Entire home
Private French Country Estate-New Canaan CT-Pool-Film Set-August available
Family-friendly holiday home with water park and fitness centre
Photo gallery for Private French Country Estate-New Canaan CT-Pool-Film Set-August available





Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
6 bedrooms5+ bathroomsSleeps 104500 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area

- Place, Historic South Norwalk
- Place, Norwalk Maritime Aquarium
- Place, The Glass House
- Airport, White Plains, NY (HPN-Westchester County)
Rooms & beds
6 bedrooms (sleeps 10)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 3
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 4
2 Single Beds
Bedroom 5
1 Double Bed
Bedroom 6
1 Single Bed
5 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 2
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bathroom 3
Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 4
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bathroom 5
Toilet
Bathroom 6
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
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!
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!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Have a question?
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties

Fairfield Old Post Road-heated pool & Guest Cottage-walk to NYC train and Beach!
Fairfield Old Post Road-heated pool & Guest Cottage-walk to NYC train and Beach!
- Pool
- Kitchen
- Washer
- Dryer
10.0 out of 10, (23 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed
Please know no cats and only 1 dog allowed.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
North America

New Canaan, CT
What's nearby
- New Canaan Library - 6 min drive - 5.6 km
- The SoNo Collection - 6 min drive - 7.4 km
- Historic South Norwalk - 7 min drive - 8.0 km
- Norwalk Maritime Aquarium - 8 min drive - 8.7 km
- The Glass House - 10 min drive - 12.3 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- McDonald's - 6 min drive
- Dunkin' - 7 min drive
- Burger King - 7 min drive
- Li's Brothers - 5 min drive
- Tavern at GrayBarns - 8 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
9.8/10
Cleanliness
8.0/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
6.0/10
Eco-friendliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
13 Oct 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Shannan F., Hamden CT
4 Jan 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very cool house
Shannan F.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
10/10 Excellent
Bonnie E.
2 Oct 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Bonnie E.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Rich C.
30 Jun 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
New Canaan
Rich C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Nancy W.
26 Dec 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Thank you!
Nancy W.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Amelia H.
6 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A wonderful week
Amelia H.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Richard S.
31 Oct 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful French Manor Retreat
Richard S.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
jan m.
30 May 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing experience!
jan m.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
10/10 Excellent
Waleed M.
22 Aug 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful house in a great location
Waleed M.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
10/10 Excellent
Dan T.
13 Oct 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Magical
Dan T.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021
10/10 Excellent
Cheryl H.
12 Oct 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Mount Holyoke Friends
Cheryl H.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021
10/10 Excellent
Milan T.
8 Sept 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Provence in Fairfield County
Milan T.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
19 Aug 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Multi-Generational Family 50th Wedding Anniversary
Verified traveller
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2021
10/10 Excellent
John S.
19 Jun 2021
Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Unique experience
John S.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2021
10/10 Excellent
Kevin G.
6 Jun 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Family Vacation
Kevin G.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2021
10/10 Excellent
Kate K.
13 May 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing wonderful stay!
Kate K.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021
10/10 Excellent
Greg S., Fort Lauderdale
3 Dec 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Thanksgiving Gathering
Greg S.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2020
10/10 Excellent
Johannes J.
14 Oct 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Magical
Johannes J.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
10/10 Excellent
Maryvonne P.
10 Aug 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Even better than expected; the best holiday house!
Maryvonne P.
Stayed 26 nights in Jul 2020
10/10 Excellent
Eleonora R.
6 Jan 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay
Eleonora R.
Stayed 11 nights in Dec 2019
10/10 Excellent
Margaret C., San Juan PR
10 Oct 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely historic home
Margaret C.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2019
10/10 Excellent
Maja C., Boston, MA
7 Aug 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice stay in a quirky house with great grounds
Maja C.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019
10/10 Excellent
Becky T.
7 Aug 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Exquisite birthday vacation
Becky T.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2019
10/10 Excellent
Kirsten F.
16 Jul 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Hosts + Amazing Accommodations
Kirsten F.
10/10 Excellent
lisa m.
11 Jul 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gorgeous property
lisa m.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019
About the host
Hosted by Gersende and Eduardo
I am French and my husband is Cuban. We speak French, Spanish, Italian and English. We bought the house in 2005 and completely restored it, preserving its character and rich history. We have been living in the US for more than 25+ years.
Why they chose this property
Refer to the description.
It feels like a European vacation all year around. We fell in love with this house & its setting the minute we saw it.
It feels like a European vacation all year around. We fell in love with this house & its setting the minute we saw it.
What makes this property unique
Refer to the description.
Magical, captivating and extremely peaceful and private since it is encapsulated all around by mature trees and plantings. Very close to downtown New Canaan, shopping and transportation.
Magical, captivating and extremely peaceful and private since it is encapsulated all around by mature trees and plantings. Very close to downtown New Canaan, shopping and transportation.
Languages:
English, French, Italian, Spanish
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback




























