"The Gathering Place" - Connecticut's Ultimate Family Compound Now on the Market for US$12.5 Million

New Canaan, CT, July 29, 2009 --(PR.com)-- A veritable private wonderland for parents and children alike, “The Hawes Estate” in New Canaan, Connecticut, is now on the market for US$12.5 million. Presented by Barbara Cleary’s Realty Guild, with international marketing services by Christie’s Great Estates, this glorious family compound features a charming country home, guest cottage, glorious trout-pond setting, and a one-of-a-kind 10,600-square- foot sports pavilion, set upon on more than six acres.

“The Gathering Place” was created by Rodney and Beverly Hawes—long-time Connecticut residents and grandparents to more than 20 children—out of a dream to provide the ultimate entertainment place for family and friends. The main country house, with its seven bedrooms, six full and two half baths, has 9,244-square-feet of living space, and provides a relaxing setting of comfortable, well-thought-out design. A living room with a vaulted wood ceiling and stone fireplace, an adjacent sun room with sliding doors to a large deck, a beautiful dining room with wide-plank black-walnut floors and a buffet station, and a gourmet kitchen with custom alder-wood cabinetry and a granite island and countertops, as well as top-of-the-line appliances from Miele and Gaggenau, are among the many charms of the residence.

Resembling a classic New England barn from the outside, the sports pavilion offers a myriad of recreational delights for children of all ages. Three levels of family fun begin with an indoor NBA-level half basketball court and a professional stage with a Broadway-quality lighting and sound system. Overlooking these two unique areas is a dining room, which comfortably seats more than 25 guests. Just off the basketball court, a mirrored exercise and dance room offers a steamshower bath. The second-floor accommodations offer three bedrooms and three baths, ideal for visiting guests or family. A game room on the lower level has a Full Swing golf simulator room, a mini-bowling alley, a movie theater that seats 25, pinball machines, a billiards table, and a television lounge. The three levels are connected via a three-stop elevator and a stunning handmade log spiral staircase, which ends at a delightful half-circle ice-cream bar. This one-of-a-kind pavilion was completed in 2005, and won the year’s Home Building Industry Award for excellence in design and construction.

“With an artist’s sensitivity, the Hawes have completed a dream of The Gathering Place for their children, grandchildren, and friends, to enjoy fun-filled events and happenings,” says Barbara Cleary of Barbara Cleary’s Realty Guild. “In the spirit of togetherness they have created a wonderful world, that creates lasting memories.”

“The Hawes Estate exudes a sophisticated yet warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for entertaining family and friends,” says Kathleen Coumou, Christie’s Great Estates Vice President for the Northeast Region. “Its tranquil setting, inspiring architecture, and luxury amenities, identify The Gathering Place as truly one of our greatest estates.”

An ideal family town with a wealth of top-quality schools, New Canaan, Connecticut, features tree-lined streets, world-class restaurants, and a selection of high-end boutique shops. One of the most affluent communities in the United States, New Canaan was ranked first in the nation by CNN Money as the town with the highest median family income in 2008.

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