"Mallard Pond" Estate

This is the former Ridgefield, CT mansion of Stephen J. Bruno and Lisa Bruno. The original listed price was for $7,995,000, but it eventually sold on April 18, 2011 for $3,700,000.

This Ridgefield estate was inspired by the red brick construction, period molding and trim of Virginia Plantation Homes, is spread out over six acres, and features stone walls and a natural stock pond. The home was featured on NBC's LXTV channel. It was also the subject of two legal issues involing the Bruno family.

Influenced by five later 18th and 19th century Virginia plantation homes still standing today, the majestic architecture combines classical and symmetrical design elements of Colonial, English, Georgian and Jefferson styles circa 1785. The home is painstakingly crafted using period authentic materials, moldings and patterns while incorporating today's most sophisticated modern conveniences. Featuring hand-made red brick construction, balustrade-capped poticos and balconies, colonnaded piazza, arched covered arcade, formal courtyards and gardens, groin and barrel vaulted ceilings, grand stairways, moldings and trim, this special home expresses the grandeur of a bygone era. Gracious living meets state of the art technology in this, designed to meet every need of today's most sophisticated homeowner. Vantage fully programmable lighting, fully wired for computerized control system (e.g. Crestron) with in-wall touch panels, wireless or fully wired environment, whole house surge protector and automatic generator, invisible canine fencing on entire approximate six acres, and ten authentic period gas lamps lit at the touch of a switch, are just some of the high tech features. The vast acreage includes stone walls, meadows, and pastures, meandering brooks, and the picturesque pond, home to the ever present mallard ducks. In addition: 10,586 finished square feet; expansion potential of 1,074 square feet on third floor and 384 square feet in studio above detached garage; five bedrooms, five full and two half baths; six bedroom septic system; eight fireplaces; five car garages, American Cherry floors consistent with those used 250 years ago; natural stone tiles and counters used throughout the house including granite, marble and limestone; all closets with organizing systems; ten foot ceilings on main level; nine foot ceilings on second floor and lower level; fully customizable lighting system; fully wired for computerized control system (Creston) to integrate security, climate, lighting, audio and video and Sirius satellite, cable and I-pod options; 24-hour monitored and recorded security system with three exterior camera views; whole house sound system; 50-year slate composite roof; and more. A true architectural masterpiece.