Famed Playwright's Estate In Danbury Hits The Market For $5M

DANBURY, CT — A property once owned by renowned feminist Broadway playwright Rachel Crothers is on the market in Danbury for $5 million.

The 53-plus acre estate in Danbury rolls across Nos. 155-153 and 151 Long Ridge Road, and is home to its own private valley, stream, stone aerated reflecting lily pond, stone bridge, forest preserve, meandering stone walkways and "breathtaking private vistas," according to Zillow.

Born in 1878, Crothers began her career as an actor, later making her mark as a playwright with her debut play, "The Three of Us," in 1906, according to her biography. She would go on to found the Stage Women's War Relief Board during World War I and later the American Theatre Wing, which supported artists during the Great Depression.

Crothers was one of the first women in American history to write, stage, and direct plays, according to her alma mater, Illinois State University. She "paved the way for future female playwrights," while earning a national achievement award from the Chi Omega Sorority presented by Eleanor Roosevelt on April 25, 1939. She died at her Danbury estate in 1958 at the age of 79.

The playwright's estate up for sale in Danbury was built originally in 1710, renovated in the early 1900s, then "updated to the highest standards & quality craftsmanship," according to the listing.

The home's 5,800 square feet are spread across four bedrooms, four full baths, two half-baths and six working fireplaces. There's a 500-bottle wine room, downstairs, custom double-sided chef's kitchen, and wide plank and oak flooring. Outside, two miles of groomed trails for nature hiking, biking, riding skirt the specimen trees, fruit orchards, and cutting and vegetable gardens.

View more information and photos here.