Be a part of Preservation Connecticut's effort to help communities in need.

Through a lawsuit and our easement program, we’ve saved a Milford home.

A threatened property in Milford was saved, thanks to the efforts of the Connecticut Trust and others – and a visionary preservationist, Lesley Mills. The Sanford-Bristol House is a contributing structure in the River Park National Register of Historic Places District and is a unique 18th century home.

When we learned about the property, it was under threat of demolition by the property owner. Thankfully, demolition delay ordinances work: Milford’s ordinance gave us just enough time to work with the Milford Preservation Trust to file a lawsuit under Section 22a-19a of the Connecticut Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). CEPA allows citizens to challenge unreasonable destruction of historic buildings listed on the National Register. In response to the filing, the court issued a temporary restraining order, and eventually, the Connecticut Trust stepped in to buy it.

Lesley Mills purchased the property from the Trust and restored it to its full glory. A four-bedroom house with two front doors, the house retains its historic touches — original hearths, a bee hive oven, and a “Parson’s cabinet” for liquor — while boasting modern amenities. An easement, held by the Trust, has been placed on the property, which will protect the exterior from demolition or inappropriate modifications in perpetuity.