Historic Connecticut lumberyard with its own private waterfall goes on the market for $1.75 million after being converted into a fairytale retreat

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Scenic waterfall found on former sawmill site in Branford, CT, for sale for $1,750,000

A 19th-century Connecticut sawmill that was converted into a luxurious three-bedroom stone estate has hit the market for $1.75 million, offering not only a perfect waterfront retreat but also the chance to own your own private waterfall.

Located in Branford, the idyllic home last changed hands more than two decades ago, when it sold for just $900,000 in July 2001, some 70 years after it went from a working mill to a 2.02-acre private residence.

However, the property still retains many of the features it had when it was a sawmill, including the original wooden beams, stone walls and large fireplaces.

But there’s one material that makes the property particularly special, and also ties it in with several other iconic structures on the East Coast.

“The structure is built from Stony Creek pink granite quarried around the corner, which makes it super, super special,” said listing agent Nancy Bullis from Coldwell Banker Realty. “Some other prominent structures made of Stony Creek pink granite include the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, the base of the Lincoln Memorial and the Brooklyn Bridge.”

A 19th-century Connecticut sawmill that was converted into a luxury three-bedroom stone estate has hit the market for $1.75 million, complete with its own private waterfall. (CT 360 virtual)

Gardens found on the former site of a sawmill in Branford, CT, for sale for $1,750,000 — The property is described in the listing as “a unique opportunity to own a piece of Connecticut’s rich heritage.” (CT 360 virtual)

Serene setting of former sawmill property in Branford, CT, for sale for $1,750,000 — The house is located on more than 2 hectares of land on the water. (CT 360 virtual)

Other historic highlights in the home include four original fireplaces, cathedral ceilings with exposed beams, built-ins and custom millwork.

“It was converted into a house around 1939 or 1940,” Bullis said. “The intention was always to preserve much of the historic integrity of the mill.”

And it’s not just the house itself where history was made; The exterior of the house also has some special features, namely the waterfall, which once powered the operation of the sawmill and today still flows freely past the house.

“There’s a nice pond that flows into the sawmill and then flows into Long Island Sound,” Bullis added.

The home’s proximity to the water not only provides some truly incredible vistas, but also provides a form of entertainment for outdoor enthusiasts, she said.

“Another nice thing to note is that you can kayak right from the property,” Bullis revealed. “There are also areas that are above the water, reinforced by Stony Creek granite.”

Although many of the mill’s original bones have been retained, the house also offers a number of much more modern amenities that have been slowly added over time, whilst ensuring that its most historic features have been carefully preserved.

The three-bedroom home features an updated kitchen with modern appliances, a dining room with water views and a home office with access to a glass sunroom with skylights.

Wine storage system in former sawmill property in Branford, CT, for sale for $1,750,000 — On the main floor you will find a wine storage system and two bonus rooms with fireplaces that can be converted into additional guest accommodations. (CT 360 virtual)

Great room in a former sawmill building in Branford, CT, for sale for $1,750,000 — The three-bedroom home features an updated kitchen with modern appliances, a dining room with water views and a home office with access to a glass sunroom with skylights. (realtor.com)

Second lot on former sawmill site in Branford, CT for sale for $1,750,000 — A second plot of land features a two-car garage and a two-room structure ideal for use as a guesthouse, artist studio or home office. (CT 360 virtual)

“It’s in the Stony Creek area, which is home to the Thimble Islands, a boater’s paradise,” Bullis said. “It’s a very desirable part of Branford.”

There are additional updates that could be made to the home, especially by anyone looking for more space to accommodate loved ones and guests.

On the main floor you will find a wine storage system and two bonus rooms with fireplaces that can be converted into additional guest accommodations.

A second plot of land features a two-car garage and a two-room structure ideal for use as a guesthouse, artist studio or home office.

“I think the next buyer will be someone who loves historic structures and is looking for a unique property,” she said. “I have never seen a property like this, which has been meticulously maintained over the years. The sellers have taken great care to preserve the family tree of the house so that it is authentic.”

Also found on the property are stone terraces with waterfall views, a private pier on the creek, garden paths and lush landscaping.

“I think it will probably be someone’s symbolic home,” Bullis said. “It could be a primary or secondary home, but I imagine someone who likes to entertain on the weekends, and maybe lives in the city or out of state, and wants to come here on the weekends.”

“I also saw a multi-generational family wanting to live here,” she added. “The next person will be someone who understands the land and the unique nature of the location. It is a very special asset.”