Connecticut

$7.7M Hartland's Castle in Connecticut, a Getaway for the Rich and Famous During the Roaring '20s

Published

2 years ago

July 30, 2024

.7M Hartland's Castle in Connecticut, a Getaway for the Rich and Famous During the Roaring '20s

Hartland’s Castle, an iconic mansion by the sea in Old Saybrook, CT, is on the market for $7,749,000. It comes with a fascinating history.

The 11-bedroom chateau with 15,000 square feet of living space was built in 1908 for an American heiress and her husband.

“It was built for George Watson Beach and his wife, Elizabeth Colt Jarvis Beach, with aspirations to be the equal of the Newport summer cottages,” says listing agent Chuck Haller. “The 40-room home was designed by Alfredo S.G. Taylor in English Tudor Revival style.”

Elizabeth, the niece of gun manufacturer Samuel Colt, and her husband already owned hundreds of acres in the area, as well as a home in Hartford. Their beach house was completed in just two years and was said to include a clock tower that chimed every half-hour to the tune of “Don’t Say Goodbye, Say Au Revoir.”

In 1923, Otto Lindbergh, uncle of aviator Charles Lindbergh, purchased the castle for $75,000 and turned it into a hotel for the rich and famous. Guests included big names like Howard Hughes, Helen Hayes, Clark Gable, Charlie Chaplin, Frank Sinatra, and Doris Day, among others.

The terrace outside Hartland’s Castle

(JPro Photo)

Over the years, the property changed hands several times. The current owner, Maria Rand, picked it up in 2007 for just over $2 million.

The property was renovated and turned back into a private residence. Original details include 11 fireplaces; a three-story, hand-carved cherry staircase; and a gentleman’s smoking room.

“The home includes a turret with a sitting area on top, a media room, an infinity-edge pool, and an elevator,” Haller says. “A two-car garage with a one-bedroom apartment was also added.”

The town is a popular summer destination, Haller says. “Old Saybrook is a seashore town. There are beaches, parks, and marinas, and the main street offers unique shopping and dining opportunities.”

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Connecticut

Diesel fuel spill shuts two lanes on I-91 north in Wethersfield

Published

9 hours ago

June 20, 2026

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Diesel fuel spill shuts two lanes on I-91 north in Wethersfield

WETHERSFIELD, Conn. (WFSB) – A tractor trailer’s diesel fuel saddle tank ruptured on I-91 north between exits 25 and 27, state police said.

Approximately 25 to 30 gallons of fuel was released to the road surface, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. No ground soil or waterways were involved, DEEP said.

The two right lanes were closed, according to the state Department of Transportation.

No other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported, state police said.

Wethersfield Fire Department solidified the diesel fuel on the ground surface with Speedy Dry, DEEP said. An environmental cleanup contractor was en route for cleanup.

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Connecticut

Person hospitalized in Westport crash that briefly closed I-95, officials say

Published

20 hours ago

June 19, 2026

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Person hospitalized in Westport crash that briefly closed I-95, officials say

WESTPORT — A two-vehicle crash on Interstate 95 caused a traffic slowdown stretching for miles into Fairfield Friday afternoon, according to state officials.

The crash scene has since been cleared.

Connecticut State Police said the two-car crash was reported near Exit 17 in the southbound lanes at 3:03 p.m.

One driver was taken to the hospital for reported injuries, the agency said.

The crash closed the right lane of the highway, causing cars and trucks to be backed up for miles along I-95 into Fairfield, traffic cameras showed.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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Connecticut

Joe Deko Appointed to State Legislature’s Group Studying Prepaid Funeral Contracts to Protect Consumers

Published

1 day ago

June 19, 2026

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Joe Deko Appointed to State Legislature’s Group Studying Prepaid Funeral Contracts to Protect Consumers

Reviewing contract structures: Examining issues related to pre-need funeral contracts and cremation service agreements.
Strengthening oversight: Recommending stronger consumer protections and improvements to state regulation of the funeral services industry.
Developing compensation mechanisms: Creating rules for distributing funds to affected consumers and exploring the framework for a future industry-backed guarantee fund.

Deko took to Facebook to share the news.

“I am honored to announce my appointment to the Connecticut State working group focused on reviewing and strengthening Connecticut’s prepaid funeral laws.

This important effort brings together professionals and stakeholders committed to ensuring that prepaid funeral arrangements continue to serve and protect Connecticut families while maintaining the highest standards within our profession.

I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute my experience and perspective to this process and look forward to working collaboratively with fellow members of the group.

A special thank you to Senator Paul Cicarella for his confidence in me and for entrusting me with this appointment. Your support and leadership are greatly appreciated. I look forward to helping shape thoughtful policies that will benefit Connecticut families and the funeral profession for years to come.”

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