Available for the first time in nearly 90 years, this exceptional 20.8 ACRES represent one of the very last large tracts of undeveloped land in historic Essex, widely celebrated as one of America's "Best Small Towns." The property features a striking combination of 8.5 level acres of virgin open field--ideal for farming, equestrian use or building--framed beautifully by an elevated wooded backdrop. & borders the protected land of both Essex & Westbrook Land Trusts. Location & accessibility are unmatched. Boasting over 800 feet of clear-line frontage on Route 153, the parcel is positioned perfectly midway between I-95 & Route 9, just minutes to the Old Saybrook/Westbrook Amtrak/Shoreline East train station for seamless travel from Boston, New York & beyond. Soil tested for water & drainage, a local civil engineer indicates the site is primed for high-yield development. The property offers remarkable flexibility: a possible 3-6 substantial luxury residential lots or leveraging under CT Affordable Housing Law 8-30g to construct a high density multi-unit complex ranging from 33 units to perhaps 100 units, mirroring successful transit-oriented developments nearby. The land is also believed to have substantial on-site topsoil & gravel reserves for immediate asset value. NOTE This sale is contingent upon an adjoining actively listed 12+ acre parcel in Westbrook, owned by the same sellers, being sold individually, if not together. See related MLS numbers.
| Listing Id: | 24192566 |
|---|---|
| List Price: | $2,120,000 |
| Property Type: | Lot & Land |
| Property Sub Type: | Residential Land |
| Status: | Active |
| Bank Owned Property: | No |
| Property Tax: | $4,438 |
| Acres: | 20.82 |
| Direct Waterfront Yn: | No |
| City: | Essex |
| County: | Middlesex |
| Postal Code: | 06426 |
| Acres Source: | Public Records |
| Agent Owner Yn: | No |
| Assessed Value: | $230,400 |
| Basement Description: | No |
| Comp Only Manual Yn: | No |
| Current Price: | $2,120,000.00 |
| Directions: | From I-95 Exit 65, go North for 2.7 miles on Essex Rd aka Route 153 to the Essex town line. The open farmer's field on the left/west side is part of the property in Essex AND Westbrook. |
| Display Fair Market Value Yn: | No |
| Documents Available: | Feasibility Study, Legal Description, Percolation Test, Photo/Survey, Soil Survey, Topographical Survey |
| Elementary School: | Per Board of Ed |
| Expected Active Date: | 2026-08-14 |
| High School: | Per Board of Ed |
| Home Owner's Assocation: | No |
| Listing Contract Date: | 2026-07-31 |
| Location: | Highway Access, Rural |
| Lot Description: | Additional Land Avail., Treed, Borders Open Space, Level Lot, Sloping Lot, Open Lot |
| Lot Improvements: | None |
| Lots Number Of: | 1 |
| Mil Rate Total: | $19.26 |
| Status: | Active |
| Nearby Amenities: | Library, Medical Facilities, Paddle Tennis, Park, Shopping/Mall, Tennis Courts |
| Occupied By: | Vacant |
| Original List Price: | $2,120,000 |
| Parcel Number: | 986290 |
| Possession Availability: | Immediate |
| Potential Short Sale: | No |
| Preferred Phone: | (203) 988-5414 |
| Price: | $2,120,000 |
| Property Info: | Planned Unit Development, Horse Property |
| Road Frontage Approximate: | 439 |
| Road Frontage Description: | State Road, Paved Road |
| Septic Approval Yn: | No |
| Septic Plan Available Yn: | No |
| Sewage System: | Septic Required |
| Sign Yn: | Yes |
| Subdividable Ynu: | Yes |
| Tax Year: | July 2026-June 2027 |
| Under Agreement Yn: | No |
| Utilities Available: | Cable Available, Electric Available, Gas Available |
| Waterfront Description: | Not Applicable |
| Water Source: | Well Required, Other |
| Zoning: | RU |
Listing Courtesy of: William Pitt Sotheby's Int'l
Listing Agent: Todd Gould
(203) 988-5414
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Smart MLS Inc. data last updated on October 08, 2026 06:45 PM - ET
Property Last Updated: October 08, 2026 06:45 PM - ET
