Branford, CT —
Coastal Paradise With Cosmopolitan Pleasures

Midway between New York and Boston and easily reachable by train or interstate, Branford offers an exciting coastal region for foodies, arts and theater lovers, as well as outdoor enthusiasts. While usually a historic summer destination that includes Pine Orchard and Stony Creek and the Thimble Islands, Branford is also a vibrant year-round community situated just 15 minutes from New Haven. The town comes alive in the summer beginning with the family-oriented Branford Festival and road race in mid-June and weekly Jazz on the Green. Boaters, hikers, cyclists, kayakers, and sunbathers find pleasure in the varied scenery of lakes, rivers, marshes, woods, and dramatic shoreline.

Pine Orchard, first settled as a resort community beginning in the late 19th century and accessible by trolley from New Haven beginning in 1907, retains much of its turn-of-the-century charm. At one time, summer weekend visitors frequented hotels in addition to private cottages and estates, but today residents enjoy waterfront access and small boat moorings. Many homes retain their original Victorian character, making it a charming neighborhood for walking and cycling.

Distance

Midway to NYC and Boston

"The Thimbles today are mostly private seasonal residences, including Davis Island that was once the “Summer White House” of William Howard Taft."

A portion of the original trolley track now provides a stunning walking trail to Stony Creek, meandering through tidal salt marshes populated with osprey, egrets, and great blue heron. Stony Creek, once home to many summer hotels, is now a low-key popular destination to launch a kayak or small motor craft. You can enjoy pizza or a sandwich on the deck of the Stony Creek Market.

Stony Creek is the gateway to the historic Thimble Islands. The largest grouping of islands in Connecticut, the Thimbles started as a resort community in the mid-19th century with numerous summer hotels and boarding houses. Numbering some hundred islands, about thirty of which are inhabited, the Thimbles today are mostly private seasonal residences, including Davis Island that was once the “Summer White House” of William Howard Taft. Money Island, includes 32 residences, while the largest, Horse Island, is owned by Yale University and maintained as an ecological laboratory. Outer Island is open to the public and is part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. The best way to get a glimpse of these treasures close up is to take a 45-minute cruise offered by tour boats from the Stony Creek Town dock. On the Sea Mist offered by Thimble Island Cruise or Captain Dave’s smaller boat, stories are told of Captain Kidd and his buried treasure along with other local legends.

"G-Zen, recognized as one of the top ten vegan restaurants in America."

Top off a day enjoying the water and sun at dining options ranging from the highly-acclaimed French bistro, Le Petit Café, or G-Zen, recognized as one of the top ten vegan restaurants in America. Drop by at my favorite, Lenny’s Indian Head Inn, for steamers and fried clams. Go to the Lobster Shack for one of the best hot lobster rolls on the shoreline with picnic tables on the Branford River, and don’t forget to BYOB. A vintage renovated gas station has been converted to a hugely popular indoor-outdoor barbecue/market at The Stand. The Stony Creek Brewery directly on the Branford River waterfront is a mecca for craft beer aficionados as well as those seeking a casual scenic spot to congregate with friends. Duvig Brewing Company and Thimble Island Brewing Company offer tastings of their craft beer offerings, making Branford a craft beer destination.

A short drive or train ride away on Shoreline East, New Haven broadens the restaurant offerings and provides a wide array of cultural options—Long Wharf, Yale Repertory, and Shubert Theaters, the New Haven Symphony, the Yale Museum of British Art, the Yale Art Gallery, the Peabody Museum of Natural History, and the International Festival of Arts and Ideas in June.

Take a step further and explore the historic eastern end of the Connecticut shoreline with shipbuilding lore in Mystic, the quaint beauty of Essex and the harbor and submarine history in New London and Groton.

With stunning shoreline scenery and extensive options for outdoor recreation, culture, and epicurean delights, Branford has it all. Come and explore!

Featured Listings

1143 Sasco Hill Road, Fairfield (Sasco), CT

$14,000,000

ONE OF THE SINGLE MOST ANTICIPATED, MAGNIFICENT, AND BREATHTAKING ESTATES ON THE GOLD COAST HAS JUST HIT THE MARKET! This architecturally brilliant and elegant home was built for entertaining and lavish gatherings in Gatsby-Esque style. A rare opportunity to own nearly 3 acres of property on Fairfield County's most prestigious address, with SPECTACULAR views of Long Island Sound, Sasco Beach, and the Country Club of Fairfield's Golf Course. Refreshed to its grandeur, with no expense spared by the owner, you will be impressed the moment you enter this estate. Presenting 19,000+ SF on 4 levels of living, 30+ rooms each with its own unique features and design, 9 Bedrooms, 13 Baths, Elevator servicing all levels, PLUS a 6 car Garage/Carriage House with staff apartment above. A private oasis and yet minutes to Fairfield and Southport center, train, library, harbor, restaurants, and shopping. Ideally located and 53 miles to New York City. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

1093 Pequot Avenue, Fairfield (Southport), CT

$13,900,000

Welcome to 1093 Pequot Avenue - selected amongst all mansions in the nation and highlighted on an episode of Fox Business Mansion Global for its magnificence and beauty. Southport's Premier 2 year young home is set on a level full acre of direct waterfront w/ unobstructed panoramic views of Southport Harbor & Long Island Sound. Brilliant architecture coupled with the highest level of craftsmanship add to the allure of this estate. Abundant natural sunlight throughout the first floor w/ the wall of glass doors that span the width of home provide a landscape of breath taking water views. This modern day floor plan spared no expense w/ custom high end finishes, lighting, window treatments, mill work, and impressive details. Three levels of living, 9000+ SF, 17 spacious Rooms, 6 full and 2 half Baths, 5 en-suite Bedrooms including the Primary with a Sitting Room, his/her walk-in closets, and private Deck overlooking the water, 2 car Garage with 2 car lifts that services a total of 4 cars, 2000+SF unfinished lower level (not often found in water front homes ideal for storage) & whole house generator. The back yard features multiple Patios/Terraces and seating areas that surround your salt water Gunite pool with sparkling water views. Spend your days watching the boating activity from the Harbor, wake up to amazing sunrises and sip coffee from your balcony and enjoy all this resort-like lifestyle truly offers. Minutes to Southport Beach, Village, Harbor, Train and Library.

1 Pratt Island, Darien, CT

$15,600,000

One-of-a-kind direct waterfront proposed new construction on Pratt Island! This 2+-acre utopia has a protected deep-water dock in Noroton Harbor. Hop on your boat at a moment's notice! Water lovers will delight in the 200' private sandy beach. Be lulled to sleep by the waves & watch thunderstorms roll down Long Island Sound. Enjoy the endless wildlife surrounding you. Prepare to be amazed by the high-end finishes of this house. The Nantucket shingle design boasts a classic layout, 9'+ ceilings with an open floor plan & an abundance of natural light throughout. This 5500SF home has 3 finished floors, fireplaces, 3 garages, generator, irrigation, central vac, and more. A large pool & spacious yard are perfect for entertaining or just relaxing. Beach life is calling you!

Author

William Raveis