Paul Simon's Daughter's Mansion Demolished After Feud with Developers
The dream of a goat farm leads to the demise of a Connecticut estate.
The idyllic Connecticut estate formerly owned by Richard Gere and Paul Simon's daughter, Lulu, has met a tragic end after a long-standing feud with developers. The six-bedroom, seven-bathroom mansion, designed by famed architect Wallace K. Harrison, was originally purchased by Gere in 2001 for $2.8 million. However, after Lulu's plans for a goat farm on the property fell through, the estate was sold to developers for a whopping $15 million in 2014.
The sale sparked controversy and resistance from the community, who saw the mansion as a historic and cultural landmark. Despite protests and petitions, the developers proceeded with their plans to demolish the estate and build a new luxury home in its place.
The demolition of the mansion was a devastating blow to many, including New Canaan's chief preservation officer, who stated, "It's a shame that the community couldn't come together to save this beautiful piece of architecture. It's a loss for all of us." However, the developers saw it as a necessary step in their pursuit of profit and progress.
In a statement, the developers defended their actions, saying, "We understand the sentimental value attached to the mansion, but ultimately, our goal is to create a desirable and profitable property that will benefit the community." This sentiment was echoed by New Canaan's First Selectman, who supported the demolition and praised the developers for their contributions to the town.
Ultimately, the mansion's demise serves as a cautionary tale of the power and influence of developers in the real estate industry. As long as there is money to be made, the preservation of historic and cultural landmarks will always be at risk.
Originally reported by