A secluded private island in one of Connecticut’s most affluent communities has entered the market with an asking price of $19.5 million—just about an hour from New York City.
Known as Farwells Island, the 1.15-acre property lies off Greenwich in Long Island Sound, approximately one mile from the New York state line. Its location offers a rare mix of total waterfront seclusion, expansive views and convenient access to Midtown Manhattan.
The island has remained in one family’s hands for nearly 46 years. It was once used as the family’s full-time home before evolving into a summer retreat designed for several generations to enjoy together.
Now listed for sale, the unusual waterfront estate includes two residences, a private beach, sheltered boat facilities, landscaped gardens and even a climate-controlled glamping tent.
Although the island covers little more than an acre, its layout has been carefully planned to create a sense of space and privacy.
“It’s probably the biggest one-acre island you’ve ever seen,” Smith told Our News Outlet, noting that the homes and additional buildings were arranged around the island’s edges. That design leaves room for lawns, gardens and open-air gathering areas in the center.
The principal home is a 6,166sq ft Shore Colonial built in 1936, with seven bedrooms and five bathrooms. A separate 3,238sq ft guest residence offers three bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom.
The distinctive Farwells Island estate is being represented by married real estate agents Brett and Dianna Smith of Brown Harris Stevens. The couple spoke with Our News Outlet about the property’s long history and hard-to-find waterfront amenities.
Farwells Island, located off Greenwich in Long Island Sound, has been listed for $19.5 million
The main home (right) is a 6,166 sq ft, seven-bedroom, five-bath Shore Colonial built in 1936, while the 3,238 sq ft guest house includes three ensuite bedrooms
Brett and Dianna Smith of Brown Harris Stevens said the estate is among the few local properties with a private bridge connecting it to the mainland
The two houses occupy opposite ends of the island, separated by a broad stretch of lawn. The arrangement allows relatives and visitors to enjoy their own space, even when both homes are occupied.
Before being listed, the main residence received an interior update. The owners also completed major landscaping improvements and repaired the seawall.
A private beach on the island’s rear shoreline looks out across Long Island Sound. The waterfront also features two swimming piers and a floating platform accessible by swimming from shore.
Near the boathouse, owners can host a traditional New England-style clambake beneath a tented setup or spend the night in a climate-controlled glamping tent designed for two guests.
For anyone drawn to boating and life on the water, however, the estate’s dock could prove to be its standout feature.
The property includes deep-water dockage protected from the open sound and large enough for multiple boats. Smith said that combination is exceptionally rare along the Long Island Sound shoreline.
“There are very, very few properties on Long Island Sound with protected, private dockage,” he said.
The sheltered mooring can be especially important when severe weather and storms move through the region.
The same family has owned the island for nearly 46 years; it began as a primary residence before becoming a multigenerational summer getaway
The property also has a rare protected dock perfect for braving the harsh nor’easters that occasionally hit this part of the Sound
The living room in the main house provides panoramic views of the Sound toward Oyster Bay
While Long Island Sound can be relatively calm, Smith noted that nor’easters and hurricanes can be punishing, making a sheltered private dock a huge advantage for someone keeping boats at the property.
The boathouse itself has indoor and outdoor entertaining areas, while the property also has swimming piers and a private beach, meaning its owners can spend an entire summer day on the water without leaving the island.
Smith, an avid lifelong boater, said the waters around Farwells Island are home to striped bass, bluefish and blackfish, while the area also offers opportunities for clamming, oystering and lobstering.
For the family that currently owns the property, the water was a major part of island life.
They spent summers paddleboarding, boating and swimming, with the island eventually becoming a gathering place for multiple generations.
The island also has a pair of vintage-style water fountains around the formal gardens, installed so children playing outside could always have access to fresh water.
And then there are the views.
The property has unobstructed views across Long Island Sound toward Oyster Bay, with water visible in every direction.
The main home also has seven bedrooms
One of the many buildings on the property is the boat house with a separate deck to host and pavers leading up
The dining room in the main house faces the shoreline
Smith compared the experience to having ‘your own private Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard’ – except that the island is less than an hour from Manhattan.
The appeal also extends beyond the property itself.
Farwells Island is part of Greenwich, a wealthy waterfront community where boating is deeply woven into the local lifestyle.
The town has two municipal islands. Island Beach is a 3.9-acre island with a beach, swimming areas and seasonal ferry service, while Great Captain Island spans 17.2 acres and has a beach, picnic and camping areas and a historic lighthouse.
Greenwich also offers extensive public recreation, including beaches, parks, hiking trails, tennis, conservation areas and a municipal golf course.
Greenwich Point, also known as Tod’s Point, is a 147-acre waterfront recreation area with walking trails, a beach and boating facilities.
Downtown Greenwich is also a short trip from the island, offering restaurants, shopping and other amenities, while Greenwich Avenue is lined with shops and restaurants and is walkable from the town’s train station.
The town has a strong summer social scene, including the Greenwich Town Party, which has featured artists including Dave Matthews, John Fogerty, Alanis Morissette and Zac Brown.
Farwells Island is part of Greenwich, a wealthy waterfront community where boating is deeply woven into the local lifestyle
A recreation room with a pool table on the lower level of the house
The Greenwich Polo Club also hosts matches during the summer months.
For New Yorkers, however, one of Farwells Island’s biggest selling points is that all of this comes without completely cutting ties with the city.
Smith said the area has continued to attract people moving out from New York since the pandemic, while inventory in Greenwich remains extremely limited.
‘Things that are priced appropriately are going very fast,’ Smith said, noting that some properties have received multiple offers on the first day.
Farwells Island has already attracted significant interest, although the agents acknowledge that it is a highly specific property.
‘You have to understand and love the water,’ Smith said.
The island was first listed for $25 million in June 2024 before its asking price was cut to $22 million later that year. It was taken off the market in January before being relisted at $19.5 million.
The current listing carries an annual property tax bill of $138,256, according to Brown Harris Stevens.
For the right buyer, the $19.5 million asking price buys considerably more than a luxury Greenwich home.
It buys an entire private island – with two houses, a private beach, protected boat dockage, a boathouse, gardens and its own bridge – all within striking distance of New York City.
