Meet Estella. A riverside retreat spanning 29 acres on rural, scenic River Road. Arrive at this historic cottage and you are immediately greeted by the rushing sounds of the Housatonic River just across the way. The landscape, which possibly offers the potential for subdivision, provides endless opportunities to imagine building a new dream home tucked into the quiet countryside. Because the property borders the Housatonic River, you have the rare, coveted ability to pop out your front door and spend the afternoon fly fishing. The cottage itself, originally built in 1940 as a local schoolhouse, is brimming with quintessential New England charm. Upon entering, the dining room pulls you in; framed by large windows, natural light floods into every corner, highlighting the classic wood floors that stretch across the space. The kitchen, rustic and simple in its own right, provides a modest space for meal preparation alongside a convenient pantry. Step down into the inviting living room, anchored by a large wood-burning fireplace and windows on two sides that invite the outdoors in. The first bedroom is located just off the living area. A full bathroom connects the space to the second bedroom, which features a large, three-pane window overlooking the natural terrain.
Spend your time here exploring your own expansive acreage, cycling the miles of scenic dirt roads along River Road, or casting a line into the Housatonic. It is a true place of solitude and reflection. Please note: This home unfortunately had a pipe freeze over the winter; in it's current condition heat can not be used. The property is an estate sale and is being sold strictly "As Is." Buyers to perform their own due diligence.
Single-familyProperty Type
1940Year Built
29.88 acresLot Size
$443Price/Sq.Ft.
Listed by Lenore Mallett• William Pitt Sotheby's Int'l
Listed by Elvia Gignoux• William Pitt Sotheby's Int'l
Est. $1,696 per month, based on comparable rentals
Sale and tax history for 242 River Rd
Sale History
Tax History
Date
Event
Price
Smart MLS #24167948
May 29, 2026
Sold
$460,000
$443/sq ft
May 8, 2026
Pending
—
Apr 28, 2026
Contingent
—
Apr 21, 2026
Listed
$475,000
$458/sq ft
Smart MLS #170571474
Nov 18, 2023
Pending
—
Nov 17, 2023
Sold
$498,000
$480/sq ft
Jul 13, 2023
Contingent
—
Jun 29, 2023
Price Changed
$495,000
$477/sq ft
Jun 29, 2023
Price Changed
$295,000
$284/sq ft
Jun 1, 2023
Listed
$550,000
$530/sq ft
Appealing year round cottage on 26 Sub-dividable acres along the Housatonic River (long road frontage). Immense charm, with floor to ceiling windows flooding the interior with light. Two bedrooms and one bath, living room, dining room and galley kitchen. Rustic stone patio off main bedroom and living room. Small detached barn for storage and a lovely fenced garden. Very private yet only minutes to town. This little house is a diamond in the rough with some TLC will become that gem!
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2023
$4,883 (+1.4%)
$263,900 + $68,300
$332,200
2022
$4,814 (−9.0%)
$263,900 + $68,300
$332,200
2021
$5,292
$263,900 + $53,000
$316,900
2020
$5,292
$263,900 + $53,000
$316,900
2019
$5,292 (+0.5%)
$263,900 + $53,000
$316,900
2018
$5,267 (+3.1%)
$263,900 + $53,000
$316,900
2017
$5,108 (−1.1%)
$263,900 + $53,000
$316,900
2016
$5,163 (+2.8%)
$284,500 + $52,700
$337,200
2014
$5,024
$284,500 + $52,700
$337,200
Public record
Beds
1
Baths
1
Stories
1
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
26.81 Acres
Year renovated
—
Sq. Ft.
1,038
Year built
1940
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Litchfield County
APN
805161
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Jun 13, 2023.
Property details
Interior
Interior Information
Total Rooms: 5
Fireplaces Total: 1
Appliances Included: Electric Cooktop, Refrigerator
Bathroom Information
# of Baths (Full): 1
Bedroom Information
Beds Total: 2
Room Information
Basement Description: Crawl Space
Exterior
Exterior Features
Roof Information: Asphalt Shingle
Exterior Siding: Aluminum
Lot Information
Lot Description: Lightly Wooded, Rolling, Water View
Building Information
Foundation Type: Block
Construction Description: Block
Property Information
Waterfront Description: River, Walk to Water, Access
Property Type: Single Family For Sale
Living Area SQFT Per Public Record: 1038
Financial
Assessments Information
Assessed Value: $332,200
Utilities
Utility Information
Water Source: Private Well
Sewage System: Septic
Hot Water Description: Domestic
Heat Type: Baseboard
Heat Fuel Type: Propane
Fuel Tank Location: In Ground
Location
School Information
High School: Per Board of Ed
Elementary School: Per Board of Ed
Location Information
State: Connecticut
Directions: River Road (dirt road) to #242
Direct Waterfront
County: Litchfield
Public facts
Beds: 1
Baths: 1.0
Sq. Ft.: 1,038
Stories: 1.0
Lot Size: 26.81 acres
Style: Single Family Residential
Year Built: 1940
Year Renovated: —
County: Litchfield County
APN: 805161
Home facts updated by county records on Jun 13, 2023
Other
Documents & Disclosures
Supplement Count Public: 4
Around this home
Schools
Cornwall Consolidated School
Public PreK-8 • Assigned • 1.5mi
Housatonic Valley Regional High School
Public 9-12 • Assigned • 2.9mi
5/10
Provided by GreatSchools
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
2/10 Fire Factor
0.00% chance of being in a wildfire in next 30 years
3/10 Heat Factor
7 days above 93° expected this year, 17 days in 30 years
4/10 Wind Factor
15% chance of strong winds in next 30 years
2/10 Air Factor
1 unhealthy days expected this year, 2 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
West Cornwall, CT • 06796
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
29
16
33
17
49
29
59
38
66
48
78
57
81
62
77
55
73
52
62
41
49
33
35
20
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
81/ 100
Very good sunlight
Sunscore
There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
9.6 hrs
5.4 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Estimated sale price
$585,000 – $708,000
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