Connecticut
Marlo Thomas, Phil Donahue's former Connecticut estate sets record with $27.5 million listing
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Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue’s former Connecticut estate is now ready for purchase.
The waterfront home, in the historic town of Westport, has made history as the most expensive listing and will set the record for the most expensive house sold in the state if it sells for the asking price of $27.5 million.
“There are no other properties with the expanse of land, amount of waterfront and level of luxury home available for purchase,” Compass agent Leslie Clarke, who is in charge of the listing, told Mansion Global. “Beachside Avenue is a coveted address, and it’s rare for properties to come on the market.”
Donahue and Thomas bought the property in 2007, and in partnership with architect Roger Ferris + Partners, the powerhouse couple were able to build their dream home. They would go on to sell the estate in 2013, to its current owner, Andrew Bentley, who, according to Mansion Global, paid $20 million for the home.
Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue’s former Connecticut estate is on sale for $27.5 million. (Compass/Getty Images / Fox News)
MARLO THOMAS AND PHIL DONAHUE REFLECT ON THEIR 40-YEAR MARRIAGE: ‘WE WANTED TO PROTECT IT’
The 11,450 square foot home sits on a 6.6-acre property, which includes 400 feet of private walkways on the waterfront. Walking up to the house, guests are greeted by a cobblestone courtyard with a fountain, which is lined by trees and other greenery.
Upon entry, visitors will find a cozy sitting area with a brick fireplace, gray hardwood floors, light-colored wood paneling on the walls, a chandelier and stunning views of the backyard and ocean through glass French doors.
The exterior of the home is lined with trees and features a cobblestone courtyard and a fountain. (Compass / Fox News)
The home’s entrance features a stone fireplace and stunning views of the ocean. (Compass / Fox News)
Also on the main floor is the living room, which includes the white wooden paneling and gray hardwood floors also found in the entry, as well as built-in shelving and a brick fireplace.
Key highlights of the living room include floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the ocean, as well as a circular bay window with cushioned seating and a table in the center, perfect for an additional dining area.
The living room features floor-to-ceiling windows, built-in shelves and a fireplace. (Compass / Fox News)
The sun room features a wood-burning fireplace and is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows. (Compass / Fox News)
Elsewhere on the main floor is the sun room, which is surrounded by glass French doors. The room also features a third brick wood-burning fireplace, gray stone flooring and a second dining area, in addition to unique touches such as the sconces and chandelier with candles on them.
The kitchen and dining room round out the common living spaces on the main floor. The kitchen features plenty of storage and counter space with white cabinets and gray countertops, with a large center island featuring built-in bookshelves.
The kitchen has a big center island with built-in bookshelves. (Compass / Fox News)
The kitchen also features a wine rack and a cooler. (Compass / Fox News)
In addition to the storage space, the kitchen boasts three sinks and top-of-the-line appliances, including a subzero freezer, dishwasher, wine chiller and wine rack.
Just steps away from the kitchen is the dining room, which features light-brown hardwood flooring and space big enough for a table fit for 10 guests.
The dining room is surrounded by French doors on one side and has enough room for a table fit for 10. (Compass / Fox News)
The primary bedroom features a rustic wood ceiling and views of the ocean. (Compass / Fox News)
Three of the home’s bedrooms, including the primary bedroom, are found in the main house, while another two bedrooms are found in a separate wing of the home with its own private entrance, creating the perfect space for overnight guests.
The primary bedroom boasts many unique features, including the rustic barn wood ceiling and a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows providing incredible views of the backyard and ocean.
The primary bedroom boasts a spacious ensuite bathroom and a walk-in closet. (Compass / Fox News)
The newly redesigned sitting room could also work as an office space. (Compass / Fox News)
In addition to the view, the primary bedroom comes with a spacious walk-in closet, as well as an ensuite bathroom featuring sleek white countertops, a bathtub and unique lighting built into the ceiling.
Another highlight of the home is a newly redesigned sitting area or office space, featuring gray built-in shelving, gray hardwood flooring and enough space for a large desk and a full living room setup.
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The home also features a sauna and a gym. (Compass / Fox News)
The home boasts a large laundry room with multiple machines. (Compass / Fox News)
Elsewhere in the home is a full home gym with beautiful panoramic views of the greenery and nature surrounding the home, as well as a spa and steam room with intricate palm tree designs sculpted into the stone walls. In addition, the home boasts a large laundry room, with multiple washing machines and dryers.
The home comes with a four-car garage and a full-sized clay tennis court on the grounds, as well as a patio overlooking the ocean.
The home’s backyard features a patio overlooking the ocean. (Compass / Fox News)
The grounds feature a full-sized clay tennis court. (Compass / Fox News)
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Connecticut
State opens investigation into former New Haven police chief amid stolen money allegations
Connecticut State Police and the Chief State’s Attorney have opened an investigation into former New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobsen and allegations that he misused public funds.
The City of New Haven reported the allegations to State’s Attorney John Doyle on Monday.
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said Monday Jacobson admitted to stealing money from a fund used by the New Haven Police Department to pay for an support its confidential informant program.
Several officers flagged irregularities in the account and notified the three assistant chiefs in the department, according to Elicker. It was then that the assistant chiefs confronted Jacobson on Monday morning.
Elicker said after being confronted, Jacobson admitted to taking the funds. The assistant chiefs then notified Chief Administrative Officer Justin McCarthy, who then notified Elicker.
Jacobson was called in for a meeting with Elicker, where he was to be placed on administrative leave. Elicker said that before the meeting, Jacobson handed in his paperwork to retire, effective immediately.
The mayor was unable to share additional details on how much money was reportedly taken or for how long due to the ongoing investigation.
Assistant Chief David Zannelli has been appointed as the acting police chief.
State police will conduct the investigation and Chief State’s Attorney Patrick Griffin has appointed New Britain Judicial District State’s Attorney Christian Watson to oversee the investigation to avoid any potential conflicts of interest.
Connecticut
Made in Connecticut: Rochambeau Memorial Monument
Connecticut
Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet In South Plainfield Offers Endless Delicious Options
The Greater Danbury area isn’t exactly known as a buffet hotspot, but if you’re willing to venture beyond your zip code, the state delivers some awe-inspiring all-you-can-eat experiences. A recent “Only In Your State” feature crowned one buffet as the best in Connecticut — and that raised a very local question: Do any buffets near Danbury compare?
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The Top 5 Buffets in Connecticut
Topping the statewide list is the Pacific Buffet & Grill in Wallingford, celebrated by Only In Your State as Connecticut’s best. This place is the gold standard, known for its huge seafood selection, sushi bar, hibachi grill, and sheer variety. Crab legs, shrimp, steak, noodles — it’s all here, and it’s why people happily drive across the state for it.
Other standout buffets earning consistent praise include Osaka Hibachi Buffet in Stratford, loved for its cleanliness and sushi options, and Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet in South Plainfield, which boasts hundreds of rotating items and a popular cook-to-order hibachi station. Rounding out the top five are Imperial China Buffet in Watertown a dependable classic, and Royal Buffet Sushi and Grill in New Milford, which is especially important for Greater Danbury diners.
So… What About Buffets Near Danbury?
Here’s the honest truth: Danbury doesn’t have a Pacific-level buffet. But there are a couple of respectable local options. Grand Century Buffet at 1 Padanaram Road remains the city’s most familiar buffet, offering a wide selection at reasonable prices. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done.
Meanwhile, Agogo Asian & Sushi Buffet, 15-19 Backus Ave., has earned strong reviews for quality — especially sushi — even if the buffet itself is smaller than the state’s heavy hitters.
The Bottom Line
If you’re chasing Connecticut’s best buffet, it’s worth the drive. But if you’re staying local, New Milford and Danbury still offer solid options that satisfy the all-you-can-eat craving without a road trip.
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