Rumors that the historic Roger Sherman Inn was going to be sold were sadly confirmed last night when the property boasting - 17-bedrooms, 7-dining rooms, bar, lounge and 1.8 acres of land went on the market for a cool $6 million, plus $43 thousand in annual taxes.
Dating back to the 1700's, the Roger Sherman Inn was originally called the Mitchell-Bond House. Named after the Reverend Justus Mitchell - the fourth minister of the Congregational Church of Canaan Parish who built it and William Bond - the New York financier who bought it in 1868. Bond went on to re-model and expanded the house to its current size.
In 1925 the private residence was turned into the Holmewood Inn. A carriage house with ten more guest rooms was added. After the Inn changed hands several times, it was renamed Roger Sherman Inn after the famous Connecticut patriot - who had the distinction of being the only delegate to the Continental Congress to sign all four of the key documents of the Revolutionary period. He later became the first mayor of New Haven and one of Connecticut’s first United States Senators.
Roger Sherman's niece - Martha lived in the house from 1783 - 1806. Her father - the Reverend Josiah Sherman, was a chaplain of the 7th Connecticut Line Regiment during the Revolutionary War. Her younger brother - Roger Minott Sherman, who grew up to become a prominent Connecticut lawyer, judge and legislator, was prepared for Yale University at the school established by Reverend Mitchell in their home.
Two murals are depicted in the main dining room of the Inn, which are part of a series of 'Views of the American War of Independence', created in the 1850's by the highly respected wallpaper and fabric designer Jean Zuber. Zuber, used earlier American landscapes as backdrops for impressive scenes.
Current owners, restaurateurs Joseph and Nes Jaffre purchased the Inn in 2008 and turned it into the elegant venue, frequented by locals and visitors. With its rich history and location so close to New Canaan town center, we can only wait to see who snaps up one of Connecticut's oldest landmarks.
For further details on the property click HERE
The Roger Sherman, 195 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, CT 06840
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