Great Island, located off the coast of Darien, CT, is a 60-acre island with over a mile of shoreline along the Long Island Sound. Home to the same family for generations, it was the largest private island ever offered for sale on the East Coast. Today, it stands as a testament to the life and legacy of one of Darien’s most remarkable figures, William Ziegler.
William Ziegler, Baking Powder Magnate, 1902 Purchase of Great Island
William Ziegler, a baking powder magnate and philanthropist, purchased Great Island in 1902 and transformed it into an opulent summer retreat. At the heart of the estate is a 13,000-square-foot Italianate manor perched on a rocky bluff, offering sweeping views of the Long Island Sound. also includes a three-bedroom stone house, a 19th-century farmhouse, a seaside bungalow, and a beach cottage, all situated near a white sandy beach and a deep-water dock capable of accommodating a 100-foot yacht.
Ziegler’s love of equestrian pursuits was reflected in the island’s world-class facilities, including an 18-stall granite stable, indoor and outdoor riding arenas, and a polo field. Beyond his business success, Ziegler was also a patron of polar exploration, funding expeditions in the early 20th century with the goal of planting the American flag at the North Pole.
The Transition to Town of Darien Ownership
After generations in the Ziegler family, Great Island was listed for sale in 2016 with an initial price of $175 million. Following price adjustments, the Town of Darien acquired 60 acres of the property in May 2023 for $85 million, marking a transformative moment as the estate transitioned from private ownership to a public treasure.
The acquisition was not without challenges. Environmental concerns, such as arsenic contamination, required extensive ongoing remediation efforts. Road access to the island also needed improvements, prompting the town to negotiate the purchase of a traffic circle from the adjoining Ziegler Farm property to enhance connectivity.
It’s worth noting that the Ziegler family had divided the estate into two parcels: the 60 acres now owned by Darien and the 52-acre Ziegler Farm. Ziegler Farm’s sole structure is an aging cow barn, though the property has town approval for the development of up to 14 posh new homes. Initially listed at $85 million, Ziegler Farm was sold to a private buyer in December 2023 for $57.5 million, netting the Ziegler Clan an $142,500,000 between the two properties.
Exploring Great Island Today
In March 2024, Darien celebrated the soft opening of Great Island, granting residents their first opportunity to explore this unique property. Visitors can enjoy walking paths from sunrise to sunset, though access is currently limited to designated areas. Some parts of the property, including the historic manor and equestrian facilities, remain off-limits during this initial phase.
The town is actively developing a master plan to shape Great Island’s future. This process will include community input to ensure the property strikes a balance between public access, preservation, and cultural significance.
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