It’s still early spring, but one thing is hot: Fairfield County real estate.
And no market sizzles more than Weston.
The little (in population) town is big (in square miles, lot size and amenities). It boasts a prime location: between the beaches of Westport and Fairfield, and the hills of Redding, Easton and Wilton. And – surprise! – there’s a lot more going on in Weston than people may think. (Why else would Keith Richards have lived there for years?)
Families in Weston enjoy the privacy of two-acre zoning. There’s plenty of nature (and wildlife) close at hand. But they sure don’t stay home all the time. Outdoor attractions include Trout Brook Valley, a 730-acre preserve with 14 miles of hiking trails. Aspetuck Land Trust owns it, thanks in part to the efforts of Paul Newman. He lived a few yards from Weston, and helped saved the land from developers.
Lucius Pond Ordway/Devil’s Den Preserve is the Connecticut Nature Conservancy’s largest tract of protected land in Fairfield County. Its woodlands, wetlands, rock ledges, streams and swamps are ideal for hiking and bird watching. You’re not supposed to leap from the cliffs into the water, but that’s a rite of passage for generations of youngsters.
It’s legal to swim at 53-acre Bisceglie Park. There’s a pond not far from Weston Center, plus a picnic area, fitness trail, playground, and thee Little League fields. In winter, the cross country skiing is great.
Further north on Route 53, the private Weston Field Club offers year-round activities: tennis, paddle tennis, swimming, boating, trap shooting and fishing, plus a dining room.
Lachat Town Farm is a 42-acre working farm. Educational programs and hands-on activities celebrate the town’s agricultural roots, with a focus on sustainability, nutrition and the arts.
The past is on display too at the Weston Historical Society. Housed at the Coley Homestead, a former working farm, the site includes a carriage house, education center and exhibit hall. (KMS Partners @ Compass is a proud sponsor of the Weston Historical Society – just thought you’d want to know!)
But Weston’s feet are also planted firmly in the 21st century. There’s great, fun dining in nearby Georgetown, at the Milestone Restaurant, Wire Mill Saloon & Barbeque and Black Cat Saloon. Caraluzzi’s Market is top shelf. Viv’s Veggies at Chestnut Farm is always worth a stop.
Of course, as a family town Weston is known for its schools. Ranked at the top of every list, they’re located together, along one campus road. They’re all just a few yards from Weston Center, the shopping and neighbor-meets-neighbor hub of town.
Families (including grown “children” returning home for the holidays) enjoy two traditional Weston events.
The Memorial Day parade features tons of kids marching with sports teams, Scout troops, bands and other groups. Watching wave after wave go by, parents and grandparents realize Weston is not so small after all.
Fourth of July fireworks draw crowds to the Weston schools campus. Families and friends gather early in the evening, enjoying picnics before watching the displays on blankets and lawn chairs. A live band always adds to the fun.
That’s what’s happening in Weston. For the most up-to-date news, stop at the Onion Barn across from the Center. It’s where everyone in town hangs posters and notices of upcoming events.
Then call the KMS Team @ Compass. We look forward to showing you the “real” Weston.
But don’t overdress. Remember: Weston is hot.