I'm always interested to see how these projects work out

Back in 2022, former (and now late) First Selectman Rebecca Breed’s home at 38 Calhoun Drive was listed both as land – 2.07 acres in the R-1 zone — and also as a residence, described as an “Exciting opportunity to completely renovate an expansive 1913 stone cottage and shingle home”. A buyer appeared and paid $2.8 million. He chose to renovate, rather than raze, expanded the house from 3,900 sq.ft. to 5,203, and completely redid everything.

Now it’s been put back on the market, priced at $5 million. I really hope the builder’s efforts are rewarded, because we have a surfeit of 10,000 sq. ft. “statement” homes in town and a dearth of 1913 charmers. But this kind of renovation is expensive, and my hunch is that a majority of buyers in this price range prefer new.

Fingers crossed, because success here might encourage more preservation and fewer dumpster loads.

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