In one of the largest residential real estate acquisitions in the US in 2023*, a team of lawyers from Town Counsel Curtis Brinckerhoff & Barrett P.C. and special counsel Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP represented the Town of Darien in the purchase of Great Island for $85 million. Carmody assisted Town Counsel Curtis Brinckerhoff & Barrett with the contracts, negotiations and general real estate work.

Great Island is a 60-acre parcel on Long Island Sound featuring over a mile of shoreline, beaches, and a deep-water dock. Improvements include a 10-bedroom, 13,000 square foot home dating to circa 1905, a 19th century farmhouse and several residences. Additionally, the property contains an equestrian facility designed by renowned Architect Rafael Guastavino. The property was owned by the Steinkraus family for over 120 years and will serve Darien residents for generations.

Commenting on the acquisition, Wayne Fox, Town Counsel for Darien and a partner at Curtis Brinckerhoff & Barrett said: “The family’s decision to sell this property presented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the town to preserve this unique open space for use by its residents in future years. The town and its officials, particularly former First Selectman, Monica McNally, current First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky and Board of Finance Chairman Jim Palen, deserve credit for seizing this opportunity and bringing it to fruition. The attorneys at Curtis, Brinckerhoff & Barrett were privileged to assist in this endeavor”.

Carmody’s co- leader of the Real Estate and Land Use practice, Michael P. Sweeney added “We congratulate the Town of Darien on this acquisition which will benefit the Town of Darien for future generations. Carmody was delighted to provide legal support for the Town and Town Counsel to bring this acquisition to reality.”

Curtis Brinckerhoff & Barrett’s team was led by Wayne Fox, Patricia Gaug and Robert Burney.

Carmody’s team was led by Michael P. Sweeney, Brian T. Henebry, Patrick J. Hanna and David S. Hardy.

*The Wall Street Journal, January 2, 2024