Darien's Ziegler Farm Listed For Sale At $85 Million

DARIEN, CT — Darien's Ziegler Farm, an approximately 51-acre parcel of land adjacent to Great Island, was recently listed for sale at $85 million.

The waterfront property was approved as a subdivision in the 1980s, according to listing agent Leslie McElwreath of Sotheby's International Realty.

Outside of several single family homes where Longneck Point and Pear Tree Point branch apart, the land has remained undeveloped. The only substantial structure on the property is an old cow barn.

There are 14 oversized, undeveloped building lots totaling 34.51 acres, two private paved roads covering 2.85 acres, and preserved open space of 13.92 acres. Electric, sewer and water lines are already in place.

William Ziegler, one of the founders of the Royal Baking Powder Company, owned both Ziegler Farm and Great Island in the 1900s.

Now both properties are owned by descendants of the Ziegler family. The town of Darien is currently in contract to purchase Great Island from the Steinkraus family, and is expected to close on the property in September.

McElwreath said the timing is right for the Ziegler family to sell the farmland.

"At one point, there were thoughts that maybe people would ultimately settle there and build houses. Everyone's gone in different directions, and there's no need for it anymore in the family," McElwreath added.

Ziegler Farm is especially appealing to developers, because McElwreath said it's "very unusual" to come across a property of this size that's already been subdivided with utilities in place.

"It also could go to the next generation's William Ziegler, who wants to have a property where he can build a significant residence," McElwreath said. "He can have family residences alongside, and he can have access to the water for a boat and water activities."

Although the property was listed just this week, McElwreath said the phone "is ringing off the hook" with people looking for more information.

"This is one of the more picturesque properties you've ever seen," McElwreath noted.

McElwreath is the listing agent along with Joseph Barbieri of Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage.