113-Year-Old Home Built by Composer Charles Ives Hits the Market
Plenty of historic homes have a documented brush with greatness in their past.
But few offer the impressive history of a 1913 property that was not only designed and built by a Pulitzer-winning composer—but that also served as the site where he composed some of the most important music in U.S. history.
Yet that is exactly what Charles Ives‘ former abode has brought to the table in Connecticut, where it recently hit the market for $3.95 million—more than 110 years after the modernist composer completed it.
The Arts and Crafts retreat, which is perched on 18 acres in West Redding, CT, was built by Ives as a “summer retreat.” However, it ended up serving as his main residence for five decades, until his death in 1954.
Ives originally bought the lush parcel on Umpawaug Hill in 1912 and constructed his country retreat there, complete with a classic red barn and an ice house.
Widely considered America’s first great modernist composer, Ives first formed a love of music as a child, growing up in nearby Danbury, CT. He continued to pursue that passion through his formative years and into his studies at Yale University.
However, when he left college, Ives did not pursue a career in music, but rather in the insurance industry. He began his professional life as an actuary, before becoming an insurance agent. He carried on composing music during his free time.
In the end, Ives would become renowned for his music, composing multiple pieces that, according to NPR, went largely unperformed during his lifetime, but later exemplified some of the greatest modernist music in U.S. history.
While the greater public may not have been introduced to his works until after his death, Ives did gain recognition for his experimental works that were considered decades ahead of their time. He even won a Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1947 for his Symphony No. 3, “The Camp Meeting.”
During his time in the West Redding property, Ives composed two additional symphonies—Symphony No. 4 and “A Symphony: New England Holidays”—and began a third. He also wrote chamber orchestra pieces, overtures, and other works in the 40 years that he resided in his idyllic retreat, all while commuting by train to Manhattan for his day job.
Today, the West Redding abode bears many of the hallmarks from Ives’ original property design, albeit with some careful upgrades and restorations that were carried out in the years since it was sold by his family.
The result, according to the listing, is a property that “seamlessly pairs vintage authenticity with ultra-luxury modern updates. Inside, original architectural integrity shines.”
Inside, the great room is the first space to deliver drama with its double-height, wood-beamed ceiling, an original paned picture window, and custom staircase balusters shaped like musical staff notes.
The country-chic kitchen features La Cornue, Miele, and Bosch appliances; a built-in banquette; and a fireplace inset with vintage tile.
The second-floor primary suite offers a marble bath, an expansive walk-in closet, and views of the rolling Connecticut hills beyond.
The true soul of the property can be found in the studio—the very room where Ives composed his award-winning masterpieces. It remains entirely intact, down to the untouched hardwood floors. However, its famous contents were donated to the American Academy of Arts and Letters, which re-created the room as a permanent exhibit in 2014.
“Retain your own inspiration in the original music studio/office where Ives composed, complete with untouched original hardwood floors,” the listing says.
Outside, the sprawling grounds function as a private resort. They feature manicured lawns and lush trees creating a natural barrier from prying eyes.
Stone steps from the main house lead to a track to a one-bedroom guest cottage, which could also be transformed into a pool house, thanks to its proximity to the heated infinity-edge pool, which comes with a built-in spa.
Elsewhere on the grounds are a tennis court and the original timber-frame red barn built by Ives. The latter has since been updated with a new foundation and roof.
With all of those amenities and such a rich history, it is perhaps unsurprising that the property, which is listed by Roni Agress of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, secured an offer mere days after hitting the market.
Records show that the deal is “contingent,” meaning that the seller has accepted an offer, but the sale has yet to close.
“Effortlessly sophisticated, enchantingly rustic, a rare opportunity and an absolute masterpiece of living history,” the listing adds.
For buyers seeking a home with a musical legacy just 60 miles from Manhattan, this property hits every note.
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