Belle Haven Greenwich Real Estate

Belle Haven was founded in the late 19th century as a summer waterfront community by some of Greenwich’s most prominent figures, such as Nathaniel Witherall and Robert Bruce. Developing Belle Haven was as much about a business venture as it was about creating a special place. Some of the most distinguished architects in America of the time were brought in to create the luxury waterfront community. The list included McKim, Mead & White, Bruce Price (credited with much of Tuxedo Park's design) and the legendary landscape architecture firm of Frederick Olmstead.

Belle Haven was created and promoted as a "residence park" with everything from green space to carefully planned streets. The main roads of Belle Haven were established in a loop design to mimic the naturalistic beauty that the land and water presented. At the center of the homes was (and remains today), the Belle Haven Club, established in 1889 as the Greenwich Casino. The term "casino" in those days meant a gathering spot. It was, and still is, a center for tennis, croquet, boating activities, and swimming.

Horses were also part of the Belle Haven fabric at the turn of the century. What we know now as Field Point Circle was originally a race track. Horse shows were not uncommon during the season, in fact the highlight of each season was Carnival Hippique, the annual horse show marking summer's end.

By 1900, the 200 acres making up Belle Haven held more than 50 summer cottages. By the 1930s, with better electricity and heating options, Belle Haven was becoming more of a year round community. In the 1950s and 60s, the cost of maintaining the expansive residences of Belle Haven was becoming impractical for many. Parcels of land were divided and sold and mid-century homes, ranches and colonials, popped up. The construction of the I-95 highway came through what was part of Belle Haven, shrinking it physically to its present size. Today, many of the homes from the 1950s-70s are being redesigned or replaced by houses that are more classical in architecture and evoking the spirit of the original design plan for Belle Haven.

Belle Haven and Field Point Circle are quite private with security guards and gatehouses at their entrances. The area's central location, waterfront stature, and sheer natural beauty make Belle Haven and Field Point an extraordinary spot in Greenwich.

Median Sale Price: $3,300,000