Historic Connecticut Sawmill With Its Private Waterfall Hits the Market for $1.75 Million After Being Converted into a Fairy-Tale Retreat.

A 19th-century Connecticut sawmill converted into a three-bedroom stone luxury home has hit the market for $1.75 million—not only does it offer a picture-perfect waterfront location, but also the chance to have your own private waterfall.
The charming residence, located in Branford, last changed hands more than 20 years ago, when it was sold for just $900,000 in July 2001, nearly 70 years after it was converted into a 2.02-acre residential lot.
Yet the residence still features many of the features it did when it served as a sawmill, including original wooden beams, stone walls, and a large fireplace.
But there’s one thing that makes this place particularly special—and it also sees it tied to other iconic East Coast buildings.
“The building is made of pink Stony Creek granite that was quarried from the corner, which makes it very beautiful,” said the listing agent. Nancy Bullis of Coldwell Banker Realty. “Other prominent structures made using Stony Creek pink granite include the base of the Statue of Liberty, the base of the Lincoln Memorial, and the Brooklyn Bridge.”


Other historic highlights found inside the home include four original fireplaces, a cathedral ceiling with exposed beams, built-ins, and custom millwork.
“It was turned into a home in about 1939 or 1940,” Bullis said. “It was always the intention to preserve the historic integrity of this mill.”
And it’s not just the home itself where history is made; The exterior of the residence also has a few special features, namely a waterfall, which once powered the operation of the sawmill and still flows freely around the house today.
“There’s a beautiful lake that flows through the sawmill and out into Long Island Sound,” Bullis added.
Being close to home on the water not only makes for some truly incredible vistas, but also provides a form of entertainment for any outdoor enthusiast, he said.
“Another fun thing to note is that you can kayak from the area,” Bullis revealed. “There are also parts that sit on top of the water that is reinforced by the Stony Creek granite.”
Although most of the original bones of the mill have been preserved, the home also offers a few modern amenities that have been added little by little over time, all the while ensuring that the historic elements are carefully preserved.
The three-bedroom residence has a modern kitchen with the latest appliances, a dining room overlooking the water, and a home office with access to a glass-enclosed sunroom with skylights.



“It’s located in the Stony Creek region which is home to the Thimble Islands, which is a boater’s paradise,” said Bullis. “The most desirable part of Branford.”
There are additional updates that can be made to the home, especially by anyone looking for more space to accommodate loved ones and guests.
A wine storage system and two bonus rooms with fireplaces that can be converted into additional guest accommodations can be found downstairs.
The second lot has a two-car garage and a two-bedroom outbuilding that could be used as a guest house, artist studio, or home office.
“I think the next buyer will be someone who likes historic buildings and wants a unique place,” he said. “I have never seen a place like this that has been so well maintained over the years.
Also found in the area are stone terraces overlooking the waterfall, a secluded riverside area, garden paths, and lush landscaping.
“I think it will probably be a token for someone at home,” said Bullis. “It could be a primary or secondary residence, but I see someone who likes to have fun on the weekends, and maybe lives in the city or out of state, who wants to come here on the weekends.”
“I also saw a family of many nationalities wanting to live here,” he added. “The next person will be someone who understands the world and the unique nature of its place. It’s a very special place.”



