A Private Island in Norwalk Is Available for $10.995M

Diane di Costanzo, Photographs Courtesy of The Higgins Group Real Estate,

Tavern Island off the coast of Norwalk was the site of a Prohibition-era speakeasy.Currently, Norwalk has just one culturally connected listing—but it’s a stunner. The 3.5-acre island once belonged to showman and lyricist Billy Rose (Me and My Shadow), who hosted parties attended by (Roxbury resident) Marilyn Monroe, or so the story goes. Lillian Hellman was also in the house at some point, allegedly finishing her play Little Foxes from one of the compound’s many dwellings. Called Tavern Island, it was used as a speakeasy during Prohibition and, before that, garroted the British during the Revolutionary War. The $10,995,000 compound now includes an English Country main house, a guesthouse, a Tudor-style boathouse, a teahouse and an expansive pool and terrace. It lists with Richard Higgins of the Higgins Group, affiliated with Christie’s International Real Estate.

The grand living room features exposed beams. The kitchen has a modern look and features a center island. The dining room is modern and light-filled. A sunny breakfast area features a marble table. The game room has a vaulted ceiling. Another dining area features sliding glass doors that lead to the porch. One of the bedrooms features a window seat and separate office area. The master bathroom. A covered porch features an al fresco dining area. The infinity-edge pool looks out over the water. The main house is English Country style.
This article appears in the January 2017 issue of CTC&G (Connecticut Cottages & Gardens).