$35 million for Binney Lane?

A reader asks about 45 Binney Lane, which has been on the market since last June, priced at $35 million, and neither the house nor the price has budged. I haven’t been inside it, but agents whose opinion I respect, and tell me that it’s fabulous and very, very well built. But $35 million? That’s much higher than anything else that’s ever sold on the street, although certainly, new construction is bound to command a much higher price than two much older antique homes that sit on either side; both, like 45, on one-acre lots.

The house immediately to the west of this one, no.41, sold in 2019 for $10.135 (on an ask of $14.950). Built in 1895 but completely renovated, it was pretty special.

55 Binney Lane, on the other hand, was a complete wreck: built in 1929, it looked as though whoever built it lost his money in the Depression and neither he nor the house ever recovered. It sold in 2012 for $9.250, which surprised me because I thought it was worth less. The owner thought it was worth more, at least initially, because he’d listed it in 2007 for $16.8. I guess he finally got tired of waiting for “the right buyer” to come along. The house has now been completely rebuilt, and is worth far more now, but …

In Riverside a few years ago, a newish home on Indian Point Lane sold for $42.175 million. It sits on 4 1/2 acres, is of spectacular construction, and its view is down the Sound to the NYC skyline. 32 Indian Point, next door, 2009 construction, 8,278 sq. ft., 2.3 acres, pool, down-Sound view, sold in October 2020 for $17,000,000.

45 Binney, on a one-acre lot, has neighbors on either side, and its view is of the Stamford breakwater and Dolphin Cove; pretty, but not the same.

High-teens? Low-twenties? Stay tuned.