Places
Crops, Vines and Room to Roam: Self-Sustaining Homes on the Market
by Elliman Insider Team
October 2024
By Grace Cassidy
Leaving the hustle and bustle of the city in search of peace and quiet in the country is a tale as old as time—and a persistent fantasy for many urban dwellers looking to get back to the land.
If you’ve ever yearned for an opportunity to put down roots on a plot of land where you can grow your own food, let the dogs, cats and other scampering types roam free and live in a more self-sustaining way, then these four incredible properties might just tempt you to pull the trigger.
485 Laurel Road, New Canaan, Conn. | $7,250,000
The sprawling 17.5-acre Extown Farm includes three separate residences that comprise a private, one-of-a-kind compound. The main 7,000-square-foot, five-bedroom farmhouse was once a part of the historic farm, dating back to 1846. Restored in 2023, the home now features modern amenities and historic period details. The three-car garage houses a second-floor, two-bedroom apartment, while an additional guest house has been updated for the needs of the contemporary buyer. A manicured garden, horse barn, vegetable garden and wide-open lawns are included.
46 Roos Road, Sandwich, Mass. | $7,999,000
Spanning 35 acres on the Cape Cod Bay, this Sandwich estate is one of the largest seaside farms in Barnstable County. The property hosts a custom-built green home, charming guest house and a large barn, plus protected agriculture, water rights and a private beach. There are five freshwater ponds, three deep-water wells, solar ground panels and irrigation specifically designed for agriculture—ideal for growing crops or hosting solar and wind generators or hydroponics.
Photo by Robert Vente. Photo by Robert Vente. Photo by Robert Vente.
7596 Sonoma Mountain Road, Glen Ellen, Calif. | $32.5 million
Nestled in the beautiful Sonoma Mountains in Napa Valley, this 156-acre retreat truly has everything needed to live right within its borders, including two modern homes, an agricultural barn, redwood forest, gardens and a 42-acre organic and sustainable vineyard. The main house spans nearly 11,000 square feet, with soaring ceilings, walls of windows, a wine cellar and a state-of-the-art kitchen. The primary bedroom features a fireplace and direct access to a patio, while the attached bathroom offers a spa-like experience with separate vanities and a luxurious soaking tub.
Photo by Jeff Elson. Photo by Jeff Elson. Photo by Jeff Elson.
24810 Jacob Hamblin Road, Hidden Hills, Calif. | 9.95 million
Sited on 1.6 acres of land in beautiful Hidden Hills, this magnificent property includes a main house, guest house, detached gym, covered patio with a fireplace and barbecue pavilion, fit pit, in-ground trampoline, putting green, pool and spa, drought-tolerant gardens and a mature fruit orchard with citrus and avocado trees. The main house, originally built in 1964, has been reimagined to modern tastes, complete with white oak flooring and cabinets, a chef’s kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances and four bedroom suites. Meanwhile, the guest house features a brand-new kitchen and bathroom.