Designed by reknown architect, Frank J. Forster in 1923 for the Barnum family and also once lived by famous French opera singer, Lily Pons, and conductor Andre Kostelanetz, this 6Br/5.5Bths Authentic French Normandy Estate is situated on 3 flat acres of sweeping emerald lawns, which provide a very serene and private country setting. This unique CT property is in New Canaan (considered part of the CT Gold Coast, only 10-20 min drive to Darien & Norwalk beaches & Westport & Greenwich beaches). The space SPECIAL NOTE: THE BARNUM/LILY PONS NEW CANAAN SILVERMINE ESTATE - 2018 Recipient of the New Canaan Preservation Alliance Award! 10 min from the Beach 1) 4 Nights minimum during the year 2) Summer & Holiday rental is ideally a minimum of 7 days 3) Corporate or Short-Term Rental is a possibility 4) Walking distance to the Graybarns Silvermine Tavern on the River- offering a rustic and sophisticated farm to table bar restaurant with a terrace overlooking the Silvermine River. 5) Walking distance to the Silvermine Art Guild Center, Silvermine Market and Mercantile cafe/marketplace & 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 to the recently inaugurated American Contemporary Theater in Ridgefield! 7) 1 dog allowed after pre-approval 8) Reservation confirmed once rental agreement is signed. 9) NEW PELOTON BIKE FOR GUESTS HISTORICAL DETAILS This Normandy style 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. PROPERTY DETAILS 6 bedrooms (1 lower level master BR with Queen bed, cathedral ceillings with a stunning fireplace, 1 upper level master suite BR with King bed, walk-in closets and Bath, 1 BR with Queen Bed and Bath, 1 BR with 2 Twin beds , 1 BR with 1 Full bed, and 1 BR with 1 twin bed. Please note that every BR has a magnificent view of the surrounding foliage and professionally landscaped grounds 5.5 completely renovated Bathrooms A Chef’s Kitchen with top of the line appliances (Thermador 8 burners cooking range, Viking Refrigerator and Wall over, Bosch Dishwasher) 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 (Netflix and Amazon Prime), DVD player and 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 many great toys to play with. Other things to note 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 Stew Leonard nearby.