Katharine Hepburn’s ‘Paradise’ Estate Back On The Market For $14.9 Million

Katharine Hepburn’s “Paradise” estate is back on the market for the reduced price of $14.8 million. Although the property was originally listed for $28 million, the price was significantly reduced. The Long Island Sound, Connecticut, estate has been on the market for three years.

The property boasts a private beach, several acres of land, and an impressive 8,300-square-foot mansion. The home features 7½ bathrooms and six bedrooms. Prior to her death in 2003, the estate was in Katharine Hepburn’s family for decades.

A native of Hartford, Connecticut, the iconic actress enjoyed a long and successful career. As a student of Pennsylvania’s Bryn Mawr College, Hepburn developed a love of acting. Although she earned a degree in history, she eventually pursued a career in film and on stage.

Early in her career, Katharine Hepburn appeared in numerous on and Off Broadway productions. She got her big break in 1934, with a role in RKO Radio Pictures’ A Bill of Divorcement. Appearing alongside John Barrymore, the talented actress received rave reviews.

Hepburn’s career as an actress spanned five decades. Her most memorable films include Morning Glory, The African Queen, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, and On Golden Pond. Between 1934 and 1982, she earned four Academy Awards for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

Although she was a Hollywood icon, Katharine Hepburn maintained a reputation as a rebel. As discussed by Biography, she was simply unwilling to “play the traditional off-screen role of the Hollywood starlet.” When questioned about her unconventional attitude, Hepburn explained that “if you obey all the rules… you miss all the fun.”

The “Paradise” estate was Katharine Hepburn’s primary residence at the time of her death. The current owner, Frank Sciame, originally listed the entire 3.6 acre property for $28 million. However, the land was later divided into three parcels.

As the home now rests on a 1.47 acre parcel, the listing price was reduced by $13.2 million. As reported by Wall Street Journal, Sciame “gut-renovated” the home prior to the initial listing.

Sciame is willing to part with the estate, as he plans to build a 3,000-square-foot home on an adjoining parcel. Although the listing price was significantly reduced, the sale would set a record for Old Daybrook.

In her memoir, Katharine Hepburn explained that the home was initially used as a summer retreat. As she grew to love the house and adjoining property, she eventually made it her home and called it “Paradise.”

[Images via Blogspot and Qualitybath]