167 A Compo Road South
Westport, CT 06880

A Sanctuary Retreat In the Middle of Everything You Need When moving to Connecticut from Manhattan in 2004, we knew we wanted a peaceful retreat – a home that would be a sanctuary from commuting, work, and stress. What we found was a beautiful property tucked up on a hill that had originated as an artist’s studio. Although it needed a bit of attention to bring it fully into the 21st century, it was a unique opportunity for our family to have our home in a private, wooded landscape that was still just a few minutes away from all of life’s necessities. Originally owned by famed award-winning New York Post illustrator Henry Raleigh - and where he worked and drew inspiration - we fell in love with this house suffused with light and charm. In addition to its natural beauty, the location was ideal. The property is a short distance from the commuter train and all that Saugatuck now offers, with a range of shopping and gym options - including grocery shopping, restaurants, and Soul Cycle - and just a bike ride to Compo Beach and Longshore. Compo Road was recently added to the newly designated Scenic Roads of Connecticut and the home received a Historic designation from the Town of Westport during our ownership. The house itself is warm and welcoming from the moment you walk through the door. The open kitchen and family area include brushed black granite countertops, a Carrera marble baking station, stainless steel appliances, and a generous island. We have loved entertaining family and friends over the years thanks to the well-designed kitchen. The living room and dining area have a natural open flow and include an oversized window seating area. From here you can enjoy the green and serene view from the large north-facing windows that inspired Raleigh. Built-in custom shelving wraps around the living room and frames the fireplace. When the days grow shorter, you can light a fire, open a book and take time to just breathe. Every room in the house, with views of the forest or of the mature and professionally landscaped plantings that surround the property, is a welcome respite. All the electrical and plumbing were fully updated along with central air conditioning added in 2010. The main floor has an entertainment room, a generous full bath, and two sunny bedrooms. The garden level is dedicated to the master suite and bath with custom closets, a soaking tub, glass and marble shower, and slate floors with radiant heat. The master bedroom opens onto a stone terrace where a morning cup of coffee or an evening cocktail can be enjoyed. We enjoyed the additional privacy and separation from within the home that the master suite afforded us. The yard boasts a raised bed organic garden that has been fenced in to keep the wildlife at bay. We had years full of tomatoes, peppers, garlic, beets, lettuce, beans, and herbs. Gardeners will love the refurbished vintage porcelain sink we found during renovation, now handily repurposed for repotting and watering plants. You’ll find that special sink just outside the detached studio space. Fully approved by the town, this spacious separate structure can be used as an office, a yoga studio, or a guesthouse, to name just a few options. You could even channel Henry Raleigh and turn it into your own artist’s studio. We did not lose the convenience of our two-car garage when creating the studio. This house is a unique property of both peaceful and leafy beauty, surrounded by 21st Century convenience, in a vibrant and active community. If you are looking for that rare mix of charm, warmth, and ease then this is the ideal home.