By Judy Szablak
There are relatively few properties that were built prior to 1900 that are still standing in Westport. According to tax data gleaned from the local Multiple Listing Service, and information obtained through the Westport Historical Society, fewer than 500 homes are still in existence that were built prior to 1900.
This antique Queen Anne Victorian colonial at 76 Riverside Ave. is listed at $1 million. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Photo courtesy of The Higgins Group- Fairfield/Vanderblue Team
That figure may seem a little low for a town which has upwards of 8,200 single family residences, but the town has done a good job for many years in preserving whatever antique inventory we have.
The oldest home in town was built in 1685, and is on 187 Long Lots Road. This home has the unique distinction of being the only 17th century single family residence in town.
The 18th century hardly brought a building boom to town, with just 72 homes that are still existing that were built during this period. One noteworthy property which still stands today is at 69 Cross Highway, and its foundation dates back to 1762.
The home at 10 Pier Way Landing is the largest home existing today of the 267 homes constructed between 1800-1899. Interestingly enough, approximately 25 percent of this century’s housing stock was built between 1880 and 1890.
Whether it was a major building boom, a very old “guestimation”, or a glitch in recording, there were 160 homes noted in our system as being built in the year 1900 that still exist today.
Inventory is obviously limited in the antique category, with just 13 homes currently available that were built prior to 1900, and their average price is $2,021,115. The oldest home available for sale as of today is a 930 square foot farmhouse built in 1776 on 29 North Avenue which is listed at $449,000.
Market Stats
Inventory is stable with last week, and there are now 214 homes that are actively on the market. The average list price of these available homes is up over $50,000 to $2,447,727. These properties have been listed for average of 136 days, with a cumulative market time of 216 days. The median price has increased by over $70,000 to $1,872,500.
The seven bedroom colonial at 2 Manitou Court is the highest listed property in town at $12,985,000, and the lowest available priced home is a two bedroom ranch on Crescent Park for $289,000.
Eight new listings came on the market in the last seven days, and two homes came back on the market after being under deposit. Seven properties had a price change.
Two properties have gone under the initial deposit stage, which we call CTS, and 15 properties went into pending status, which means that the conditions have been satisfied, and the property is scheduled to close.
The average price of these 15 pending properties is $1,645,187. There are currently 17 homes in CTS status throughout Westport, and another 47 properties scheduled to close town-wide, with an average price of $1,622,930.
Closings: There were 13 single family homes reported as sold in the last week, were listed on average at $1,408,672, and sold with an average market time of 116 days. There were 64 status changes in the last seven days.
Condos: There are eight condominiums that are available, and they have been listed an average of 81 days. Their average listing price is $726,711 and the median price is $749,000.
The highest priced condo in town is $899,000 and is a three-bedroom home located at Regents Park, and the lowest priced unit for sale is a two-bedroom home on Bradley Lane for $626,500.
There were three new listings this week, and no homes came back on the market after being under deposit. There were no price changes, and one property entered into the initial stage of deposit. No homes entered the pending stage of deposit.
There are four properties town-wide that are currently in CTS status, and three homes that are scheduled to close, which are listed on average at $707,667.
No sales were reported during the last week.There were three status changes reported.
Rentals: If you are interested in renting year round, either furnished or unfurnished, there are 51 homes or apartments available. The median price is $6,000 per month and the average price is $5,739 per month. These year round rental opportunities have been on the market an average of 72 days.
There are 22 short-term rental opportunities that are available, and they have been on the market an average of 92 days. Their average price is $6,311, and the median price is $5,575. Please note that seasonal rental prices are sometimes listed as an aggregate price for the season, or they can be listed as per the monthly rental cost.
Source: Market Data is compiled from the GFC-CMLS and represents activity through our local MLS system. Private sales are not included in these statistics.
Featured Home
This antique Queen Anne Victorian colonial at 76 Riverside Ave. is listed at $1 million.
It is full of charm with exceptional period detailing that is incredibly well preserved, and a real Westport treasure.
Originally built in 1883, the .47-acre lot that this elegant eight-room home was built on was supposedly purchased from a Civil War veteran, and only three families have maintained ownership since it was originally commissioned by Norman S. Kellogg.
That could explain why the vast majority of woodwork is still intact in this 2,907-square foot home, which is quite beautiful inside.
In addition, decorative leaded glass windows and doors, original intricately designed hardware, hinges, and even a folding key that locks one of the two sets of pocket doors that are all in perfect working order, and well preserved.
Each of the five fireplaces has a uniquely detailed wood mantel, and there is custom mill-work throughout with rosette corner accents, and rich wainscoting all intact.
The main floor has 9-foot ceilings, tall windows, and a wonderfully flowing floor plan that also works well for today’s lifestyle.
The parlor, entertaining area and dining room each have custom moldings, a chandelier with ceiling medallion, and a fireplace in these locations.
The kitchen is configured well, with a recessed stove area, a walk-in pantry, cold storage room, and a sliding pass through from the butlers pantry to the dining room.
Three bedrooms are on the second floor, including the master suite, which has a full bath with claw tub, and a large walk-in closet. Two have their own fireplace.
The third floor walk up attic has been finished as a 642-square foot artist studio with two skylights, and could easily be an au-pair quarters, additional playroom, or reconfigured to accommodate additional bedrooms.
Extras and items to note: views of the Saugatuck River, security system, laundry on second floor, 325-square foot open front porch, registered with the Westport Historic District as The Kellogg House, and a photo of the home is included in their handbook, (under characteristic architecture of Westport).
Annual taxes are $11,052.
Listing/photo courtesy of The Higgins Group- Fairfield/Vanderblue Team.
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(Editor’s Note: Judy Szablak of Coldwell Banker Westport – Riverside, Fairfield County CT Realtor since 1984 is author of “The Art of Buying or Selling a Home,” and featured on HGTV’s real estate show, “Desperate to Buy.” Email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or visit her online at http://www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com.
I was told that if a house was built before 1900 and they are not sure when, it is given 1900 as the date of construction.
Not true Matt
check the historic resources inventory2002 you will be surprised at the number of homes we have built in the 18th and 19th century.
I have a beautiful antique built in 1740 currently on the market and it is only one of a number of antiques listed for sale
When they DON’T know the date prior to 1900 they give it 1900. That’s what I was told by the HDC. That’s why you have so many at 1900. Like the Geiger Barn, dated 1900, but it is actually somewhere from 1850-1880.