Joan Rivers' House for Sale

By Allison Mezzafonte (Subscribe to Allison Mezzafonte's posts)
Jun 25th 2009 3:46PM

Categories: Famous Homes, Design, etc, House Tours, News & Trends

How many of you guys have been to Litchfield County in Connecticut? I was there once several years ago on a photoshoot for Country Living magazine. The home we were photographing is a magnificently preserved home with a deep, deep history. It's where Connecticut Governor Oliver Wolcott lived when he signed that little thing known as the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This town has got some serious history and everywhere you go it's quaint, lovely and just feels special.

Now, close your eyes and imagine Joan Rivers there. Are you confused? Yeah, me too. Crass meets class. Well, word's out that Joan is skipping town. Her 76-acre country estate in Litchfield County is on the market for $6.5 million just weeks after her $25 million New York City penthouse apartment was listed. There's no word on bankruptcy and the alleged impetus is her desire to be closer to mini-me daughter, Melissa.

UPDATE FROM THE EDITORS
Hey ShelterPop readers, we hear you! Many of you guys are big Joan Rivers fans and it seems that we offended you with our critique of the professional critic's home. Fair enough. So, please tell us what you love about her home. Comment below and the best captions will be posted.

See Joan Rivers' Connecticut home here!

Comments (162)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 9)

Devonshire Is 6-26-2009 @ 12:56PM

Allison Mezzafonte question: Which one of your idols that you are so fanatical about got trashed by Joan? Im pretty sure she was dead on in her assessments. You on the other hand use your alleged journalistic position with Shelterpop to try and diminish a celebrity whose position has withstood the test of time while yours will forever be some annonymous lackey clacking out the insult riddled smut you call journalism.

Peter 6-25-2009 @ 8:17PM

I agree..it's time snide & snarky took a holiday. Joan Rivers is actually the nicest, kindest celeb I've ever met (and there have been many in my line of work). And to boot she's got impeccable, old-school New York glamour taste.

gail 9-27-2009 @ 12:28PM

Joan is a kind, caring and generous person and does not deserve any negativity or snideness.

Linda 6-25-2009 @ 10:47PM

I feel the same way. People can be soooooooooo nasty. The writer of the captions under the pictures is under the mistaken idea that he or she is an expert critic too. I could have done without the snide comments on her/his part. Sounds like sour grapes to me.
Joan's house is nice, by any standards, maybe not other people's taste, but to each his own.

Vicki 6-25-2009 @ 11:25PM

I agree. I think that Joan Rivers is straight forward, wonderfly loyal to her friends and family and not afraid to speak the truth in the event of wrong doings. Too many people today dance around issues and others do not want to hear the truth. What I see is a woman who is talented, gracious and giving, but not afraid to speak her mind.

Ann Kosich 6-27-2009 @ 11:54PM

The statement in regard to Joan Rivers is correct. She is a charming caring and gracious woman. I wish her and Melissa the very best in health and happiness.
Ann Kosich
Saratoga/Silicon Valley friends

Princess Poon 6-26-2009 @ 1:00AM

I agree with Peter. I also worked on a charity with Ms. Rivers and she is the kindest and most generous celebrity I have met. Ms. Mezzafonte's article is snide and nasty--is she a blogger or a critic for House and Garden? I could have done without the nasty comments--it really had no place in an article about a home for sale.

Bonne Becker 6-26-2009 @ 4:18AM

I so agree with you regarding Joan Rivers, she does not deserve to be ridiculed constantly. Allison M. get a life, please advise who you are to give this type of pre-kindergarten critique. Who are you to say if someone has class or not. Who ever told you that you had any style or class was misinforming you, based on your column. Grow up!

Annie 6-26-2009 @ 9:12AM

I agree. I've met Joan Rivers several times and she's the sweetest, kindest person you'd ever want to meet. What snarky, nasty comments from the so called writer that wrote the blurbs underneath the photos. Do you think it was male or female? I'm guessing a jealous female who couldn't afford a blade of grass in that affluent community. Joan works so hard for every penny she earns, so why shouldn't she enjoy the fruits of her labor?

marybeth 6-25-2009 @ 8:20PM

WHERE in the world did you find an implication that her home was "too Jewish????" What in the world does too Jewish een look like anyway? You must hold the same beliefs as Hitler that you can identify an entire race based solely on looks. Get some HELP.

boredwell 6-25-2009 @ 8:21PM

I think if Governor Wolcott were to pay a surprise visit to Joan, he would feel out of place in his old home.

Melody 6-25-2009 @ 8:28PM

What a beautiful house...I only wish I could come up with the money for it....It will have to go on my wish list. It is a beautiful place. I am glad that I was able to see inside. Thanks

LINDA 6-26-2009 @ 11:28AM

I THINK JOAN'S HOUSE IS BEAUITFUL.

mary 6-25-2009 @ 8:29PM

Uncalled for nasty remarks

kathy 6-27-2009 @ 9:14AM

I agree, nasty comments/

tootsie 6-25-2009 @ 8:33PM

Tacky. yes! But, it is her home and is supposed to reflect her taste!
I did not like a single room as it is decorated now. Someone can certainly take that residence and give it the grace it should have.

Dorothy 6-25-2009 @ 8:36PM

I seldom add comments after I read these reports, but I feel Allison Mezzafonte was being downright nasty and condescending in her article regarding Joan River's beautiful estate home. Everyone has the right to decorate their homes as they see fit... Who are you to make fun of her? If you can't say something nice about someone - then shut up!!!

Fran 6-26-2009 @ 7:53PM

I totally agree with you. I don't understand why Mezzafonte felt it necessary to be so mean and nasty. It's none of her business how Joan Rivers chooses to decorate her homes and I would have enjoyed the photos much more without the snide commentary.

madjkah 6-26-2009 @ 11:36AM

I so agree, with you! Allison, in your desperation to get attention with negative comments about a beautiful home, you're coming off as a catty, insecure, pre-pubescent, writer wanna-be. Is this piece what you're going to add to your portfolio? I hope your aspirations are a little higher than The Enquirer. Class it up next time, please.

Barbara 9-14-2009 @ 5:15PM

I never respond to any of these topics, BUT, felt such nastiness from the author of these captions. I admire Joan Rivers. I think she is a generous , caring woman and wow, does she have work ethics. For a woman of 76, she seems to be on the go constantly.She has worked hard for everything you see in these pictures. Her home is lovely. I would move into it in a blink of an eye. I don't think she is crass, at all. She is a comedienne! She makes jokes!! I sense a very jealous writer behind these captions.