Available for the first time in nearly 90 years, this exceptional 20.8 ACRES represent one of the very last large tracts of undeveloped land in historic Essex, widely celebrated as one of America's "Best Small Towns." The property features a striking combination of 8.5 level acres of virgin open field--ideal for farming, equestrian use or building--framed beautifully by an elevated wooded backdrop. & borders the protected land of both Essex & Westbrook Land Trusts. Location & accessibility are unmatched. Boasting over 800 feet of clear-line frontage on Route 153, the parcel is positioned perfectly midway between I-95 & Route 9, just minutes to the Old Saybrook/Westbrook Amtrak/Shoreline East train station for seamless travel from Boston, New York & beyond. Soil tested for water & drainage, a local civil engineer indicates the site is primed for high-yield development. The property offers remarkable flexibility: a possible 3-6 substantial luxury residential lots or leveraging under CT Affordable Housing Law 8-30g to construct a high density multi-unit complex ranging from 33 units to perhaps 100 units, mirroring successful transit-oriented developments nearby. The land is also believed to have substantial on-site topsoil & gravel reserves for immediate asset value. NOTE This sale is contingent upon an adjoining actively listed 12+ acre parcel in Westbrook, owned by the same sellers, being sold individually, if not together. See related MLS numbers.
Vacant landProperty Type
20.82 acresLot Size
$86,455Price/Acres
Listed by Todd Gould• William Pitt Sotheby's Int'l
Make a winning offer with the help of a local agent
Around this home
Schools
K - 12
Preschool & daycare
Essex Elementary School
Public PreK-6 • Assigned • 1.0mi
8/10
John Winthrop Middle School
Public 7-8 • Assigned • 2.7mi
6/10
Valley Regional High School
Public 9-12 • Assigned • 2.8mi
7/10
Provided by GreatSchools
Lifestyle
Provided by Walk Score and Local Logic
Property details
Exterior
Finance
Exterior features
Additional adjacent land available
Partially treed
Borders open space
Level areas with sloping terrain
Open lot
Home design
Residential land within a planned unit development
Horse property
Parking
State road frontage with paved access
Utilities
Cable available
Electric service available
Natural gas available
Well required for water
Septic required for sewage (no septic plan/approval available)
Other
Located in Middlesex County, Connecticut
Nearby amenities include library, medical facilities, paddle tennis, parks, shopping/mall, and tennis courts
Approximately 439 feet of road frontage
Directions: From I-95 Exit 65, go north about 2.7 miles on Essex Rd (Route 153) to the Essex town line; the open farmer's field on the left/west side is part of the property in Essex and Westbrook
Electricity and solar
View estimated energy costs and solar savings for this home
Available for the first time in nearly 90 years, this exceptional 33 ACRES represents one of the very last large tracts of undeveloped land in Essex, widely celebrated as one of America's "Best Small Towns." Straddling the town line with parcels in both historic Essex & the water community of Westbrook, the property features a striking combination of 16 level acres of virgin open field--ideal for farming, equestrian use or building--framed beautifully by an elevated wooded backdrop. The flat acreage provides an unobstructed southern aspect view of 9 acre Lake Louise & borders the protected land of both Essex & Westbrook Land Trusts. Location & accessibility are unmatched. Boasting over 800 feet of clear-line frontage on Route 153, the parcel is positioned perfectly midway between I-95 & Route 9, minutes to the Old Saybrook/Westbrook Amtrak/Shoreline East train station for seamless travel from Boston, New York & beyond. Soil tested for water & drainage, a local civil engineer indicates the site is primed for high-yield development. The property offers remarkable flexibility: a possible 6-10 substantial luxury residential lots or leveraging under CT Affordable Housing Law 8-30g to construct a high density multi-unit complex ranging from 66 units to perhaps over 270 units, mirroring successful transit-oriented developments nearby. The land is also believed to have substantial on-site topsoil & gravel reserves for immediate asset value. This is a rare generational opportunity
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2023
$111
$4,900
2022
$111 (+0.9%)
$4,900
2021
$110 (+2.8%)
$4,900
2020
$107 (+0.9%)
$4,900
2019
$106 (−0.9%)
$4,900
2018
$107 (−0.9%)
$4,900
2017
$108 (+1.9%)
$4,900
2016
$106 (+2.9%)
$4,900
2015
$103
$4,900
Public record
Beds
—
Baths
—
Stories
—
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
1.16 Acres
Year renovated
—
Finished Sq. Ft.
—
Unfinished Sq. Ft.
—
Total Sq. Ft.
—
Year built
—
Style
Vacant Land
County
Middlesex County
APN
2174531
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Jun 20, 2023.
Historical weather
Essex, CT • 06426
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
35
22
37
23
51
34
60
42
68
52
80
61
84
67
80
60
76
58
66
48
54
38
40
27
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
89/ 100
Very good sunlight
Sunscore
This home receives average direct sun exposure in Essex. There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
10.3 hrs
6.4 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Redfin Estimate for Westbrook Rd
We cannot show automated home-value estimates for this home.
Nearby homes have recently sold between $580,000 and $2,050,000.
Nearby comparable homes
The Redfin Estimate uses 6 recent nearby sales, priced between $580K to $2.0M.