Historic New England Castle Sold – Connected To ‘Curse of the Bambino’

One of America’s spectacular castle homes was once owned by Harry H. Frazee, the Boston Red Sox owner who traded Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees in 1920 for $120,000 - the most lopsided American trade since the Dutch bought Manhattan in the 1600s for $24 worth of trinkets. The Ruth trade was the start of the Curse of the Bambino. With the Yankees, Ruth became the most dominant baseball player of the 20th century, while the Red Sox did not win another World Series title until 2004. According to legend, Frazee sold the Babe in order to finance a Broadway musical he was producing. Frazee’s castle home recently sold for $10.4 million.

Located between Boston and New York in Greenwich, Connecticut, the spectacular Hemlock Castle was built in 1913 by prominent architect James C. Green. Sitting on over four acres of landscaped grounds, the estate includes a 13,500-square-foot main residence with eight bedrooms, a carriage house with four bedrooms, staff quarters, a five-car garage, and tennis courts. The castle sits atop a hill, overlooking the gorgeous park-like landscaping which includes a formal garden in the English style, a reflecting pool, and rare Chinese Maples. The castle leans into the English aesthetic with striking Tudor-style architecture including a gabled roof and stone exterior walls.

Extensively remodeled in the 1990s, the home retains its historical details while offering a bright-and-airy contemporary interior aesthetic. Soaring ceilings and large windows fill the home with natural light, while intricate detailing and exquisite craftsmanship provide timeless grandeur. The gorgeous glass-and-wrought iron entryway leads from the circular cobblestone courtyard to the exquisite marble foyer with ionic columns. The residence’s eight fireplaces include the breathtaking floor-to-ceiling limestone piece that anchors the dramatic living room.

The light-filled living room opens directly onto a veranda with carved-stone archways and a state-of-the-art BBQ grill. The chef’s kitchen features granite countertops, a spacious central island, a professional-grade gas range, and a sunny breakfast nook. An elegant study boasts handsome oak paneling and a built-in wet bar. The primary suite is on the third floor with multiple walk-in closets, his-and-her bathrooms, a luxurious jetted tub, a dressing room, and a sitting room with a fireplace. The master suite features sweeping views of the gardens, while another bedroom looks out on the Long Island Sound. Other amenities include a cavernous 10,000-bottle wine cave and tasting room, and a sophisticated screening room with theater seats.

The secluded, gated estate is located minutes from Greenwich’s bustling downtown with world-class shopping and dining, as well as a strip of high-end car dealerships including Lamborghini, Alfa-Romeo, and Porsche. Other nearby options for entertainment include the world-famous Bruce Museum and the Indian Harbor Yacht Club. Manhattan and everything New York City has to offer is only a 45-minute train ride away. Founded in 1640, the historic town is known for its lovely beaches and thriving arts and culture scene. Glenn Close, Mel Gibson, Bijou Phillips, and Regis Philbin are a few of the celebrities who have called Greenwich home.

The listing was held by Stephanie Bo Li of Douglas Elliman. Photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman.

Source: www.elliman.com