Connecticut Farmhouse Frequented by Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller Lists for $1.2M

Located in picturesque Newtown, Connecticut, the historic residence known as Boxwood Farm is a piece of Hollywood history. Built around 1765, over 250 years ago, this beautifully restored farmhouse features original colonial craftsmanship, a fascinating past, and even a hidden Prohibition-era bar. Represented by Will Stuart of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties, this exceptional estate is now listed for $1.2 million, offering an opportunity to own a home that once welcomed some of Hollywood’s most legendary figures.

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A Storied Past

The property, originally built by the Fairchild family, one of Newtown’s founding families, remained in their possession for generations. However, it gained a touch of old Hollywood glamour in the 1930s when Walter Hutchinson III, a Fox Studio executive, purchased it as a countryside retreat. Hutchinson wasted no time turning the home into an entertainer’s paradise, complete with a private screening theater and a taproom known as The Spur Room, where guests could enjoy a drink in secrecy.

And if that weren’t enough to impress, the guest list certainly would. Among the famous visitors were Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller, who once lived together in nearby Roxbury. Hutchinson, ever the gracious host, reportedly sent his Bugatti to chauffeur the couple to Boxwood Farm for evenings of fine dining, cocktails, and exclusive film screenings. Their marriage may have only lasted four years, but their legend—and this home’s storied past—still lingers in the charming town of Newtown.

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A Labor of Love

When William DeRosa, a renowned cellist, and his wife, Kersti Ferguson, discovered the farmhouse 14 years ago, it was in desperate need of repair. Rather than modernizing it beyond recognition, they took on a meticulous restoration process, preserving its original details while incorporating modern conveniences.

“We felt that we were stewards here,” said DeRosa in an interview with Realtor.com. “We never intended to live here permanently. We wanted to keep it pristine.”

Their efforts unearthed original chestnut flooring, which had been hidden beneath carpeting, and solid chestnut doors buried under layers of lead-based paint. A discovery occurred one evening when curiosity led DeRosa to knock down a mysterious wall. Instead of trouble, as these stories often lead to, he found a hidden staircase—one more carefully tucked-away detail in a home that seemed determined to keep its history.

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The Perfect Blend

Spanning over 2,500 sq. ft., the home offers four bedrooms and 3.5 baths, carefully restored to maintain their 18th-century charm. The butler’s pantry and kitchen have been refinished, and feature a stunning La Cornue range, Gaggenau appliances, and custom cabinetry. The home’s 50 radiators were also painstakingly restored to integrate with a modern HVAC system, ensuring comfort without compromising authenticity.

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Perhaps the most captivating space in the house is The Spur Room, the hidden bar that once served as a Prohibition-era speakeasy. The tin ceiling, original wood bar, and antique shelving were carefully preserved, allowing future owners to enjoy a piece of history while sipping a cocktail in the same space that once hosted Monroe and Miller—no password required.

The home’s 2.51-acre lot features serene, wooded surroundings, creating a private oasis just 90 minutes from New York City—far enough for peace, but close enough for when you’re craving a slice. Custom furniture, including a 10-seat dining table and a Steinway piano, is also available for purchase, allowing the next owner to maintain the home’s original pieces.

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The Next Chapter

As much as DeRosa and Ferguson love the home, they have decided to downsize and simplify their lives. With its rich history, impeccable restoration, and ties to Hollywood’s golden age, Boxwood Farm is truly a once-in-a-generation opportunity. For those seeking a home that has a historic background, yet modern day flash, this Connecticut gem is ready for its next chapter.

For more information, contact Will Stuart of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties for more information.