Was Once America’s Priciest Home – Mark It Sold

One of New England’s most historic homes, and at one time the country’s most expensive home, has sold for $138.83 million. The Greenwich, Connecticut sale marks the most expensive residential property ever sold in the state and ranks among the nation's most expensive home sales ever.

Copper Beech Farm was built in 1898 with a 13,519-square-foot main house with eight bedrooms and eight baths, oak paneling, plaster friezes, multiple fireplaces, and 12-foot ceilings on the largest waterfront parcel in Greenwich. Located 40 feet above the mean high-water mark on a private peninsula spanning over 50 acres with almost a mile of frontage, the property features an 1,800-foot entry drive lined with an allée of trees and cobblestone gutters, acres of rolling lawn, huge views of Long Island Sound, a pool, grass tennis court, walled gardens, an apple orchard, and two private beaches. Other buildings on the estate include a carriage house, gatehouse, pool house, and two greenhouses.

After construction, Copper Beech Farm was purchased by the cousin and financial advisor of Andrew Carnegie, George Lauder, for his retirement. After his death, it was later owned by his daughter, Harriet Lauder Greenway, and her husband, Dr. James Cowan Greenway. In 1982, timber tycoon John Rudey purchased the property from the Lauder family in a private sale. In 2013, Copper Beech Farm was the most expensive listing in the US at $190 million; it sold the following year to the Conservation Institute for $120 million. According to the Wall Street Journal, the new Copper Beech Farm owner is hedge fund billionaire Ray Dalio.

Leslie McElwreath and Joseph Barbieri of Sotheby's International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage, in collaboration with Nikki Field of Sotheby's International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage handled the sale. The property was listed earlier this year at $150 million.

Photo credit: Daniel Milstein for Sotheby's International Realty