William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty Lists Former Home of Playwright and Author Joseph Hayes

Writer of “The Desperate Hours” and other works designed home as a remodel of Tudor-style castle in South of England

Brookfield, Conn. – August 18, 2014 – William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty announced that the company has listed an English-style home designed and once owned by renowned writer Joseph Hayes, best known for his novel, play and screenplay “The Desperate Hours,” the film of which starred Humphrey Bogart. Danbury agent Deborah Pizzo has the listing, which is being sold by current owners Stephen and Susan Kelley for $1,250,000.

Hayes designed the residence in 1966 and while living there hosted theatrical performances in the home by numerous celebrities, such as the well-known contralto singer and Civil Rights activist Marian Anderson. Inspired by his penchant for medieval theatre, Hayes modeled the residence after a Tudor-style castle in the South of England known as Arundel. Unique details include a three-inch-thick iron-studded front door with iron latches and bolts from an Austrian castle, original iron handrails and rare blue-stone flooring in the foyer, a great room fireplace mantel from a castle in Germany, a cathedral ceiling and antique timbers.

With five bedrooms and three full and two half baths, the residence has 4,620 square feet of living area including a great room with conversation pit, formal dining room and kitchen with fireplace set in brick, original chestnut flooring, granite countertops, six-burner gas stove top, island and sliders leading to outdoor decking. The home has two master suites, one including a gas fireplace and full bath, and the other with walk-in closet, spa-like bath and gas fireplace with mantel of molded marble.

The estate’s nearly six professionally manicured acres are surrounded by mature plantings and include two ponds as well as a guest cottage with kitchenette and full bath.

“This serene utopia combines flawless English-style architectural detailing with an exquisite setting, resulting in one of the finest estates in Fairfield County,” said Pizzo. “The home is rich in history and makes for a rare and exciting buying opportunity.”

For more information on the property, 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 26 brokerages spanning Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Westchester County, New York. William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, combined with partner firm Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty, is the largest Sotheby’s International Realty(R) affiliate globally, the third-fastest-growing real estate company nationally, and the 23rd-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 more than 14,000 sales associates located in 700 offices throughout the United States and 50 other countries and territories.

William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty Contact:

Deborah Pizzo

[email protected]

203.240.8120

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