Rye House

Rye House is a historic estate in Litchfield, Connecticut, sitting within a protected district and registered at the national level. The stone structure shows rustic corner quoining, and the two-and-a-half-story layout holds eighteen rooms totaling about 941 square meters (10,127 square feet).

The estate was created in 1910 for Isabella Douglass Curtis, a widow from New York, following plans by Wilson Eyre. American Architect magazine covered the construction and introduced the house to architectural circles.

The name recalls Rye in southern England, pointing to the early owners' preference for English countryside ideals. Visitors today still see the generous outdoor grounds typical of that era, with old tree clusters and lawns.

The property sits on Old Mount Tom Road and covers about 21 hectares (52 acres) with a cottage for gardeners, a pool, and tennis courts. Visitors should note that this is private property and the grounds are not open to the public.

Journalist Anderson Cooper acquired the estate in 2014, continuing the tradition of prominent owners. This connection underscores the ongoing appeal of historic country properties for well-known figures.

Location: Litchfield

GPS coordinates: 41.72131,-73.27958

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:04