Our host, the Westport Parks and Recreation Department, tells us:
"The land and buildings known as the Baron's South is actually made up
of seven parcels of land, five on South Compo Road and two on Imperial
Avenue. In 1867, at least part of this land was owned by the Winslow
family who resided across the street in a mansion on what is now
Winslow Park. Over the years, pieces were sold off and houses built.
In 1967, Baron von Langerdorff, founder of Evyan Perfumes, purchased
the property. He created the first American perfume, "White
Shoulders", in his laboratory located on the estate. The property, a
rolling woodland compound, had formal gardens and estate landscaping.
The Baron raised some exotic flowers in the gardens and green house
for use in his perfumes created on the property. During Baron von
Langerdorff's ownership, the property was called "Golden Shadows",
along with the present main Georgian-style brick house. The Town of
Westport purchased the 22+ acre parcel in January, 1999."
Let's hike in to the main house first... These buildings are usually not open to the public, but today, we're welcome.
Strolling about the first floor, we see several large rooms. What a view, through that bay window!
The metalwork gleams in the Butler's Pantry.
An elegant staircase beckons upstairs... but we are off to another building.
This 1910 Tudor Style residence is considerably less elegant outside. It is 4,640 sq. ft in size, located atop a hill overlooking South Compo Road.
It also needs some roof work.
When it's open, we can walk around on the left side, facing Compo Road
South.
From the porch, an open door bids us enter.
The rooms here are smaller and less elegant.
And the kitchen has not been remodeled lately.
Skipping the several small rooms upstairs, we walk outside...
Passing in front of Golden Shadows, we cross over to 52 South Compo
Road. This was the Visitor's Guest House. It's a 1916 Tudor Style,
with a 2-car garage and chauffeur's apartment above, adding up to
2,934 sq. ft.
This house, too, has a room with a view.
Though the ceiling needs some work in another spot.
That concludes our tour. Thanks for coming!