By Beth Barhydt
The Beinecke estate at 10 Cliffdale Road in Greenwich, now on the market for the first time since its construction in 1939, offers a rare glimpse into the preservation of historical architecture and land use in the modern era. Listed for $35 million, the estate’s 66 acres reflect a landscape and built environment that have remained largely untouched by the rapid development that has transformed much of the surrounding area.
Commissioned by business magnate Edwin John Beinecke, the 9,300-square foot Georgian Colonial mansion stands as a testament to an era when architectural design and landscape planning were deeply intertwined. The estate’s structures and gardens were not just a reflection of the wealth of its owner but also a representation of the evolving relationship between human habitation and the natural world.
The estate’s original use as part of Cragholme Farms, an agricultural complex dating back to at least 1934, underscores its role in a broader history of land conservation and farming in Greenwich. Historical records show that in the early 20th century, the property included large swaths of cultivated land, most likely orchards, and a farm complex surrounding the now-demolished Tompkins House. Structures that remain on the estate include a barn (circa 1900), a caretaker’s cottage, greenhouses, and various animal sheds, all of which speak to the property’s agricultural past.
The estate’s architecture further emphasizes the intersection of luxury and functionality. The main house, with its 10-foot ceilings, custom wood paneling, and multiple fireplaces, embodies the architectural trends of the early 20th century, when grand entry ways and expansive living spaces were the hallmark of elite homes. But beyond its formal design, the estate was constructed with the surrounding landscape in mind. A screened porch offers panoramic views of meticulously maintained gardens designed by landscape architect Rudy J. Favretti, whose work is noted for blending aesthetic beauty with environmental stewardship.
Favretti’s designs, recognized by the Smithsonian Institution, highlight the estate’s historical and environmental significance. His work on the property includes formal terraced gardens, manmade ponds, and a network of private trails that not only enhance the beauty of the estate but also ensure its integration into the surrounding natural landscape.
In recent decades, the estate has remained under the stewardship of John R. and Barbara G. Robinson, who took ownership in 1982 after several intra-family transfers. The Robinsons’ preservation of the estate’s historical structures and landscape aligns with the broader mid20th-century movement toward historic preservation in the United States. This movement sought to maintain the architectural integrity of properties like 10 Cliffdale Road while also conserving the land and its associated uses.
The estate’s listing for sale comes at a moment when conversations about land use, historic preservation, and environmental conservation are more relevant than ever. As new development projects continue to reshape the Greenwich area, properties like 10 Cliffdale Road serve as reminders of the importance of preserving spaces that embody a different relationship between people and the land. The sale of this estate represents not just the transfer of property but the passing on of a legacy that intertwines architectural beauty, environmental stewardship, and a deep respect for the history of the land.
