William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty Lists Former Home of Gerard P. Herrick, Inventor of One of the Earliest Convertible Aircrafts

Historic county manor located on Ridgefield’s highly desirable High Ridge Avenue

Ridgefield, Conn. – January 7, 2016 – William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty announced today that the firm has listed a 1900s Colonial estate previously owned by Gerard P. Herrick, the creator of the HV-2A Vertaplane, an aircraft that operated with both conventional airplane and helicopter capabilities. The manor home, which resides in the town of Ridgefield, Conn., is represented by Wilton agent JoAnne Fisher, and offered at $3,150,000.

Gerard P. Herrick, a lawyer who often tinkered with engineering, successfully created a convertible aircraft, or “Convertiplane,” that operated with both conventional airplane and helicopter modes, offering vertical take-off and landing. The HV-2A began flying successfully in 1936, and could cruise at 100 mph with only 60 feet of runway to take off. Despite varying models, the HV-2A aircraft served as the main model for all future Convertiplanes. Herrick, subsequently known as the “dean of convertible aircraft designers,” used 77 High Ridge Avenue as his summer retreat, eventually moving here permanently with his wife, Lois, until his death in 1955. Lois remained until her death in 1980. A large HV-2A propeller later found in the residence’s garage was sent to the Smithsonian Institution, where it remains preserved and on display.

The historic Ridgefield home, originally constructed in 1900, and its surrounding 3.16-acre property have undergone numerous updates and changes. During alterations to the lawns and the driveway, a British cannon ball was unearthed. According to town records, the cannon ball had been fired during the Battle of Ridgefield on Main Street, April 27, 1777. In addition to its vast, history-rich location, the property consists of a Colonial-style main house with wraparound porches, a two-story pool house and mosaic-tiled pool, a tennis court, as well as a detached garage with a full gym and separate caretaker, rental or home office cottage with its own private entrance. The main residence encompasses formal public rooms with old-world detail, family rooms, various updated features, amenities and more.

“The estate offers exquisite character both inside and out,” said Fisher. “Any lucky future homeowner is sure to love the luxury and charming private setting of this stunning country manor, which conveniently resides within walking distance of Ridgefield’s village center.”

In total, the estate offers seven bedrooms, six full and three half baths and 8,128 square feet of space.

For more information on the property, located at 77 High Ridge Avenue, please visit the firm’s website here.

About William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty

Founded in 1949, William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty manages a $3.3-billion-plus portfolio with more than 1,000 sales associates in 29 brokerages spanning Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Westchester County, New York. William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty is the largest Sotheby’s International Realty(R) affiliate globally and the 28th-largest real estate company by sales volume in the United States. A full-service real estate firm headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty provides ancillary services including commercial services through its affiliation with Building and Land Technology, a second-generation development company based in Stamford, Connecticut; William Pitt Insurance Services; and an award-winning global relocation division. For more information, visit the website at williampitt.com.

Sotheby’s International Realty’s worldwide network includes approximately 17,000 sales associates located in approximately 828 offices throughout 61 countries and territories.

William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty Contact:

JoAnne Fisher

Real Estate Agent

[email protected]

203.858.0749

 

 

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PR WebThe New York Times
Jan 07