I
n New Canaan, Connecticut, lies an expansive estate with a Cold War past and a mysterious owner, Huguette Clark, the reclusive heiress of copper tycoon William A. Clark. In 1951, Clark purchased the property as a sanctuary for her family and friends in case of a Soviet attack on New York City. However, she never furnished or lived in the residence, according to her biography "Empty Mansions."

    The estate's current owners, fashion designer Reed Krakoff and his wife Delphine, a renowned interior designer, purchased it in 2014 for $14.3 million after being captivated by Clark's story. They invested over $10 million in renovations, updating systems, appliances, and reconfiguring the floor plan while maintaining the property's historical charm.

    The main residence spans 14,300 square feet with nine bedrooms, multiple fireplaces, a two-bedroom caretaker's cottage, and a guest house turned gym. The Krakoffs added features like a playroom-turned-hangout space, a theater with vintage seats, and an outdoor 1.25-mile jogging trail, gray tennis court, and a 60-foot pool inspired by Central Park's ponds.

    Despite the property's grandeur, the Krakoffs are now ready to move on, citing that it's too large for their needs. The estate is listed for $25.5 million, with its unique history and charm making it an attractive prospect for potential buyers. However, the market for high-end properties in the area is slow due to a shortage of quality inventory.

    The property's 52 acres have been approved for subdivision into 10 lots, each potentially supporting a $10 million home. If sold in full, it could rank among the most expensive sales in the area, although Johnson notes that the market is slow and not due to a lack of buyers but rather a shortage of quality inventory.