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Just thirty miles from Manhattan, Riverside has long been a Greenwich jewel thanks to its accessibility and coastal charm. Bordered to the west by the Mianus River and to the south and east by Long Island Sound, Riverside boasts a remarkable maritime history. However, during the 1920s and 30s, the neighborhood also became known as a regional hub for the arts, music and literature.
At the head of Riverside's transformation was Irving Bacheller, an affluent newspaper owner and accomplished author. Bacheller developed the first news syndication, which provided specialized articles to major newspapers and introduced British authors such as Arthur Conan Doyle to American readers. From his 25 acres on Riverside's Indian Head Road, Bacheller also published a sizable collection of novels. While he wrote and other residents painted, neighbors formed a musical group which eventually became the Greenwich Symphony. Surrounded by Long Island Sound, the close-knit community retained its small-town feel even as the surrounding town transformed.
Today, the once-massive estates have been divided into dozens of smaller lots, containing a combination of new and historical listings. "Indian Head has been a sought after area for generations," said Katherine Donnelly, a Greenwich-based broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. "This is a neighborhood where families will pass down real estate to their children." As a result, finding a home can be difficult.
However, Donnelly is currently listing a newly built property at 85 Indian Head Road, offering buyers the chance to move into an exclusive market. Built in 2016, the five bedroom, six bathroom house sits on over 1.5 acres, one of the largest lot sizes on the point. "Many homes in Riverside and Old Greenwich are sited on .5 acres or less," said Donnelly. "This one is much larger, and as a result, it's very private." A short bike ride from Riverside Yacht Club and Greenwich Beach, the house offers vacation-like luxury with downtown convenience. Residents are a 20 minute walk from the Riverside Metro North station, which was constructed in the early 20th century at the lobbying of several prominent Indian Head families.
Inside, the house features modern amenities with sizable, yet comfortable, public and private areas. An expansive family room with floor to ceiling fireplace, hardwood floors and a terrace provides a place to relax, while the gourmet kitchen and formal dining room are designed with entertaining in mind. Upstairs, the master bedroom suite features full-size closets, two spas with steam showers and radiant heated floors.
Much the way Riverside attracted residents of different backgrounds a century ago, Donnelly sees a variety of homeowners moving to the area. "I’ve had families tour with young children, empty nesters with children and grand-children and I've seen buyers come from different parts of the country, Europe and Asia," she said. "This home has a wide range of appeal."
For more information on 85 Indian Head Road, click here.
