Inside The Mill: A Design-Forward Residential Oasis in Downtown Westport
The circa-1880s structure has lived many lives, and now it is a luxurious destination for discerning buyers to call home.
With its high-end shops, renowned restaurants, and tranquil coastal location, Westport has long been a favorite town for those who want a luxurious Connecticut lifestyle just a train ride from New York City. Farmers markets, sunset sailing, and relaxed beach days are all at your fingertips when you’re a Westport resident. And, contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to buy an expansive, high-maintenance estate to call the affluent town home.
The Mill, a stunning new residential oasis in the heart of downtown Westport, offers 31 residences dripping with suave style. Living here gives you all the features of a fine custom home with all the amenities of a white glove building for a completely carefree experience.
To understand The Mill’s sleek yet industrial design, a trip back in history is necessary. Since its construction in the 1880s, The Mill has had a number of identities. Lee’s Manufacturing originally commissioned the handsome brick, stone, and heavy timber mill building where they produced tinsel ribbon, cord fringe, twine, and candle wicks all while being powered by the water flow of Lee’s Pond. Various businesses occupied the space beginning in the 1930’s. Around the mid-20th century, it began to house Westport’s thriving arts community, which lasted for 25 years.
Today, the beautifully restored structure offers discerning downsizers or buyers who just want a luxurious, low-maintenance Westport home a place that exceeds expectations. Combining the architecture of the historic mill with modern industrial features, the residences have two distinct styles—New Modern and Vintage Modern—all with oversized windows, open floor plans, and refined touches throughout.
Sam Gault of family-owned, Westport-based Gault Stone was key in bringing both residential styles to life, as well as the public spaces where residents can lounge and unwind. From the reception desk and cafe with Paonazzo Extra marble to the tile flooring in Silver Athens marble to the pool’s surrounding BosGranite, Gault has given The Mill plenty of gorgeous stone moments.
Silver Athens marble from Gault Stone makes a fashionable statement in the lobby.
When it comes to the residences themselves, New Modern feels more clean and moody while Vintage Modern is more romantic and textured, like a London loft. To punctuate their different personalities, Gault Stone provided more gray stones and marbles for New Modern, with lighter stone and marble choices reigning in Vintage Modern.
This Vintage Modern model bedroom, with more curved windows and wood beams, was styled by OKA with a mix of patterns and warm tones.
The Mill carefully selected experts to curate its model units to give prospective residents a great dose of design inspiration. OKA, a leading British interiors brand founded in 1999, styled the Vintage Modern model home with ample warmth. The minds of The Post, another Westport home décor store, took on the New Modern model residence.
OKA has its primary headquarters in the Chelsea area of London, but recently launched in the US with two stores in Texas and their flagship US store in Westport. The magic of OKA is in the mix, which is abundantly displayed in what they crafted for The Mill. They brought in unique pieces designed in England and sourced from around the globe, rich textures and patterns, and timeless furniture profiles to give the Vintage Modern model unit an inviting, artful feel.
The Post employed plush grays to enhance the tranquil environment of the New Modern model residence.
With The Post‘s tagline being “City, country, coast,” it was a perfect match for The Mill’s calming, location and urban vibe. Taking in the New Modern architecture and the tree views, The Post’s designers wanted to create simple, sophisticated, and spa-like spaces to match its serene energy. Earth tones, warm grays, and soft textures are all part of the unit’s allure, as well as Restoration Hardware furniture and artwork by Robin Levine Babbin.
Whichever style you choose, having a home at The Mill is an utter luxury. Beyond the stunning atmosphere that awaits in the residences, the building itself is a sanctuary of peace and possibility.
An on-site concierge is available to handle your deliveries, bring your car around, or assist with a myriad of personal tasks. In addition, the amenity spaces designed by Montreal-based architect and designer Philip Hazan leave nothing to be desired. Residents can lounge in The Great Room overlooking the pool and hot tub, workout in the wellness center, sip morning coffee at The Mill Café, and spend happy hour on the patio or rooftop deck.
If life at The Mill Westport sounds pretty sweet to you, you’re not alone. Be sure to see what units are available and set up a tour so you can find your perfect Westport haven. You can also work with Gault Stone at your current home to give it the sumptuous material upgrades you’ve been dreaming of.
