Many Westporters have never heard of Cedar Pond Road.
Or George M. White.
The street is off West Branch Road, which itself lies off Weston Road, in the far north of town.
The man served from 1971 to 1995 as Architect of the US Capitol. During that time — under 3 presidents — he created a master plan for the future development of the Capitol complex. Balancing conflicting demands of preservation, expansion and modernization. he oversaw major projects too, including the Library of Congress Madison, Hart Senate Office and Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary buildings, plus expansion of the Capitol Visitors Center.
He’s the one too who recommended that presidential inaugurations be moved from the east side of the Capitol to the more majestic western façade, overlooking the Washington Monument and Mall. Since Ronald Reagan’s in 1981, all inaugural ceremonies have taken place there. (Click here for a full biography.)
Thanks to George M. White, ever since 1981 (above), presidential inaugurations have taken place on the west side of the US Capitol.
Before all that though, White designed several Westport homes.
One was at 3 Cedar Pond Road. The architect created it specially as a replica of an early 1800s Connecticut Colonial.
The Westport Historic District Commission honored it for its authenticity and architectural significance.
Now it’s on the market. The listing price is $1.99 million.
3 Cedar Pond Road
Unlike many historic Westport homes, this one is not on a main road. It’s tucked away at the end of a long private drive, overlooking its small namesake Cedar Pond.
Built in 1967 — 4 years before White began his Washington work — the 4-bedroom, 2 1/2-bathroom, 3,046-square foot house on 2.19 acres has been well maintained (with, for example, marble countertops and modern appliances), while updated in keeping with its Colonial character. (Speaking of an 1800s replica: There are 4 fireplaces too.)
One of 4 working fireplaces.
At a time when faux farmhouses pop up all over town, 3 Cedar Pond Road is a reminder of a time when Colonial architecture was admired, and replicated.
Even if very few residents know it — or the street — exists.
Or just how famous its architect was.
(“06880” reports regularly on Westport real estate, interesting people — and, like today, their intersection. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
