they rebuilt the entire home, as well as added trees, gardens and the pool.
There’s a deep-water dock and a mooring for a sailboat 50 yards from the island. It is a five-minute boat ride to the harbor in the village of Stony Creek, and about a 90-minute commute to Manhattan.
With a true stately, New England feel inside and out, the home’s large fieldstone fireplace is the focal point of the living room. The space is surrounded by windows to take full advantage of the island location. Original character has been preserved with hardwood floors and beadboard complemented.
Ms. Kahan describes the house as open and airy yet cozy. New York City homes boast unobstructed views, but this island house takes it to a whole other level. The house was rebuilt to have views from every room, Mr. Kahan says, “We can see the sunrise and the moonrise.” As if that all wasn’t good enough, the home is primarily powered by solar panels and there is a backup generator.
The estate has been on and off the market for years. It was first listed by Christie’s in October 2014 for $7.35 million, according to the brokerage. Not only is this a huge price cut and a massively great deal per square foot (and insane views and privacy) compared to any luxe NYC offering but it is also an amazing deal considering the collection of eight Thimble islands that was for sale two years ago for $78 million (making each island just under $10 million, making $4.9 million a steal).
[Listing: Potato Island by Christie’s International Real Estate agent John Campbell]
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