Connecticut’s Most Expensive Home Hits the Market for $100 Million: Historic Waterfront Estate Cedar Cliff Debuts in Greenwich
Cedar Cliff Becomes the Most Expensive Home for Sale in Connecticut
A rare piece of Connecticut real estate history has entered the market with a staggering $100 million asking price. Known as Cedar Cliff, the landmark waterfront estate at 108 Cedar Cliff Road in Riverside has officially become the most expensive home currently listed for sale in Connecticut, setting a new benchmark for luxury property across the state.
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Positioned on a private 2.91-acre peninsula overlooking Long Island Sound, the Mediterranean-style compound commands more than 1,250 feet of direct waterfront and offers uninterrupted views stretching from Greenwich Harbor to the Manhattan skyline. Elevated above the flood zone and surrounded by water on three sides, the estate occupies one of the most coveted residential settings on the East Coast.
Listed by Leslie McElwreath of Sotheby’s International Realty, Cedar Cliff combines architectural heritage, resort-caliber amenities, and a legacy that spans more than a century.
A Gilded Age Legacy on One of Greenwich’s Finest Waterfront Sites
Long before it became one of Connecticut’s most celebrated private residences, the property formed part of the estate of railroad magnate Henry Francis Shoemaker. The grounds later served as the famed Cedar Cliff Beach Club during the Roaring Twenties, helping establish the shoreline as one of Greenwich’s most prestigious waterfront enclaves.
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Today, the estate remains privately tucked away within Riverside’s exclusive Indian Head Association, a coveted waterfront community known for its privacy, beach access, and proximity to Manhattan.
The home itself was originally constructed in 1930 and has been carefully expanded and modernized over the decades while preserving its timeless Mediterranean character. Terracotta rooflines, grand archways, and elegant proportions create an architectural presence rarely found in contemporary luxury construction.

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Eight Bedrooms Framed by Water Views
Spanning approximately 13,163 square feet, the residence offers eight bedrooms, fourteen bathrooms, and a series of formal and informal living spaces designed to maximize the property’s extraordinary setting.
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Virtually every major room enjoys sweeping water views. Soaring ceilings, intricate millwork, antique wood flooring, and classic pre-war craftsmanship create an atmosphere of understated elegance. The interiors balance historic charm with modern luxury, resulting in spaces that feel both grand and welcoming.
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A three-level elevator connects the residence, while a professional recording studio reflects the estate’s history as the longtime home of television personality Kathie Lee Gifford and her late husband, NFL Hall of Famer Frank Gifford. Over the years, the home welcomed numerous notable guests from the worlds of entertainment and sports.
A Private East Wing Adds Modern Luxury
One of the estate’s most significant enhancements arrived in the early 2000s with the addition of a substantial East Wing.
This newer section introduces a luxurious primary suite overlooking the Sound, accompanied by a custom office, climate-controlled wine cellar, and a private theater capable of seating up to twenty guests. The expansion transformed Cedar Cliff into a true modern compound while remaining architecturally consistent with the original residence.
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The result is a home equally suited for intimate family living or large-scale entertaining.
Resort Amenities Rival the World’s Finest Coastal Estates
The outdoor experience at Cedar Cliff rivals that of a private luxury resort.

A deep-water dock and substantial stone pier provide immediate access to Long Island Sound, allowing owners to move seamlessly between estate life and boating excursions. A waterfront tennis court with lighting and pergola offers championship-level play against a backdrop of open water.
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Near the shoreline, a resort-style swimming pool and spa are complemented by a fully equipped cabana featuring a fitness center, changing facilities, and kitchenette. Multiple stone terraces descend toward the water, while a bluestone bar overlooks Greenwich Cove and the protected landscape of Greenwich Point Park.
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The expansive lawns create a dramatic visual connection between the residence and the shoreline, offering a setting capable of hosting events on a scale rarely achievable in the Northeast luxury market.

A Trophy Property Less Than an Hour from Manhattan
Few estates combine privacy, waterfront access, and connectivity as effectively as Cedar Cliff.
The property offers private beach privileges, watercraft facilities, and quick access to Westchester County Airport. Midtown Manhattan can be reached in under an hour, making the estate an attractive option for executives seeking a primary residence or weekend retreat without sacrificing accessibility.
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Its location within Greenwich is particularly significant. Fairfield County has become one of the strongest luxury housing markets in the United States, with Riverside’s 06878 ZIP code ranking among the nation’s most expensive residential areas.
Why Cedar Cliff Matters in the Connecticut Luxury Market
The $100 million asking price places Cedar Cliff in a category occupied by only a handful of trophy properties nationwide.
According to local reports, it currently stands as Connecticut’s most expensive active residential listing, surpassing every other property on the market by a considerable margin. If it approaches its asking price, the transaction would rank among the largest residential sales in Connecticut history.
More importantly, the estate represents something increasingly difficult to replicate: nearly three acres of private waterfront land, extensive shoreline frontage, deep-water access, historic provenance, and proximity to New York City.
For ultra-high-net-worth buyers seeking a generational asset rather than simply a luxury residence, opportunities of this caliber emerge only rarely.
Property Overview
108 Cedar Cliff Road, Riverside, Connecticut 06878
- Price: $100,000,000
- Bedrooms: 8
- Bathrooms: 14
- Interior Space: 13,163 Square Feet
- Lot Size: 2.91 Acres
- Year Built: 1930
Listing on Zillow
Listing Information
Listed by Leslie McElwreath, Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage
Phone: 917-539-3654