Rowayton

ROWAYTON: LUXURIOUS SAILING LIFESTYLE.

John Frederick Kensett, the famed 19th Century landscape painter of the Hudson School frequently captured the seascape along Rowayton’s coastal waters. 

Home to some of Long Island Sound’s finest sandy beaches—with a public Bayley Beach and two private beaches, Rowayton retains its quintessential charm as a boater’s haven and former oyster village. Five Mile River edges Rowayton; the Sound frames two sides and the quiet coves of Farm Creek are at its very heart. Residents enjoy poetic and picturesque water views — which is often why people gravitate to million dollar homes within this quiet yet exciting village. 

THE PEOPLE, COMMUTE AND CULTURE

Rowayton, a community of about 4,000 people, is officially part of the city of  Norwalk and located 40 miles from  New York City. Residents enjoy the convenience of having both a Metro North railway station and an exit off Interstate 95. The town also greatly benefits from an active Arts Center, Historical Society, Public Library, Gardeners Club and Parents Exchange. 

In summer, the postcard-worthy harbor near Pinkney Park is an idyllic setting for Shakespeare performances and there’s a community festival that brings the entire village out. Rowayton Elementary School is also located within town, offering parents’ convenient drop off and pickup after school. 

A small commercial area of shops, restaurants and offices anchors the village. The United Church of Rowayton, a circa 1960s structure by architect Joseph Salerno attracts attention with a graceful sloping spire that resembles a seashell. The waterfront deck at  Rowayton Market is the place to meet for coffee with a nautical view.  Private Roton Point Association has a pool, a private beach, sailing regattas and a summer camp. The public beach is Bayley Beach, right next door. Fireworks are launched from a barge off the beach on the Fourth of July.

ROWAYTON REAL ESTATE INSIGHTS

Sited on a tiny 1.4-square-mile peninsula that hooks into the Long Island Sound, the village of Rowayton feels like a Nantucket neighborhood of wonderfully maintained, charming and classic homes nestled on narrow and winding streets. Residents become so fond of this quaint boating and sailing community they seldom want to leave - despite the fact that most houses and condos offer less option for space or land, as compared to other towns like Darien and New Canaan. Renovated homes with creative expansions to traditional Cape Cods and Shingle Styles are the norm and many will agree the relaxed, friendly lifestyle is well worth it.  

THE HISTORY

An oyster center until the mid-1800s, Rowayton gained fame as a summer destination for New Yorkers and locals in nearby Darien and Norwalk. People traveled by steam boat and trolley car to enjoy Roton Point Amusement Park that once occupied the lovely beachfront area. On the National Register of Historic Places, the Rock Ledge Estate on Highland Avenue is reminiscent of this area’s long standing ties to a privileged society.  These beautiful grounds are today home for the Rowayton Community Center and the Rowayton Library. The mansion and attached office building previously owned by Hewitt Associates is now home to Graham Capital Management.