May 23, 2008
ON THE MARKET:
Two Wee Burn condos with a long, prestigious history
|
A place of curiosity and fascination for Darien residents and Wee Burn Country Club members for decades, two Wee Burn condominiums are now for sale.
Renovated and handsomely appointed, these distinguished properties have a story to tell that is unique to the history of Darien.
Although never a part of Wee Burn Country Club, the condominiums were developed by several Wee Burn Club members in 1926 and originally called “The Halter Ridge Condominiums.” A Jan. 15, 1926, agreement states that the building (originally consisting of six units) was scheduled for completion by Nov. 1 to coincide with the completion of the new Wee Burn Country Club facility on Hollow Tree Ridge Road.
Said to be one of the first courses in Connecticut and laid out across the Post Road from St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, the original Wee Burn Country Club opened a seven-hole course in 1875. Later, the course was expanded to nine holes. According to “Wee Burn: The First Century,” the club’s name was suggested by Andrew Carnegie, who maintained a home in Darien. Carnegie, an avid golfer, suggested “wee burn” meaning “narrow stream.” The name refers to Stony Brook, which meandered through the original course, crossing several holes.
In 1926, the Halter Ridge Holding Company completed the new country club and 18-hole golf course on Hollow Tree Ridge Road. The Wee Burn condominiums were finished as well.
During the ’60s and ’70s, the condominium property was owned by Darien resident Marshall Austin, and rented as apartments, primarily to local residents and club members who often used them as second homes.
In 1981, the building was bought by John Orchulli. Under his ownership, he combined two units into a large townhouse, reducing the number to five. Later, he conjoined two units, expanding the size considerably, and trimming the number to four. Total land square footage is 1.8 acres.
Numerous renovations include overall upgrading of electrical and plumbing, plus notable enhancements to the building’s landscaping.
The two properties for sale consist of a sunny second-floor apartment (1,054 square feet) with floor-to-ceiling windows, two bedrooms, two full baths, high beamed ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace, back stairs leading to a private courtyard, and many others amenities. The second property is a townhouse (just under 2,000 square feet) with three bedrooms, two full baths, a remodeled eat-in kitchen, radiant heat, numerous other upgrades and space approved for a first-floor master bathroom/bath.
Each of the two condominiums has superb views, access to the common grounds, a one-car garage, two assigned parking places and use of four visitor’s spaces in the lot.
Under town regulations enacted after the Wee Burn condos were built, condominiums were not allowed in Darien until 1990. But the Wee Burn properties were grandfathered, remaining one of a kind.
According to Prudential Darien Realtor Sara Littlefield, “The Wee Burn condominiums are priced well and will not remain on the market for long.” If you are looking to own a singular piece of Darien history, the Wee Burn condominiums may be priceless. To take a look, visit weeburncondo.com.
Terea Jennings is owner of Morningstar Marketing & Communications in Norwalk. A former Darien resident for 20 years, she and her husband now live in Silvermine.
© Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers
|
