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A stunning estate in Sharon, Connecticut, recently hit the market for $14.995 million with everything you'd expect from a luxury property. In addition to the 9,000-square-foot main residence, six additional buildings are spread out over 51 acres, all linked by flagstone paths, gravel driveways, and pristine lawns. But the highlight has to be the private and museum-quality on-site art gallery and fine art storage facility dubbed "the Granary."
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The gallery was built in 2009 by Melva Bucksbaum, a longtime trustee and benefactor of the Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC, who purchased the estate in 2005. She intended to complement her collection of contemporary art while retaining the home's historic charm.
Spread out over 14,000 square feet, the unique structure features exteriors made from locally sourced wood and stone, a double-height main exhibition space with floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights, a well as two smaller exhibition spaces. And it functions just like a museum. There are humidity control systems, waterless fire-suppression systems, expansive security, and automatic-timed shades. It's also home to an oversized glass and stainless-steel art transport elevator capable of accommodating large scale works of art, and an impressive fine art storage facility with 82 storage racks for hanging paintings and storage cubes for flat art on the lower level.
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"Melva Bucksbaum's keen artistic eye informs every detail of this estate," Kathleen Coumou, Executive Director of Christie's International Real Estate, said in a statement. "For the global art collector, how wonderful to have your treasures in the home and a brilliant and dedicated gallery space right out your front door. At its new price, the property presents a unique value proposition for the discerning buyer."
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In addition to the incredible space, the new owner will also enjoy a unique pedigree. The home was previously owned by Frank Oz, a puppeteer on The Muppets. The town is also home to artist Jasper Johns and actors Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgewick.
Shaylene Neumann of Neumann Real Estate, an Affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate has the listing.
