Nestled in the charming town of Greenwich, Connecticut, the famous Hemlock Castle once owned by Harry Frazee, the Boston Red Sox owner in the 1920s, recently sold for an incredible $10.4 million. The legendary castle sits on over four acres and includes 13,000 square feet of livable space with eight bedrooms, a carriage house with four bedrooms, a five-car garage, and more.
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The Curse of the Bambino
This awe-inspiring castle was designed in 1902 by renowned architect James C. Green, and construction was completed in 1913. The castle was owned by a man named Harry H. Frazee, who once owned the Boston Red Sox baseball team. Frazee is most well-known for trading baseball player Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees in 1920 for $120,000.
Some believe that the trade was the start of the infamous “Curse of the Bambino.” When Ruth played for the Yankees, he was the best baseball player of his time, while the Red Sox did not win another World Series until – get this – 2004. Legend says that Frazee sold Babe Ruth to finance a Broadway musical he was planning to produce, while others claim he owed the team some cash, but no one really knows for certain.
After four months on the market, the castle was sold in an all-cash deal.
Classic and Contemporary
Hemlock Castle boasts impeccably landscaped grounds with a formal English-style garden, a reflecting pool, and a variety of rare Chinese maple trees throughout the landscape. Its Tudor-style architecture showcases a gorgeous entryway crafted of glass and wrought iron that leads to a marble foyer accented with tall columns. There are also five tennis courts for those who appreciate a few rounds of tennis now and again.
The gabled roof and stone exterior walls lend the castle a classic European aesthetic. The home was extensively remodeled in the 1990s but still holds onto many historical details while also incorporating a bit more contemporary style that makes the interior brighter and airier.
Tall ceilings and large windows bathe this castle in plenty of natural light. Inside the home, you’ll find a total of eight fireplaces, including a gorgeous limestone piece that anchors the living area and goes from the floor all the way to the ceiling. In the living room is a veranda accented with carved stone archways and a modern element – a state-of-the-art barbecue grill.
The massive chef’s kitchen has granite countertops with a large center island, a gas range, and a charming breakfast nook that also receives cheerful natural light.
The study features natural oak paneling and a built-in wet bar, while the primary bedroom has several walk-in closets, his-and-her bathrooms with a jetted tub, and a dressing room. It also features a sitting room with its own fireplace and stunning views of the gardens. Another bedroom looks out onto the Long Island Sound.
This impressive castle also includes an amazing wine cave with a 10,000-bottle capacity and a corresponding tasting room. If you’re into movies, sit back and relax, because this home also has a screening room with theater-style seats. Greenwich is a short, 40-mile drive from New York City. The gated estate is located near Greenwich’s downtown area with plenty of excellent dining and high-end shopping to explore. Some other celebrities who have called the city home include Regis Philbin, Mel Gibson, and Glenn Close, to name a few.
The listing was held by Stephanie Bo Li of Douglas Elliman. Photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman.
Sources: www.elliman.com
Castle tied to the ‘Curse of the Bambino’ sells for $10.4m
Connecticut castle sells for more than $10M in all-cash deal
