Once a Grand Estate, Nearly a Housing Development: How Westport, CT’s Longshore Became a Public Treasure

Imagine this: A prime piece of waterfront land—162 acres of rolling green, a golf course, a marina, and stunning views of Long Island Sound—turned into a sprawling housing development.

Longshore Club Park, one of Westport, CT’s most treasured public spaces, came within inches of being bulldozed and transformed into “Longshore Estates.” Instead, thanks to a bold move by town leaders, it became something extraordinary—a place where families gather and the entire community enjoys the best of coastal Connecticut.

Long before Longshore became the crown jewel of Compo Beach, it was simply farmland. In 1868, New York businessman Alexander Lawrence purchased the property, and in 1910, it passed to Texas oil magnate Frederick E. Lewis for $15,000. A man of immense wealth but reclusive tendencies, Lewis turned his estate into an opulent retreat. His legendary parties featured high-society guests—and even Harry Houdini, who once performed one of his famous escape acts there.

In 1929, film executive Patrick Powers bought the estate and transformed it into the Longshore Beach and Country Club. The roaring ‘20s lifestyle continued—photographs from the era show elegant poolside parties, a grand clubhouse, and a distinctive lighthouse near the marina. But glamour fades, and by the 1950s, Longshore had lost much of its luster. When the Powers family sold the club in 1952, it began a slow decline. By the end of the decade, it was struggling, and a new chapter loomed—one that could have erased Longshore from Westport’s history.

By 1959, Westport was booming. Young families were moving in, and developers were eager to build. The club’s owner, Julius Ballard, saw an opportunity—he had plans to develop up to 180 houses on the property. Westport was on the brink of losing Longshore forever.

But in a move that still defines the town’s character today, local leaders fought back. First Selectman Herb Baldwin appointed Julian Brodie to lead negotiations, with Allen Raymond, a key advisor, helping to craft the deal. The town debated the cost, and time was running out. But finally, a price was set—$1.925 million—and the town had less than three weeks to approve it.

On February 14, 1960, the Representative Town Meeting voted 34-0 in favor. A crowd of 700 onlookers reportedly erupted in applause. Westport had done the unthinkable—it had bought a country club for the entire community.

On July 25, 1960, Longshore officially opened to the public. The New York Times covered the occasion, marveling at the concept:

“Imagine a luxurious country club overlooking Long Island Sound with dues of $10 a year for a family. Well, this community has one.”

Over the years, Longshore has evolved with the town. The golf course was improved, a driving range added, and the marina expanded. The swimming pools were modernized, tennis and platform tennis courts were built, and a sailing school launched. The old bathhouses were replaced with a handsome pavilion, and even the Inn at Longshore received some much-needed love. Sadly, the once-iconic lighthouse is long gone.

Today, nearly 70 years after Westport saved Longshore, the town continues to grow. New homes replace old ones—but thanks to the foresight of leaders decades ago, none of them are on what almost became “Longshore Estates.”