Checks too are going the way of the landline and printed newspaper. (And soon, the penny.)
It’s so easy to just tap (or click), and pay.
Bills are grubby. Checks are messy.
But that was not always the case. Look at this handsome relic, from 1853:
(Courtesy of Axl Aparicio)
There’s some great detail here. The paper was sturdy.
And $2 — well, that was real money back then.
Meanwhile, about that Saugatuck Bank: In 1852, Horace Staples — owner of a lumber and hardware business, silk and axe factories, shipping vessels and a thriving pier — founded it.
Two years later he moved it to National Hall — his new building a couple of miles upriver, just across the bridge from a small downtown area overshadowed by the far more dynamic Saugatuck section of Westport.
Eventually, Saugatuck Bank became Westport Bank & Trust (“A hometown bank, in a town of homes”).
It outgrew National Hall — which turned into Fairfield Furniture — and relocated to a pie-slice-shaped building nearby, where Church Lane feeds into the Post Road.
Most recently, that was Patagonia. Soon, it becomes an office for Compass, the real estate firm.
Which sells homes for a lot more than $2.
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
1st Selectman Kevin Christie says: Westport will soon complete its state-mandated property revaluation. Connecticut law requires all municipalities to conduct a revaluation every 5 years.
Property owners will receive updated assessment notices by mail on or about December 8. They reflect assessed values as of October 1, based on field reviews and sales analysis completed by the Assessor’s Office and Vision Government Solutions. Assessed value is 70% of fair market value.
Residential values have risen sharply since the October 2020 revaluation. Estimates indicate an average increase of about 61% for residential properties, and about 17% for commercial properties. Individual assessments will vary.
A higher assessment does not mean your taxes will rise by the same amount.
A change in your assessment is only part of how property taxes are calculated. When the overall Grand List increases, the mill rate typically decreases (all else being equal). Any change to your tax bill will depend on how your new assessment compares to others in town, and on the Town’s approved budget in spring 2026.
Updated property data and values will be available online once notices are sent.
Property owners who believe information about their property is incorrect, or who would like to discuss their valuation, can request an appointment with Vision later in December.
Appeal applications to the Board of Assessment Appeals will be available after the Grand List is signed. They must be filed by February 20, 2026.
Main Street may soon have a new casual dining space.
159 Main Street — occupied most recently by a deli with that name; before that, Rye Ridge and, most famously for decades, Oscar’s — will be the site of Luya.
Westport Journal reported today that the family spot — with smoothies, along with healthy and diner food — is the third project for Ciara Webster, Patrick Jean and Zoli Kovacs.
They are the owner, general manager and chef of Nômade, across the street from Luya.
The trio are also partners in Anan. The French-Vietnamese restaurant — on the site of the former 190 Main — also hopes for a spring opening.
Long-time Westporters remember 159 Main Street as Oscar’s Deli. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
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On Wednesday, Playbill posted a long, intriguing story about the 6 actors who play the lead role every night in “Masquerade,” the innovative, immersive staging of “Phantom of the Opera.”
One of the six — Staples High School graduate Clay Singer — is one of the youngest to play the Phantom ever, anywhere.
His insights into his character — how he prepared for it, how he plays it — are well worth reading.
But the piece is notable for something else: homages by the actors to Kevin Gray. Broadway’s first-ever Asian American Phantom in 1990 has the same roots as Singer. Gray graduated from Staples in 1976. Both Westport Phantoms were Staples Players stars.
Gray died of a heart attack, at just 55 years old, in 2013 — just 4 months before Singer graduated from Staples.
Westport art teachers are superb educators. From elementary through middle and high school they instruct, encourage and inspire students to express themselves creatively and fully.
But those teachers are superb artists themselves.
Now through January 3rd, they’ve got a showcase for their own work.
One River School’s Westport Art Teacher Exhibition provides a special opportunity to see the personal and professional sides — and the wide range of mediums and styles — of Mark Derosa, Cecily Cowburn Anderson, Stephanie Sileo, Angela Simpson, Paula Morgan, Timothy Soper and Danilo Sierra-Giraldo.
A reception is set for December 18 (5 to 7 p.m., 833 Post Road East). The public — including students — are invited to check out this other perspective on Westport’s art teachers.
Part of the Westport Art Teacher Exhibition, at One River Gallery.
Speaking of art: The Artists Collective of Westport’s 12×12 Holiday Exhibit runs December 17 -21, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Westport Country Playhouse barn. The opening reception (December 16, 6 to 8 p.m.) features food, beverages, and music by Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Mark Naftalin (Paul Butterfield Blues Band).
All works are 12×12. And all are for sale, just in time for the holidays.
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We’re just one day away from the Westport Downtown Association/”06880″ Holiday Stroll.
And merchants keep signing up for giveaways and promotions.
The latest is Chocolatieree. The Church Lane shop offers “blissfully toasted and gooey s’moresticks,” with every purchase of at least $20.
That — and 60 other specials — are part of tomorrow’s (Saturday) Stroll. Some are available only during the Stroll itself (4 to 7 p.m.); others run all day. Click here, then scroll down for the full list.
Among the attractions at the 5th annual Holiday Stroll: caroling with the Staples Orphenians, selfies with Santa and Westport’s favorite piglet, thanks to Riverside Realty Group (plus the brand-new downtown clock), face painting, a DJ, a “letters to Santa” mailbox, and much more.
The Staples Orphenians are a Holiday Stroll favorite. (Photo/Dan Woog)
See you at the Stroll!
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As the weather gets cold, Earthplace heats up. On tap this month:
Winged Wonders (Sunday, December 7, 1 to 1:30 p.m.; free with admission): Experience birds of prey outside their enclosures, in a bird-on-glove demonstration.
Kids’ Night Out (December 12, 6 to 9 p.m., ages 4-13; $50 members, $60 non-members): A nature-themed evening, including a winter-themed movie, popcorn, and a special treat from Bartaco
Winter Solstice Campfire (December 21, 1 to 2:30 p.m.; member families $25, non-member families $35): Celebrate the days getting longer with s’mores, a craft project, and a roaring fire.
Also: Drop-off programs — with immersive, nature-based experiences — begin January 6:
Free-Range Homeschoolers (Wednesdays, 1 to 3p.m., ages 4-11)
Lil’ Naturalists (Wednesdays, 4 to 5 p.m., grades K-2)
Nature Art Club (Thursdays, 4 to 5 p.m.,. grades 3-6)
Junior Staff (Fridays, 4 to 5 p.m., grades 6-12_
Animal Care Crew (Tuesdays, 4 to 5 p.m., grades 6-12).
Speaking of Earthplace: They just received a $162,600, from the Long Island Sound Futures Fund.
The grant will help provide watershed science programs for high school and college students. The total amount of the project $243,900. (Hat tip: Peter Gold)
Staples High School’s November Students of the Month are seniors Jennifer Londono and Avery Michalowski, Jaicelynn Denny and Elias Ramos, sophomores Lucy Bughman and Noa Katz, and freshmen Max Landau and Blake Serotta.
Students of the Month are “the ‘glue’ of the Staples community: kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students (who make it) the special place it is.” Nominations are made by teachers.
From left: Blake Serotta, Avery Michalowski, Jaicelynn Denny, Lucy Bughman, Noa Katz, Elias Ramos.
Westport resident Julie Parillo died in her sleep yesterday. She was 65 years old.
A 1978 graduate of CVA in Norwalk, Julie began her career at Deluxe Check Printers in Norwalk before moving to New Jersey, where she worked for One Call Medical.
Julie loved all creatures, especially her dogs Reba and Brandy. She was a kind and gentle soul who treasured time spent with her family and with her best friend, Teresa Smith.
She is survived by her mother Arlyne, brother Peter (Dana) Parillo, niece Jessica, nephew Dan, close cousin Pamela Mahon, and several other cousins. Her best friend was Teresa Smith. She was predeceased by her brother, Michael Parillo.
A funeral is set for December 9 (10 a.m., Harding Funeral Home). Interment will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Road, Newington, CT 06111.
Julie Parillo
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Every full moon draws “06880” photographers.
It’s tough to choose. But this shot by Rick Benson — overlooking Old Mill Beach, at very low tide — works especially well for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … Steve Cropper — who the New York Times calls “the prodigious guitarist, songwriter and producer who played a pivotal role in shaping the lean gutbucket soul music made at Memphis’s Stax Records in the 1960s and ’70s,” died Wednesday in Nashville. He was 84.
Casual music fans may not have known his name. But nearly everyone knows his work: the “snarling Fender Telecaster lick” on Booker T & the MGs’ “Green Onions”; the “ringing guitar figure” that opened Sam & Dave’s “Soul Man,” and the “bell-toned guitar work” on Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay” (which he co-wrote). He later worked with the Blues Brothers.
In 2015 he was ranked 39th on Rolling Stone‘s list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time. In 1996, Mojo had him second — behind only Jimi Hendrix.
The Times notes, “the original MG’s lineup, with both Black and white members (Mr. Cropper was white), helped integrate Stax at a time when the four men would not have been permitted to appear on a public bandstand together in the segregated South.” Click here for the full Times obituary.)
Staples High School graduate Roger Kaufman — a musician and events producer with Old School Music — knew Cropper. Kaufman urged him to donate the guitar he played on “Dock of the Bay” to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
On December 1, 2016 — almost exactly 9 years ago — there was a special ceremony there. In attendance were Booker T. Jones, Sam Moore, Eddie Floyd, and members of the Otis Redding, Rufus Thomas and Isaac Hayes families. Cropper and his band played many of their greatest hits.
Then the guitar went on display — right next to Judy Garland’s “Wizard of Oz” slippers.
Siobhan Jebb is a 2024 Staples High School graduate, and former co-captain of the volleyball team. She attends the College of Charleston, double majoring in political science, and women’s and gender studies.
As a senior, Siobhan wrote about the inequity between the boys and girls locker rooms at Staples. On Wednesday — more than a year later — the Board of Finance voted to spend $30,000 in soft costs, to explore creating 1 or 2 “team rooms” for girls varsity sports.
Siobhan’s piece has been adapted for a “Students Speak” submission.
I am jealous.
As I walk through the Staples girls locker room, I fantasize about a space that I could have used. But reality quickly interrupts that thought.
I see a pile of crutches, rusted and molded ceramic in our “showers,” ripped boxes, caution tape, and worn pieces of paper saying “Do Not Use” stuck to the wall.
The sign is not needed. The showers are too unsanitary, and besides, broken.
A handicap shower in the Staples girls locker room …
Not to mention a wooden table propped on its side, blocking girls from getting into the shower stalls — as if we would want to, in their condition.
I am jealous. I feel angry. Despite playing volleyball at Staples, I haven’t grasped the gaps in athletics here — specifically with the locker rooms — until senior year.
Looking back, I hated going to the girls locker room before and after gym class. The lighting is depressingly dim, and the space feels like an abandoned basement.
… and another view.
Turning the corner into the bathroom I would catch the “shower room” in the corner of my eye, but never paid much attention. It was never discussed.
I never thought of our locker room as “bad,” because I had no idea what the boys had access to, or what girls sports have access to at other schools.
After 4 years in the athletic program, 3 as a varsity player and 1 as co-captain, it wasn’t until my final year that I became aware of the inequity.
It was just weirdly accepted, like everyone was waiting for someone to step up.
Why wasn’t this talked about? Why do we allow girls to wonder why they aren’t worthy of the resources and space the boys have? One could argue I was one of those girls.
Staples boys locker room showers.
The boys have not 1 but 2 locker rooms. One includes clean showers. This doesn’t sit right, as I walk past what’s supposed to be the handicap shower stall in the girls locker room.
I see paper taped on the wall: “SHOWER CLOSED MAINT. DEPT.” The date on the bottom says “12/06.”
2006 burns in my brain. I take a deep breath. But it brings dust and a damp smell, which only angers me more.
The girls showers have been closed for 19 years.
I am jealous. My best friend Liv, in Mamaroneck, New York, got to clean out her cubby at the end of her volleyball season. I didn’t.
I am confused. I saw the customized cubby lockers for the boys at Staples, while girls don’t bother learning their locker combos because our backpacks can’t fit.
Throughout my last high school volleyball season, I became more aware and annoyed that we didn’t have an appropriate space to go as a team. A space we could talk together, a setting away from the coach, the court, the opposing team and the scoreboard.
I talked about it with Liv. I asked if having a nice locker room was something I should be upset about missing out on. She told me she couldn’t imagine not having a proper locker room.
She spoke about how the varsity locker room became a safe, sacred space before and after home games. It was comforting to have a room away from the coach, so the captains could talk to the team or teammates individually.
Last month, Liv showed me Mamaroneck High’s girls locker room and varsity locker room. I was in awe.
Mamaroneck High School girls varsity locker room.
They get clean working showers. They make name tags for their cubbies. They take their sneakers and knee pads off together. They get designated spots for their bags, and coat hangers for their windbreakers.
They get a television for film sessions. They get a mini-fridge for drinks and snacks. They get a whiteboard to plan plays and drills.
My varsity team and I should’ve gotten all those things too. The boys at Staples get all those things, and more.
I thought about how messed up the situation is here, and how nobody ever talks about it. But many people joke about it.
Much of the time, the person making the joke was a female athlete herself. I myself have made jokes and sarcastic comments about our laughable locker room, as Staples hangs a banner of our “US News & World Report” highest ranking above one of the main entrances.
Staples football and boys lacrosse locker room. In the winter, it becomes the wrestling practice room. (All photos/Siobhan Jebb)
Nothing changes if nothing changes. I changed my anger and jealousy into motivation and fuel.
I want to make a difference, since it looked like no one else will. If I can help create a new, appropriate and equal locker room for female athletes at Staples High School, I will feel accomplished.
I don’t want my beloved underclass teammates I have grown to know and adore to feel like they don’t matter, or aren’t worth the same facilities and spaces the boys are. I just hope my story has a happy ending.
(To submit a “Student Speaks” — or for questions about this feature — email 06880blog@gmail.com. We will work with students to help craft their story. Anonymity, if requested, is assured.)
There are many Unsung Heroes at Homes with Hope. Today, they nominate one of their own:
Nancy Lewis first came to Homes with Hope as a volunteer through the National Charity League.
When Homes with Hope clients without cars needed help with rides, NCL could not provide them. However, Nancy said that she personally would be able to assist.
That was the beginning of over a dozen years of Nancy doing whatever is needed to help Homes with Hope clients, and the agency as a whole.
Nancy Lewis
For over 13 years, Nancy has been a mentor to a Homes with Hope parent. She supports the family in many ways. When they need Nancy, Nancy is there.
This summer, she helped one of the kids in the family get a scholarship to attend theater camp at the Westport County Playhouse. As always, Nancy found a way to make it happen.
Nancy was also a key part of Homes with Hope’s monthly Women’s Empowerment group. She offered support to women of all ages, who came to share stories and find encouragement. Nancy always had a positive outlook, and offered kind and caring advice.
During the school year, Nancy is a regular volunteer at ASAP — Homes with Hope’s after school program — helping kids with homework and guidance, all with a spirit of joy.
As if this was not enough to keep Nancy busy, she is also a regular volunteer in the food pantry and the Gillespie Center.
Nancy has touched so many clients and staff members over such a long time. We are all grateful for her amazing contribution of time, energy and loving support.
Congratulations, Nancy! You epitomize what “06880” admires in an unsung hero!
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
Grand Central Terminal’s enormous clock is a central meeting place.
So is the clock in New Canaan’s downtown.
Tomorrow, Westport will have its own clock. And its own easy-to-meet-up spot.
The handsome new addition — at the corner of Main and Elm Streets, where one-way Main Street becomes two-way near Gap — is a gift from the Westport Downtown Association. The flower bed at the site will be enhanced too.
Two views of the new clock.
The WDA is paying for the purchase, installation, insurance, maintenance and repairs.
The clock arrived recently. The site is being prepared today. Installation is set for tomorrow.
Just in time for the Westport Downtown Association/”06880″ Holiday Stroll on Saturday, it’s one more attraction for the 5th annual event (4 to 7 p.m.). Besides selfies with Santa and the town’s favorite piglet, visitors can take photos with the newest downtown attraction.
The clock is “a beautiful addition to Westport,” WDA president Maxx Crowley notes. Black with gold trim, and two-sided — saying “Town of Westport” and “1835,” the year of our founding — it fits in with the lampposts currently downtown, and is designed in the same style as the Grand Central clock.
Ready for installation.
“This isn’t just a clock. It is a symbol,” Crowley adds.
“It’s a symbol of our past, our progress, and our promise to future generations.
A symbol of the timeless charm that makes Westport more than a destination, it makes it home.”
Crowley — a lifelong Westporter — calls the clock “one of the greatest honors of my service” as Downtown Association president.
“It represents the elegance of old New England town centers, the character that defines our community, and the pride we feel every time we walk through our downtown.
“It will stand as a daily reminder that Westport’s story is still being written — and we are all a part of it.
The clock aligns with the WDA’s mission to beautify and enliven the town. They string the holiday lights and season greenery, and sponsor major events like the Fine Arts Festival, Westoberfest — and Saturday’s Stroll.
The clock will be installed here tomorrow.
Crowley says, “a project of this significance is never accomplished alone. Our thanks go to former selectwomen Jen Tooker, Andrea Moore and Candice Savin; and Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich and assistant town attorney Eileen Lavigne, whose leadership, support, and enthusiasm helped make this vision a reality.
“Enormous gratitude also goes to Jimmy Izzo of Izzo Electric and Marc Bolduc of Guinta Bolduc Masonry, whose craftsmanship and dedication brought the clock to life with extraordinary care.”
Crowley also thanks “the remarkable WDA board and team. Your passion for Westport is visible in every detail of this project.
“As Westport comes together this weekend, strolling, celebrating and sharing in the joy of the season, a new symbol of community pride will take its place. With every moment spent beneath it, this clock will remind us why Westport is such a special place to gather, shop, celebrate, and call home.”
Final preparations are underway for this Saturday’s Westport Downtown Association/”06880″ Holiday Stroll.
Among the attractions: Savvy + Grace is sponsoring an Airstream photo booth, and a “Letters to Santa” station. All supplies for letters will be provided. And (if there’s a return address) Santa will personally answer all letters.
The Holiday Stroll (Saturday, December 6, 4 to 7 p.m.) also includes caroling with the Staples Orphenians, selfies with Santa and Westport’s favorite piglet, face painting, a DJ, giveaways from restaurants and retailers, and 6 dozen store specials.
Here are the latest signups (new since Monday):
Brooks Brothers: 30% off nearly everything
Earthplace: 10% off Winter Solstice Campfire on December 21 (register here on Saturday)
La Source: Enter to win a $500 gift card, with every purchase of $100 or more
Il Pastaficio: Focaccia di recco, Italian hot chocolate, salame di cioccolata; gift card for 10% off purchases of fresh pasta boxes and sauces
Scout & Molly’s: Free gift with $200 purchase
American Colors by Henry Lehr: 20% off Hampton Wash and American Colors clothing
Everything But Water: Fit sessions; $25 off $150+ with Beach Club signup
Johnny Was: 40% off sale; gift with purchase; free gift wrapping.
This year, they are bringing two exciting experiences: an Airstream Photo Booth and a Letters to Santa station with all supplies provided.
“A Sherlock Carol” — the family-friendly production based on both Sherlock Holmes and “A Christmas Carol” — returns to the Westport Country Playhouse for a third great year.
There are 8 performances, from December 13 through 21.
The New York Times “Critics’ Pick” is written and directed by Mark Shanahan, Playhouse artistic director. The Westport production is one of 30 “Sherlock Carol”s happening around the world, including Australia, Canada, England and the US.
Meanwhile, over 35 vendors will pack the Senior Center December 12 (1:30 to 4:30 p.m.), for a holiday craft and gift sale.
In addition to a wide array of special items, including wood-turned pieces, pottery, fused-glass art, glass ornaments, beaded gemstone jewelry, clocks, silver jewelry, handcrafted necklaces, earrings, potholders, art and painted glass, origami, painted shells, birdhouse ornaments, holiday centerpieces, wreaths, decoupage shells, watercolor gifts, children’s books, mystery novels, painted baby shoes, quilted art, home décor, baby blankets, knits, scarves, Pearl’s famous salad dressing, holiday cards, tableware, specialty ceramic painted tiles (and much more!), there’s free gift wrapping — and cookies baked by the National Charity League.
The Longshore golf course closes for the winter this Sunday (December 7).
Parks & Recreation director Erik Barbieri says, “We are pleased to have been able to extend the 2025 season this far into December. On behalf of head pro Jon Janik, golf course superintendent Sean Charles and the entire staff, we wish all our loyal golfers a happy and healthy new year. We look forward to seeing you in the spring.”
But golfers can still swing. Two Westport businesses — The Clubhouse and Sticks — offer simulators for practice.
Two great choral groups — the Dartmouth Brovertones and Staples Orphenians — bring holiday music and more to Saugatuck Congregational Church this Sunday (December 7, 7 p.m.).
The free program includes classic pop songs, along with Christmas favorites.
Thousands of Westporters thrilled to last month’s Staples Players production of “Les Misérables.”
And they did it in an auditorium that is essentially unchanged from the time current director David Roth was a student in Players.
He graduated in 1984.
Several Players officers spoke eloquently at last night’s Board of Finance meeting about the need for renovations. (Last year’s production of “Elf” was almost canceled, after a problem with rigging.) Griffin Delmhorst — Jean Valjean in “Les Mis” — delivered Roth’s comments, as the director could not attend.
With a large number of Players and parents in attendance, the BOF voted to spend $3,037,790 on rigging, lighting and sound improvements. The renovations will make the sound ADA-compliant too, with headsets for audience members who request them.
The most recent renovation to the Staples auditorium was over 30 years ago.
The Finance Board also heard a request to create 1 or 2 “team rooms,” in a section of the existing girls locker room. Coaches and athletes made strong comments about the need for those rooms — and for upgrading the girls locker room used for physical education classes too.
Board members expressed mixed views about the current disparities between boys and girls locker rooms. There is currently also a separate team room for the boys football and lacrosse squads, but none for girls sports.
In addition, the boys locker rooms were upgraded over 2 decades ago. The girls facilities were not.
The girls locker room at Staples …
Members Danielle Dobin and Jeff Hammer voiced strong comments about the differences.
A motion in favor of spending $30,000 — for design costs for team rooms only — passed.
… and the boys showers. (Photos/Siobhan Jebb)
The Board of Finance also approved several other expenses:
$25,000 for wireless access points on the Staples athletic fields.
$25,000 in soft costs to explore a concession stand with bathrooms at Staples’ Paul Lane Field.
$32,000 in soft costs to consider upgrading science laboratories at Bedford Middle School.
$70,000 in soft costs for roof replacement at Greens Farms Elementary School.
$181,500 in hard costs to replace a motorized partition in the Saugatuck Elementary School gymnasium.
$172,970 for painting exterior facades of Westport schools.
$220,000 in soft costs to explore upgrading the Longshore water supply system.
$440,000 for the analysis, design, permitting and preparation of sidewalks on Easton Road, near Coleytown Elementary and Middle Schools. The state of Connecticut will pay the full cost of construction.
The Board of Finance did not vote on a request of $124,000 to replace the Levitt Pavilion stage. There was debate over who is responsible for covering that cost.
Earlier in the Finance meeting, Dobin and Liz Heyer were elected chair and vice chair. The votes were unanimous.
The most expensive residential sale in town history began with a soccer jersey.
John Raus — an agent with Berkshire Hathaway — and his wife were at the Compo Beach playground, with their young children.
He saw a girl wearing an Arsenal shirt. He’s a fan of the London team, so he chatted with her parents.
One thing led to another — including an introduction by them to the couple who would eventually buy 5 lots on Beachside Avenue.
The $54 million total price encompasses plenty of history. The properties at 120 and 122 Beachside Avenue were once owned by Phil Donohue and Marlo Thomas.
122 Beachside Avenue
The one at 26 Beachside — adjacent to Burying Hill Beach — was previously owned by Harvey Weinstein. In 2012, it was the site of a fundraiser for President Obama.
The presidential motorcade at Harvey Weinstein’s Beachside Avenue house, in 2012. (Photo/White House pool)
All the properties are waterfront, on Long Island Sound.
128 Beachside Avenue
The seller last month was the Bentley family. The buyer’s names have not been disclosed.
However, Raus says, “Westport couldn’t be getting a better family to join this community. They are very humble, very easy-going.”
They will use their properties — 13.2 acres at 120-128 Beachside (including homes, a pool and tennis court), and 3.3 acres at 26 Beachside (where the old Weinstein house was demolished 5 years ago) — for their extended family.
Westport will get something else: $135,000 in conveyance taxes.
The state of Connecticut gets even more: $1.185 million.
The Leslie Clarke team at Compass represented the Bentleys for the sale of 120-128 Beachside Avenue. Compass realtor Deirdre Andreoli represented the Bentleys for 26 Beachside Avenue.
(“06880” covers the Westport waterfront — literally and figuratively. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
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