The Weston Cottage-where timeless charm, remarkable history, and tranquil riverfront living come together. Nestled along the river on the coveted Weston/Westport border, this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath home offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of Connecticut history. Famously known as the retreat of legendary actress Bette Davis, the cottage became the setting for the true story that inspired the hit play Me and Jezebel, after Davis unexpectedly stayed for 32 unforgettable days. Today, this captivating home blends historic character with modern comfort. The renovated kitchen features a Wolf range, Bosch column refrigerator, and inviting marble fireplace, while all three bathrooms have been tastefully updated. Fresh interior and exterior paint, new lighting, and custom built-ins completed in 2025 enhance the home's move-in-ready appeal. Wake to the soothing sounds of the river, enjoy peaceful outdoor living, and experience the privacy and beauty of this exceptional setting just minutes from the shopping, dining, beaches, and train station in Westport. Whether you're searching for a full-time residence or a weekend escape, The Weston Cottage offers an extraordinary lifestyle in one of Fairfield County's most desirable locations.
Sited on the Saugatuck River, this pristine cape offers warmth, charm and all the amenities for today's lifestyle. Exceptional attention to detail throughout and a masterful blend of custom finishes. Ever-changing waterscapes viewed from many rooms. Park-like level property with stone terrace, stone walkways, a Walpole white Post and Rail Fence with driveway gate, and exquisite landscaping. Great floor plan for everyday living, entertaining and privacy. Conveniently located just moments from town center and schools, with easy access to the Merritt Parkway, I95 and the Westport Train Station. See Addendum for Home Improvements .
Fall 2013 and Spring 2014 Improvements: 1. Professional Survey and Elevation Study completed on the property to establish legal property lines for fencing. 2. Installed White Post and Rail Fence and Working Driveway Gate by Walpole, which is constructed with solid (not hollow) cellular vinyl which comes with a 25 year maintenance free guarantee (the fence will not rot or need to be painted). 3. Removed large dead tree and had the stump ground in order to install fence. 4. Professionally painted the walls and trim in the two non-master bedrooms. 5. Professionally wall papered the dining area. 6. Professionally painted the trim in kitchen. 7. Replenished and professionally spread pebbles. 8. Lawn has been professionally aerated and seeded both in Fall 2013 and Spring 2014. 9. Lawn professionally fertilized and maintained regularly. Home Improvements in the last 3 years: 1. New HVAC system installed 2. New water treatment/UV light treatment system 3. New gutters 4. Electrical upgraded to 200-amp and main electrical line to house buried. 5. Driveway regraded. 6. Exterior sanded and painted. 7. Roof power washed and new copper flashing installed around chimney. 8. Interior of house gutted and new ceilings and walls installed. 9. New over head lighting 10. Floors sanded and refinished. 11. Interior slate cleaned and sealed. 12. New bathrooms. 13. New built-in closets and drawers in Master Bedroom. 14. New built-ins in Window Room (Family/Sitting Room). 15. New Baldwin door hardware installed on all doors. 16. Designer shelves installed in Study and Window Room. 17. New Exterior lighting. 18. New Sprinkler System. 19. New Alarm System. 20. New vent for oven. 21. New landscaping and front walkway. 22. Refurbished back patio in sandstone and added new back steps. 23. Refurbished entire lawn.
Smart MLS #99027874
Sep 10, 2013
Sold
$827,000
$352/sq ft
May 28, 2013
Listed
$820,000
$349/sq ft
Sited on the Saugatuck River, this thoughtfully renovated pristine cape offers warmth, charm and all the amenities for today's lifestyle. Exceptional attention to detail throughout and a masterful blend of custom finishes. Ever-changing waterscapes viewed from many rooms. Park-like level property with stone terrace, stone walkways and exquisite landscaping. Great floor plan for everyday living, entertaining and privacy. Conveniently located just moments from town center and schools, with easy access to the Merritt Parkway, I95 and the Westport Train Station. Please see addendum for complete list of renovation.
Renovation: 1. New HVAC system installed 2. New water treatment/UV light treatment system 3. New gutters 4. Electrical upgraded to 200-amp and main electrical line to house buried. 5. Driveway regraded. 6. Exterior sanded and painted. 7. Roof power washed and new copper flashing installed around chimney. 8. Interior of house gutted and new ceilings and walls installed. 9. New over head lighting 10. Floors sanded and refinished. 11. Interior slate cleaned and sealed. 12. New bathrooms. 13. New built-in closets and drawers in Master Bedroom. 14. New built-ins in Window Room (Family/Sitting Room). 15. New Baldwin door hardware installed on all doors. 16. Designer shelves installed in Study and Window Room. 17. New Exterior lighting. 18. New Sprinkler System. 19. New Alarm System. 20. New vent for oven. 21. New landscaping and front walkway. 22. Refurbished back patio in sandstone and added new back steps. 23. Refurbished entire lawn.
Public Records
Jul 29, 2009
Sold
$559,000
$238/sq ft
Smart MLS #98416295
Apr 3, 2009
Listed
$559,000
$238/sq ft
Public Records
Jan 23, 2002
Sold
$424,500
$181/sq ft
Smart MLS #98111306
Sep 14, 2001
Listed
$449,000
$191/sq ft
Smart MLS #98097549
Sep 13, 2001
Listing Removed
—
Apr 14, 2001
Listed
$549,000
$234/sq ft
Smart MLS #94009827
Aug 19, 1994
Listing Removed
—
Mar 5, 1994
Listed
$389,000
$166/sq ft
Smart MLS #93282386
Jun 24, 1993
Listing Removed
—
May 10, 1993
Listed
$395,000
$168/sq ft
Public Records
Aug 28, 1990
Sold
$275,000
$117/sq ft
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2023
$15,748 (+0.3%)
$230,350 + $246,000
$476,350
2022
$15,705 (+0.2%)
$230,350 + $246,000
$476,350
2021
$15,681 (+1.7%)
$230,350 + $246,000
$476,350
2020
$15,419
$230,350 + $246,000
$476,350
2019
$15,419 (+8.0%)
$230,350 + $246,000
$476,350
2018
$14,275 (+1.7%)
$228,700 + $257,000
$485,700
2017
$14,042 (+1.2%)
$228,700 + $257,000
$485,700
2016
$13,872 (+1.1%)
$228,700 + $257,000
$485,700
2014
$13,716
$228,700 + $257,000
$485,700
Public record
Beds
3
Baths
2.5
Stories
2
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
0.95 Acres
Year renovated
2007
Finished Sq. Ft.
2,350
Unfinished Sq. Ft.
—
Total Sq. Ft.
2,350
Year built
1940
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Fairfield County
APN
406592
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Jul 12, 2023.
Climate risks
9/10 Flood Factor
Estimated 80%+ chance of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
1/10 Fire Factor
Unlikely to be in a wildfire in next 30 years
5/10 Heat Factor
7 days above 99° expected this year, 15 days in 30 years
6/10 Wind Factor
27% chance of strong winds in next 30 years
4/10 Air Factor
3 unhealthy days expected this year, 5 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Weston, CT • 06883
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
35
21
37
23
53
33
62
43
69
52
81
61
86
68
81
60
76
57
67
46
55
37
40
26
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
82/ 100
Very good sunlight
Sunscore
There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
8.5 hrs
5.2 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Redfin Estimate for 78 River Rd
$1,231,203
$131K over list price of $1.10M
Nearby comparable homes
The Redfin Estimate uses 6 recent nearby sales, priced between $765K to $1.4M.