Noroton Manor
Noroton Manor has always been the home of good neighbors, one where you might have once been at a party where Republican Selectman Peter Sweeney, Democratic Selectman Al Johnson, Manor Spokesman Gerry Larocque, and a variety of other interesting people, shared a little cheer in a friendly spirit. Residents in our association receive access to our fantastic two har-tru tennis courts, a private road that leads to a sandy beach and water access to Holly Pond, as well as social events throughout the year. We also offer non-resident tennis membership and junior tennis clinics to friends and neighbors throughout town.
A Brief History
It is likely that the Noroton Manor was one of the first subdivisions in Darien. The entire Manor property was purchased from the estate of Joseph D. Weed in June 1922 by Noroton Manor Inc., a private developer. The deed of the purchase from Weed included a number of restrictions. These were followed by generally similar restrictions, imposed by the developer, when the lots were sold to individuals on Beach Drive, Outlook Drive, Woodland Drive, Nearwater Lane and Post Road. On August 26, 1935, the Noroton Manor Club, Inc. was formed for the “development of social intercourse among its members, the promotion of outdoor and indoor sports.” Noroton Manor Inc. was dissolved on November 1, 1935, at which time the present Noroton Manor Property Owners Association (NMPOA) was established.
The interest and rights in the enforcement of restrictions and on the granting of approvals, as well as title to the tennis courts, the private section of Beach Drive, Beach Drive Circle and the sand beach on Holly Pond southerly and easterly of Beach Drive, now rest with the NMPOA. The NMPOA is a domestic, non-stock corporation under Connecticut law. The NMPOA is exempt from federal income tax, however it is obligated to pay property taxes to the Town of Darien for Manor-owned property. Guidelines under which the houses were built were also very specific. Included among them are the following provisions: i. Said premises shall not be subdivided and not more than one single family private residence may be erected at a first cost of not less than $8,000, together with a garage for private automobile use only. ii. Other restrictions forbid poultry and live stock, the sale of spirituous or intoxicating liquors, open manure pits, junk or second hand goods accumulations, and privies, to mention only a few.