Town Of Darien In Contract To Purchase Great Island: Report

DARIEN, CT — The town of Darien recently moved one step closer to purchasing one of Fairfield County's crown jewels.

The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that Darien is in contract to purchase Great Island for more than $100 million. According to the Redfin listing for the island, the property isn't available for purchase anymore, and is listed as "contingent on contract." The property is listed by Douglas Elliman of Connecticut LLC.

"The signing of the contract is just the first step in a process, which includes several levels of approvals from other Town officials," Darien First Selectman Monica McNally said in a statement. Further information will not be released at this time, she said.

The Board of Selectmen is scheduled to meet June 6, and McNally said she expects to be able to share the town's intentions with the property after the meeting.

During the May 16 Board of Selectmen meeting, McNally gave an update on the potential acquisition.

"I continue to research all facets of this property including but not limited to funding possible uses," she said. "Meetings are being held regularly and I hope to provide more information in the near future."

The 60-acre island has belonged to the same family for generations, and it's considered one of the largest remaining undeveloped pieces of land in the area.

The WSJ reported that Royal Baking Powder Company Founder William Ziegler purchased the island around 1900.

The property stayed in Ziegler's family following his death in 1905, the WSJ said, adding that the current seller is a trust controlled by the Steinkraus family, who are descendants of Ziegler’s granddaughter.

The centerpiece of the property is a 13,000 square foot manor, the listing on Redfin says. There is also a three-bedroom stone house, 19th century farmhouse, seaside bungalow and a beach cottage with a sandy beach and deep-water dock.

An equestrian facility on the island has an 18-stall granite stable, indoor and outdoor rings, polo field, paddocks and riding trails.

Read more from The Wall Street Journal

View the Redfin listing here