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Private French Country Estate-New Canaan CT-Pool-Film Set-Dec avail

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Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Interior
A heated pool
Outdoor dining
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

6 bedrooms6 bathroomsSleeps 10418 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Pool
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Gym

Explore the area

Map
New Canaan, CT
  • Silvermine Arts Center
    4 min walk
  • Caldor Shopping Center
    5 min drive
  • Waveny Park
    8 min drive
  • White Plains, NY (HPN-Westchester County)
    29 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Private French Country Estate-New Canaan CT-Pool-Film Set-Dec avail

BARNUM/LILY PONS FRENCH NORMANDY MANOR
2018 Recipient of the New Canaan Preservation Alliance President's Preservation Award.

****** Confirmation of reservation will be contingent upon signing of our rental agreement.


1) 4 nights minimum during the year and 7 knights required during Summer.
2-3) Corporate Rental is a possibility
4) 5 min walking distance to the Graybarns Tavern/Inn/Mercantile on the Silvermine River- offering a rustic and sophisticated farm to table restaurant with a terrace overlooking the Silvermine River and gourmet lunch and 2 min walk to the Silvermine Market (a quaint BYO Café ideal for breakfast, lunch, dinner or take out if you don’t feel like cooking!)
5) 3 min walking distance to the Silvermine Art Guild Center and less than 3 miles from not only Grace Farms, a serene and spectacular ultramodern sanctuary to experience nature and the arts, but also the iconic Philip Johnson Glass House.
6) 15-20 min drive to the recently inaugurated American Contemporary Theater in Ridgefield CT.
7) VIP Weekend Escapades/ Workshops/Seminars.
8) Maximum of 1 dog following pre-approval.
9) PELOTON bike available to guests



HISTORICAL DETAILS
Designed by well reknown architect, Frank J. Forster in 1923 for the Barnum family (Circus Family- The Greatest Showman) and also once lived by famous French opera singer, Lily Pons, and conductor Andre Kostelanetz, this architectural jewel has been preserved and restored and is an ideal retreat for a peaceful escape, remarkably less than 3 miles from downtown New Canaan and less than 1 hr from Manhattan.

This Authentic French Normandy Property is completely encapsulated by mature gardens/ plantings, and situated on 3 flat acres of sweeping emerald lawns, which provide a very serene and private country setting.

PROPERTY DETAILS

- 6 bedrooms in total (4 on the 1st floor: 1 master BR with King bed, 55 inch TV, cathedral ceilings and a stunning fireplace, 1 BR with Queen Bed & bath, 1 BR with Full bed with bath and 1 BR with 2 Twin beds & bath and TV),
2 on the 2nd floor: 1 upper level master suite BR with Queen bed, walk-in closets and Bath and 1 BR with Queen bed and Bath. Please note that every BR has a magnificent view of the surrounding foliage and professionally landscaped grounds.
- 5 full and 2 half completely renovated Bathrooms
- A Chef’s Kitchen with top of the line appliances (NEW 48 Inch Thermador 8 burners cooking range, Viking Refrigerator and Wall over, Miele Dishwasher) and antimicrobial stainless steel countertops
- A dining room with massive exposed Beams, leading to a very private Terrace and Pool Area (perfect for elegant entertaining or Al fresco dining)
- A living room with very high cathedral ceilings, massive exposed beams, stone fireplace and a library- all with access to the back terrace and pool area as well as the front terrace.
- A family room with a 65 inch Sony Smart HDTV connected to an Amazon Fire TV Cube (Netflix and Amazon Prime), a Bose Wave SoundTouch, a large brick rustic fireplace, and another dining table leading to a 3rd outdoor terrace with an outdoor dining table and sitting area for cocktails.
- 3 terraces, all with sitting outdoor furniture
- 1 heated In ground pool
- 1 outdoor firepit with sitting area
- 1 large lower level playroom for children with 55 inch TV and many great toys to play with.
- 1 NEW PELOTON BIKE
- 1 LARGE WEBER BBQ GRILL

AREA DETAILS/ACTIVITIES
- New Canaan is a quintessential New England town that combines “old fashioned harmony with contemporary sophistication”. Considered part of the CT Gold Coast, New Canaan offers a wide range of architectures from the Harvard Five Modern Houses to historic farms/parks and stately mansions. According to Niche rigorous market analysis, New Canaan was named "Best town to raise a family" . New Canaan has one of the most charming and picturesque bustling downtowns in the region with premiere shopping, diverse restaurants and gourmet stores. Most recently, we have been blessed to enjoy the newly opened Grace Farms, named “Top 10 destination from NYC” and considered a "Spectacular Spiritual Sanctuary with an Ultramodern twist".

There are an abundant of activities to do, all within minutes from the house:
- The Philip Johnson Glass House
- Silvermine Guild Art Center
- Grace Farms
- Public Golf Courses (Oak Hills Golf Course and Sterling Farms)
- Horseback riding at Silvermine Farm
- Waveny Park (Wooded Trails ideal for walking/running, Paddle Tennis Courts and acres of lawns perfect for picnicking), Mead Park (ideal for Tennis & Playground), Irwin Park (ideal for walking/ running and biking)
- New Canaan Nature Center (Trails and Nature) and Stamford Nature Center (Animal Farm)
- 10 Minutes to Darien and Norwalk beaches
- 20 min to Westport and Greenwich beaches
- 20 min to Westchester airport
- 5 min to train station
- 45 min to the picturesque Litchfield County, CT (perfect for antiquing and exploring)
1hr from Mystic Seaport, CT
- 2.5 hrs to Boston and Cape Cod Massachussets, Newport Rhode Island
- 2 hrs to the Hamptons New York

This beautiful property is nestled in the historic neighborhood of New Canaan, called Silvermine, a wooded quaint enclave that follows the Silvermine River. It is steeped in history and the arts with an eclectic array of architectural styles. This home is within 2 min walking distance to the Silvermine Guild Art Center (Art Gallery and an Art School with classes/workshops for all ages and summer camps for children); The Silvermine Market (a quaint BYO Café ideal for breakfast, lunch, dinner or take out if you don’t feel like cooking; the Silvermine River; Graybarns Tavern on the Silvermine River (Boutique Hotel with a Farm to Table restaurant) and Mercantile at Graybarns for breakfast & lunch.

SEASONAL ACTIVITIES

FALL: Admire the glorious and vibrant New England color changing foliage of the season (last week of October); Enjoy a glass of wine on the terraces; roast marshmallows on the firepit; read a book and listen to music by the crackling fireplaces throughout the house; experience a unique thanksgiving experience by entertaining your friends and family and feel the warmth and joy of the festivities.

WINTER: Celebrate Christmas/ New Year in this magical and captivating environment, beautifully decorated for the festivities; visit Santa Claus during his annual visit at the Silvermine Tavern; listen to the New Canaan residents carol on Church Hill on Christmas Eve (a beloved tradition since 1919); visit one of the many Houses of Worship in the area; or take a day trip to admire the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and do window shopping on Fifth Avenue.

SUMMER: Wake up to the birds chirping and fall asleep with the crickets singing; lounge by the pool with a book; dine or entertain Al Fresco; stroll the property after dinner and enjoy the fireflies under the starry sky; barbecue some delicious steaks from Fleishers Craft Butchery in Westport or seafood from Fjord Fish Market in New Canaan.
During your stay at this vacation home, you're just a quick walk from Silvermine Arts Center. Features include a gym, a water park, and a spa tub. The vacation home includes amenities such as a private pool and a kitchen.
  • Air-conditioned home with private pool, kitchen, and washing machine
  • Splash around at the water park
  • Onsite recreation includes tennis courts, a gym, and a playground
  • Just a 4-minute walk from Silvermine Arts Center and a 5-minute drive from Caldor Shopping Center
This vacation home offers its guests a water park, a spa tub, and a fitness center. The family-friendly vacation home also features barbecue grills and a garden.

Property manager

Gersende and Eduardo

Languages

English, French, Italian, Spanish

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Private pool
  • Heated pool
  • Fence around the pool
  • A hot tub

Internet

  • WiFi available

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking
  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice maker
  • Toaster
  • Blender
  • Spices

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 6 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 5.5 bathrooms
  • Bath or shower
  • Hairdryer
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Dining room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite service
  • DVD player
  • Music library
  • Games
  • Video library
  • Books
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Barbecue
  • Garden
  • Firepit

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer
  • Near a laundromat

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: no

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo

Things to do

  • Water park
  • Fitness centre
  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Snow sports gear
  • Golf on site
  • Kayaking on site
  • Tennis on site
  • Boating on site
  • Basketball nearby
  • Waterskiing nearby
  • Power boating nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby
  • Sledging nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Unit size: 4500 sq ft (418 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Note from host: Please know no cats and only 1 dog allowed.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking.

We should mention

  • To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Spectacular Private French Manor-1hr Nyc-pool-tv/film House
Spectacular Private French Manor-1hr Nyc-pool-tv/film New Canaan
Spectacular Private French Manor-1hr Nyc-pool-tv/film
Spectacular Unique Private French Manor 1hr Nyc Pool tv Location
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Spectacular Summer French Retreat 1hr Nyc pool tv/film Location

Private French Country Estate-New Canaan CT-Pool-Film Set-Dec avail Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 34 out of 34 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 34 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 34 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 34 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 34 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Amelia H.

Liked: Cleanliness
A wonderful week
Our stay at Gersende's property was delightful. We had seven friends together for a wedding and this house and property served as a much appreciated comfortable and peaceful retreat. The pool was lovely, the kitchen was well-stocked and functional and the homes quirks and charm grew on us a little more each day. We walked to GrayBarns Mercantile every morning for coffee and it was a quick drive from the grocery as well as the PJ Glass House. Gersende was kind, easy to reach and incredibly accommodating and we are all grateful to have been welcomed into her beautiful home.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Richard S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful French Manor Retreat
Stayed at this home for a family wedding in the area and it was perfect. Bedrooms for each member, beautiful grounds, and a very unique homes with lots of interesting rooms. Very relaxing, and the home owners were very welcoming. Would highly recommend this property.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

jan m.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing experience!
To stay with family in this place…. Priceless! Amazing time! Wish we stayed longer. Total privacy! The House grows on you every new day! Won’t want to leave.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shannan F., Hamden CT

Liked: Cleanliness
Very cool house
We had a fabulous time. The house was so interesting with so may things to look at. It was nice that it was still decorated for Christmas. We had plenty of room to spread out. Didn't really see the kids for days!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Waleed M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful house in a great location
The house is very comfortable, fully stocked, and was exactly as described. We enjoyed the board games, pool, and the grounds. The owners were responsive and were easy to communicate with.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dan T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Magical
We rented this lovely unique home for a birthday weekend for us, our 4 grown kids, and in laws. We had the most wonderful time and hope to visit again and again. The house has a super interesting history and a one of a kind decor. We felt transported to a foreign country. The kitchen is well stocked and modern. The hosts are communicative helpful and responsive. Everyone enjoyed themselves. Beds were super comfortable. Some space is a little time and the layout is unique but this is a very very special kind of home. We will be back!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Mount Holyoke Friends
Everything was perfect, including plenty of beds and baths and beautiful kitchen. Gersende and Eduardo's home was the perfect place for six friends to gather and reminisce.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Milan T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Provence in Fairfield County
This amazing house is all about atmosphere. Venture beyond the leafy grounds and you find yourself in Fairfield County, but within the stone gates, you find yourself in your favorite part of France. Plenty of bedrooms! Chef's kitchen. Fantastic outdoor space and a great patio/pool. the hardest part is deciding where to start the party.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Multi-Generational Family 50th Wedding Anniversary
My husband and I rented this lovely home for two weeks with our grown children and 3 grandchildren recently. It was an experience of a lifetime! Mrs G and Eduardo now seem like friends after planning the celebration and then meeting them during our stay at this beautiful place. We have rented thru VRBO for 21 years and this experience far exceeds anything else. The home is "magical" as our 10 year old grandson described it. None of us wanted to leave. The pool is more beautiful than the pictures show and we played volleyball every evening as a family. The kitchen is unbelievable so I enjoyed that since several of us love to cook. I could go on and on but will end by thanking Mrs G and Eduardo for making our anniversary celebration so special...love to you both!! Mary Kay and Stephen Ellinger from Virginia.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

John S.

Unique experience
Intriguing home that makes you feel like you are on an adventure rather than a rental home. What makes the home unique is also a bit of a drawback if you are looking for functionality and convenience- such as the bathroom doors downstairs did not close all the way and the downstairs main bedroom beds had no headboards. It is an old home so “the beauty and the beast”. However, The home sets a special mood and that is the home’s magic! ( a larger hot water heater would be helpful for the #of bedrooms.) The vines on the windows, the curated artifacts, and the very tall ceilings with beams gave an allure . This is a home that is lived in and the children left sweet letters in their rooms. The location is gorgeous and the Silvermine market is a walk away and has wonderful coffees and sandwiches to take out.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kevin G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Family Vacation
Property is even better than the pictures. We had to travel back to CT for a family event and needed a spacious house with plenty of room for relaxing and this place did not disappoint! The gourmet kitchen and heated pool were great as was the downstairs playroom for the kids. It is a unique house which made the stay that much more memorable. Gersende and Eduardo were excellent hosts and great communicators, would highly recommend.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kate K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing wonderful stay!
We stayed at Gersende and Eduardo's home for our daughter's wedding. It is truly a special and enchanting place. Gersende is a wonderful host and was easy to work with. The house is beautiful and comfortable while providing plenty of space for our family and several of our daughter's bridesmaids. This home contributed to making this special event even more special. I would heartily recommend staying here and hope to do so again!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Greg S., Fort Lauderdale

Liked: Cleanliness
Thanksgiving Gathering
Our family had a wonderful, relaxing Thanksgiving in this beautiful and comfortable home. The owners were very accommodating and welcoming. I would definitely recommend this property.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Johannes J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Magical
Better than anything we could have hoped for. Host Gersende was great, the house was a fairy tale. Warmest recommendations to stay here with friends/family/a few couples
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Maryvonne P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Even better than expected; the best holiday house!
We have been renting every year for 8 years, and this holiday house was the best of all. Located ideally, close to everything and yet nested superbly in historic and friendly Silvermine; the property is more extended than the online listing suggests, with additional running and adventure space around the charming terraces which prove a shady area at all time of day. The pool is beautiful and safe. The owner, Gersende was friendly, responsive t the minute, and helpful, and when we thought the pool had an issue it was fixed immediately with extra follow up and attention. And what makes this home unique is its European charm! it was like a holiday in a Normandy "Manoire" without the trouble of travel. We certainly hope to come back next year.
Stayed 26 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Eleonora R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay
Thank you for hosting us so well.
Stayed 11 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Margaret C., San Juan PR

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely historic home
A wonderfully quirky home!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Maja C., Boston, MA

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice stay in a quirky house with great grounds
We had a nice family stay at the house. The house is quirky in that it has funny little passages and steps but it just means you have to keep an extra eye on little ones. The pool was awesome and we spent a lot of time in it. The grounds were also nice and spacious so it gave our kids space to run around and play when they weren't in the pool. Gersende was always quick to reply to any emails and communications.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Becky T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Exquisite birthday vacation
From the moment the car pulled up to the home all stress of a very active NYC life disappeared. The home, property and amenities were perfect! My birthday celebration was everything I had hoped for!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kirsten F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Hosts + Amazing Accommodations
Our stay at the property was exactly what we were looking for and the hosts were wonderful. We required an early check in which they were more than accommodating of and a late check out. The house was pristine, very comfortable and we were thrilled to have use of the pool which the owners even heated for us prior to our arrival. They offered restaurant suggestions and made our stay enjoyable. A must stay for anyone passing thru the area and looking for some seclusion and time to relax. Thank you Gersende!

10/10 Excellent

lisa m.

Liked: Cleanliness
Gorgeous property
Really enjoyed staying at such a beautiful home. Think unique decor, French farm house. Only thing to be aware is this is not a professional rental. Expect a few closets/drawers cleared out only. It is worth it...stunning place.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Donald B., U.S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect spot for our family get-together
Our family had a wonderful time at this awesome home! Thanks Gersende.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Amy S.

Just Perfect
We rented Gersende and Eduardo's beautiful home under sad circumstances. Our family needed to host a memorial service and needed a place for out of town guests to stay and for people to come back to after the service. Gersende and Eduardo accepted the booking on very short notice, and could not have been kinder or more accommodating. The home itself is beautiful, the furnishings and decorations are stunning and every amenity has been thought of. Gersende met us at the house and took a lot of time and care explaining everything we might need to know. She was available throughout our stay by message to answer any questions. We were not able to use the outdoor spaces much due to the weather but they were lovely to look at. It's a peaceful, lovely spacious home that I recommend without hesitation. We hope to come here again someday under happier circumstances and are so grateful that this was where we stayed this time.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Joe J.

Fantastic!
What a wonderful place to spend quality time with friends! The home is remarkable and Gersende had everything ready for our comfort. We also enjoyed seeing and participating in the attractions that are located near the home. We are 10 high school classmates who graduated in 1970, but I can imagine how much fun a family with children could have exjjploring the features of this house. The HomeAway rental was easy. We all had a terrific time
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Jaime and H.

Relaxing getaway
We had a very relaxing two week vacation renting this house. The house was excellent for us and our kids and we had a great time playing in the pool and in the yard. The yard had unique fun with a zipline and rope line to walk across between two trees. Our kids loved the playroom that was stocked with plenty of toys and the kitchen and bbq grill made our time there very tasty and easy. We got great advice from the owners about where to get groceries and dinner when we were ordering. Overall highly recommend this house and hope to get back there again next year.
Stayed 15 nights in Aug 2018