Copper Beech Farm in Greenwich, CT, sold for a record-breaking $138 million in 2023, solidifying its status as one of the most significant properties in the United States and the largest surviving Gilded Age mansion in Connecticut.
Situated on a private peninsula, the estate spans over 50 acres and boasts more than 1,800 feet of shoreline. Visitors enter the property via a 1,500-foot driveway that winds through a forest and past a charming three-bedroom gatehouse. Perched 40 feet above Long Island Sound, the 15,000-square-foot, eight-bedroom French Renaissance-style main house offers sweeping views of the water.
The estate’s outdoor features are equally remarkable. A distinctive 16-sided pool with an adjoining spa overlooks Long Island Sound, accompanied by a Victorian tea pagoda repurposed as a pool house and a grass tennis court. Inside, the mansion’s lower level provides a glimpse into its storied past, complete with an original staff kitchen and a dumb waiter—a nod to its Gilded Age origins.
A Legacy of the Gilded Age
Copper Beech Farm’s history dates back to 1896 when it was built for John Hamilton Gourlie, a prominent industrialist. In 1905 the estate was purchased by James and Harriet Lauder Greenway, the daughter of George Lauder and niece of Andrew Carnegie.
Under the Lauder-Greenway family, the estate was expanded significantly, with two new wings added to the French Renaissance-style mansion. At its peak, the property encompassed over 100 acres, including orchards, gardens, and even a private island. In 1918, the Greenway’s donated one of the estate’s islands to the town of Greenwich, now known as Island Beach — a cherished destination for local residents. They also provided the first ferry service to the island.
A History of Record Sales
Copper Beech Farm remained in the Greenway family for much of the 20th century before being sold in 1981 to timber tycoon John Rudey for $7.5 million. In 2014, the estate made headlines when it sold for $120 million, earning Rudey a $100+ million profit and setting the record at the time for the most expensive home ever sold in the United States.
The estate’s 2023 sale for $138 million reaffirmed its standing as one of America’s most prestigious and valuable properties.
Cress is a leading real estate agent serving buyers of high-end properties in Fairfield County, CT. What sets us apart from other agents is our unwavering commitment to offering the lowest fees in the industry for the level of service we provide. We believe you shouldn’t have to sacrifice quality for affordability.
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Doug Cress
(212) 203-5251
doug@cress.co
License #RES.0832278
Fairfield County, CT
Enterprise Realty Inc.
License #REB.0751297
80 Huntington St.
Shelton, CT 06484
