Welcome to Barnum/Lily Pons French Normandy Manor, a tranquil retreat in New Canaan's historic Silvermine neighborhood. Enjoy the charming surroundings and unwind by the heated in-ground pool or gather around the outdoor firepit. With three spacious terraces, an elegant dining room, and a chef's kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
6 bedrooms6 bathroomsSleeps 10418 sq m
Popular amenities
Spa pool
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Add dates for prices
About this property
Private French Country Estate-New Canaan CT-Pool-Film Set-August available
BARNUM/LILY PONS FRENCH NORMANDY MANOR 2018 Recipient of the New Canaan Preservation Alliance President's Preservation Award.
****** Confirmation of reservation will be contingent upon signing of our rental agreement.
1) 4 nights minimum during the year and 7 nights required during Summer. 2-3) Corporate Rental is a possibility 4) 5 min walking distance to the Graybarns Tavern/Inn/Mercantile on the Silvermine River- offering a rustic and sophisticated farm to table restaurant with a terrace overlooking the Silvermine River and gourmet lunch and 2 min walk to the Silvermine Market (a quaint BYO Café ideal for breakfast, lunch, dinner or take out if you don’t feel like cooking!) 5) 3 min walking distance to the Silvermine Art Guild Center and less than 3 miles from not only Grace Farms, a serene and spectacular ultramodern sanctuary to experience nature and the arts, but also the iconic Philip Johnson Glass House. 6) 15-20 min drive to the recently inaugurated American Contemporary Theater in Ridgefield CT. 7) VIP Weekend Escapades/ Workshops/Seminars 8) Maximum of 1 dog following pre-approval. 9) PELOTON bike available to guests 10) 3 miles from the newly built New Canaan mid-century 42,000 sqf library!
HISTORICAL DETAILS Designed by well reknown architect, Frank J. Forster in 1923 for the Barnum family (Circus Family- The Greatest Showman) and also once lived by famous French opera singer, Lily Pons, and conductor Andre Kostelanetz, this architectural jewel has been preserved and restored and is an ideal retreat for a peaceful escape, remarkably less than 3 miles from downtown New Canaan and less than 1 hr from Manhattan.
This Authentic French Normandy Property is completely encapsulated by mature gardens/ plantings, and situated on 3 flat acres of sweeping emerald lawns, which provide a very serene and private country setting.
PROPERTY DETAILS
- 6 bedrooms in total (4 on the 1st floor: 1 master BR with King bed, 55 inch TV, cathedral ceilings and a stunning fireplace, 1 BR with Queen Bed & bath, 1 BR with Full bed with bath and 1 BR with 2 Twin beds & bath and TV), 2 on the 2nd floor: 1 upper level master suite BR with Queen bed, walk-in closets and Bath and 1 BR with Queen bed and Bath. Please note that every BR has a magnificent view of the surrounding foliage and professionally landscaped grounds. - 5 full and 2 half completely renovated Bathrooms - A Chef’s Kitchen with top of the line appliances (NEW 48 Inch Thermador 8 burners cooking range, Viking Refrigerator and Wall over, Miele Dishwasher) and antimicrobial stainless steel countertops - A dining room with massive exposed Beams, leading to a very private Terrace and Pool Area (perfect for elegant entertaining or Al fresco dining) - A living room with very high cathedral ceilings, massive exposed beams, stone fireplace and a library- all with access to the back terrace and pool area as well as the front terrace. - A family room with a 65 inch Sony Smart HDTV connected to an Amazon Fire TV Cube (Netflix and Amazon Prime), a Bose Wave SoundTouch, a large brick rustic fireplace, and another dining table leading to a 3rd outdoor terrace with an outdoor dining table and sitting area for cocktails. - 3 terraces, all with sitting outdoor furniture - 1 heated In ground pool - 1 outdoor firepit with sitting area - 1 large lower level playroom for children with 55 inch TV and many great toys to play with. - 1 NEW PELOTON BIKE - 1 LARGE WEBER BBQ GRILL
AREA DETAILS/ACTIVITIES - New Canaan is a quintessential New England town that combines “old fashioned harmony with contemporary sophistication”. Considered part of the CT Gold Coast, New Canaan offers a wide range of architectures from the Harvard Five Modern Houses to historic farms/parks and stately mansions. According to Niche rigorous market analysis, New Canaan was named "Best town to raise a family" . New Canaan has one of the most charming and picturesque bustling downtowns in the region with premiere shopping, diverse restaurants and gourmet stores. Most recently, we have been blessed to enjoy the newly opened Grace Farms, named “Top 10 destination from NYC” and considered a "Spectacular Spiritual Sanctuary with an Ultramodern twist".
There are an abundant of activities to do, all within minutes from the house: - The Philip Johnson Glass House - Silvermine Guild Art Center - Grace Farms - Public Golf Courses (Oak Hills Golf Course and Sterling Farms) - Horseback riding at Silvermine Farm - Waveny Park (Wooded Trails ideal for walking/running, Paddle Tennis Courts and acres of lawns perfect for picnicking), Mead Park (ideal for Tennis & Playground), Irwin Park (ideal for walking/ running and biking) - New Canaan Nature Center (Trails and Nature) and Stamford Nature Center (Animal Farm) - 10 Minutes to Darien and Norwalk beaches - 20 min to Westport and Greenwich beaches - 20 min to Westchester airport - 5 min to train station - 45 min to the picturesque Litchfield County, CT (perfect for antiquing and exploring) 1hr from Mystic Seaport, CT - 2.5 hrs to Boston and Cape Cod Massachussets, Newport Rhode Island - 2 hrs to the Hamptons New York
This beautiful property is nestled in the historic neighborhood of New Canaan, called Silvermine, a wooded quaint enclave that follows the Silvermine River. It is steeped in history and the arts with an eclectic array of architectural styles. This home is within 2 min walking distance to the Silvermine Guild Art Center (Art Gallery and an Art School with classes/workshops for all ages and summer camps for children); The Silvermine Market (a quaint BYO Café ideal for breakfast, lunch, dinner or take out if you don’t feel like cooking; the Silvermine River; Graybarns Tavern on the Silvermine River (Boutique Hotel with a Farm to Table restaurant) and Mercantile at Graybarns for breakfast & lunch.
SEASONAL ACTIVITIES
FALL: Admire the glorious and vibrant New England color changing foliage of the season (last week of October); Enjoy a glass of wine on the terraces; roast marshmallows on the firepit; read a book and listen to music by the crackling fireplaces throughout the house; experience a unique thanksgiving experience by entertaining your friends and family and feel the warmth and joy of the festivities.
WINTER: Celebrate Christmas/ New Year in this magical and captivating environment, beautifully decorated for the festivities; visit Santa Claus during his annual visit at the Silvermine Tavern; listen to the New Canaan residents carol on Church Hill on Christmas Eve (a beloved tradition since 1919); visit one of the many Houses of Worship in the area; or take a day trip to admire the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and do window shopping on Fifth Avenue.
SUMMER: Wake up to the birds chirping and fall asleep with the crickets singing; lounge by the pool with a book; dine or entertain Al Fresco; stroll the property after dinner and enjoy the fireflies under the starry sky; barbecue some delicious steaks from New Canaan Butcher shop or seafood from Fjord Fish Market in New Canaan or order your favorite charcuterie board from Cherry Street/Plum Plums Cheese!
Property amenities
Ski
Cross-country skiing nearby
Pool/Spa
Heated pool
Hot tub
Private pool
Internet
Available in the house: WiFi
Parking and transport
Car required
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee grinder
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Hob
Ice maker
Kitchen island
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
6 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
5.5 bathrooms
Bathtub
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shower
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Separate dining area
Entertainment
Books
DVD player
Games
Music library
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Stereo
Video library
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Firepit
Garden
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
One pet total
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Note from host: no
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Phone
Location highlights
In a rural location
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near a zoo
Near the marina
Things to do
Boat
Golf
Gym
Heated pool
Kayak
Snow sports gear
Tennis
Basketball nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Ice skating nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Rock climbing nearby
Sailing nearby
Sledding nearby
Swimming nearby
Theme park nearby
Water skiing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and return the keys
Put all used towels and bath mats downstairs by the laundry room.
Leave all remotes controls by TVs
Remove all trash from garbage bins
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Rules
Please know that the Rental Agreement must be read and signed before Booking.
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
1 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: Please know no cats and only 1 dog allowed.
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
Frequently asked questions
Does Private French Country Estate-New Canaan CT-Pool-Film Set-August available have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include heated pools.
Is Private French Country Estate-New Canaan CT-Pool-Film Set-August available pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much is parking at Private French Country Estate-New Canaan CT-Pool-Film Set-August available?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Private French Country Estate-New Canaan CT-Pool-Film Set-August available?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Private French Country Estate-New Canaan CT-Pool-Film Set-August available?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Private French Country Estate-New Canaan CT-Pool-Film Set-August available located?
Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is 0.2 mi (0.4 km) from Silvermine Arts Center and within 3 miles (5 km) of Steward House at Silver Hill Hospital and New Canaan Town Hall. New Canaan Library is 3 mi (4.9 km) away.
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Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Stayed at this home for a family wedding in the area and it was perfect. Bedrooms for each member, beautiful grounds, and a very unique homes with lots of interesting rooms. Very relaxing, and the home owners were very welcoming. Would highly recommend this property.
Our stay at Gersende's property was delightful. We had seven friends together for a wedding and this house and property served as a much appreciated comfortable and peaceful retreat. The pool was lovely, the kitchen was well-stocked and functional and the homes quirks and charm grew on us a little more each day. We walked to GrayBarns Mercantile every morning for coffee and it was a quick drive from the grocery as well as the PJ Glass House. Gersende was kind, easy to reach and incredibly accommodating and we are all grateful to have been welcomed into her beautiful home.
Amelia H.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
David
19 Aug 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Unique home with beautiful grounds and classically designed interior. Perfect for relaxing and enjoying with family/friends.
Gersende was wonderful. She met us when we checked in to answer any questions we had, then checked in regularly to be sure we were comfortable. The house was charming with more than enough room for our extended family.
We gathered to celebrate my granddaughter’s first birthday and the house and setting were perfect for our One-derland party! The house was immaculate, the bedrooms and bathrooms accommodated us all with space and quiet. The kitchen was amazing and the sitting rooms were so comfortable and inviting. The host was very gracious and available for questions when we had them. It really was perfect in every way!
We enjoyed a wonderful week at this comfortable and spacious home. The art work and books at the house were fascinating. This is a historic house with modern updates. We spent many hours at the pool, during a very hot week. The owner was friendly and helpful and there's a lot to do in the area.
To stay with family in this place…. Priceless!
Amazing time! Wish we stayed longer. Total privacy!
The House grows on you every new day!
Won’t want to leave.
Really enjoyed staying at such a beautiful home. Think unique decor, French farm house. Only thing to be aware is this is not a professional rental. Expect a few closets/drawers cleared out only. It is worth it...stunning place.
We had a fabulous time. The house was so interesting with so may things to look at. It was nice that it was still decorated for Christmas. We had plenty of room to spread out. Didn't really see the kids for days!
The house is very comfortable, fully stocked, and was exactly as described. We enjoyed the board games, pool, and the grounds. The owners were responsive and were easy to communicate with.
We rented this lovely unique home for a birthday weekend for us, our 4 grown kids, and in laws. We had the most wonderful time and hope to visit again and again. The house has a super interesting history and a one of a kind decor. We felt transported to a foreign country. The kitchen is well stocked and modern. The hosts are communicative helpful and responsive. Everyone enjoyed themselves. Beds were super comfortable. Some space is a little time and the layout is unique but this is a very very special kind of home. We will be back!
Everything was perfect, including plenty of beds and baths and beautiful kitchen. Gersende and Eduardo's home was the perfect place for six friends to gather and reminisce.
This amazing house is all about atmosphere. Venture beyond the leafy grounds and you find yourself in Fairfield County, but within the stone gates, you find yourself in your favorite part of France. Plenty of bedrooms! Chef's kitchen. Fantastic outdoor space and a great patio/pool. the hardest part is deciding where to start the party.
Multi-Generational Family 50th Wedding Anniversary
My husband and I rented this lovely home for two weeks with our grown children and 3 grandchildren recently. It was an experience of a lifetime! Mrs G and Eduardo now seem like friends after planning the celebration and then meeting them during our stay at this beautiful place. We have rented thru VRBO for 21 years and this experience far exceeds anything else. The home is "magical" as our 10 year old grandson described it. None of us wanted to leave. The pool is more beautiful than the pictures show and we played volleyball every evening as a family. The kitchen is unbelievable so I enjoyed that since several of us love to cook. I could go on and on but will end by thanking Mrs G and Eduardo for making our anniversary celebration so special...love to you both!! Mary Kay and Stephen Ellinger from Virginia.
Intriguing home that makes you feel like you are on an adventure rather than a rental home. What makes the home unique is also a bit of a drawback if you are looking for functionality and convenience- such as the bathroom doors downstairs did not close all the way and the downstairs main bedroom beds had no headboards. It is an old home so “the beauty and the beast”. However, The home sets a special mood and that is the home’s magic! ( a larger hot water heater would be helpful for the #of bedrooms.) The vines on the windows, the curated artifacts, and the very tall ceilings with beams gave an allure . This is a home that is lived in and the children left sweet letters in their rooms. The location is gorgeous and the Silvermine market is a walk away and has wonderful coffees and sandwiches to take out.
Property is even better than the pictures. We had to travel back to CT for a family event and needed a spacious house with plenty of room for relaxing and this place did not disappoint! The gourmet kitchen and heated pool were great as was the downstairs playroom for the kids. It is a unique house which made the stay that much more memorable. Gersende and Eduardo were excellent hosts and great communicators, would highly recommend.
We stayed at Gersende and Eduardo's home for our daughter's wedding. It is truly a special and enchanting place. Gersende is a wonderful host and was easy to work with. The house is beautiful and comfortable while providing plenty of space for our family and several of our daughter's bridesmaids. This home contributed to making this special event even more special. I would heartily recommend staying here and hope to do so again!
Our family had a wonderful, relaxing Thanksgiving in this beautiful and comfortable home. The owners were very accommodating and welcoming. I would definitely recommend this property.
Better than anything we could have hoped for. Host Gersende was great, the house was a fairy tale.
Warmest recommendations to stay here with friends/family/a few couples
Even better than expected; the best holiday house!
We have been renting every year for 8 years, and this holiday house was the best of all. Located ideally, close to everything and yet nested superbly in historic and friendly Silvermine; the property is more extended than the online listing suggests, with additional running and adventure space around the charming terraces which prove a shady area at all time of day. The pool is beautiful and safe. The owner, Gersende was friendly, responsive t the minute, and helpful, and when we thought the pool had an issue it was fixed immediately with extra follow up and attention. And what makes this home unique is its European charm! it was like a holiday in a Normandy "Manoire" without the trouble of travel. We certainly hope to come back next year.