A Year After Funeral Home Controversy, Vernon Mansion Remains On The Market — At Relative Bargain Price

VERNON, CT — A year after a stately hilltop Victorian mansion and former funeral home in the Rockville section of Vernon went vacant amid allegations of professional wrongdoing, it remains for sale.

And at a relative bargain price — $499,900.

The formal listing for 76 Prospect St. is by Berkshire Hathaway and can be seen here.

The Berkshire Hathaway listing describes the light blue mansion, built in 1892, as measuring 9,600-plus-square-feet with historic architectural details and three levels of finished living space. The property has six bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms and a partially finished basement.

The home's most distinctive feature is a third-floor ballroom measuring more than 50 feet in length. The room features hardwood floors, ornate brass chandeliers, a vaulted ceiling painted sky blue, original custom millwork, built-in window seats and arched alcoves. A fireplace nook surrounded by leaded stained-glass windows adds to the room's historic character.

Throughout the house, the listing highlights carved wood panels, handcrafted trim and other original details reflecting the craftsmanship of an earlier era. The property is described as offering opportunities for entertaining, creative uses or additional living space. It is situated on a quiet street near shops, schools and parks.

The listing characterizes the property as a distinctive historic home that combines its stately Colonial architecture and preserved craftsmanship with substantial interior space and the opportunity for a new owner to adapt the property to modern needs.

Philip Pietras, a Connecticut funeral director and embalmer, had his license was revoked amid allegations that he misappropriated prepaid funeral funds.

The Burke-Fortin/Small and Pietras home was based in the mansion.

The business unraveled in 2025 as the allegations spanned throughout the chain of funeral homes. The embezzlements supported extensive gambling and traveling habits, according to case records.

The mansion sits on .89 acres.