Yankee Candle founder’s estate sells for far below asking price, will become 'luxury getaway'

June 2, 2026 - 23:02

A sprawling Western Massachusetts compound once owned by the late Yankee Candle founder Michael Kittredge has finally sold for $4.55 million, a fraction of its original $23 million asking price. The property, which spent years on the market with multiple price cuts, was purchased by a PGA golf professional and his wife who plan to transform it into a high-end private getaway.

The estate, located in the Berkshires town of South Egremont, spans over 100 acres and includes a main residence, guest cottages, a private lake, and extensive equestrian facilities. When it first listed in 2021, the asking price reflected the lavish scale of the property, which Kittredge had developed over decades. However, the niche market for such a massive private compound in a rural area proved difficult to crack, leading to a series of reductions that eventually brought the price below $5 million.

The buyers, a golf pro known for his work on the PGA Tour and his wife, see the property not as a primary residence but as a destination for relaxation and recreation. They have indicated plans to preserve the estate's natural beauty and existing structures while adding amenities geared toward a luxury guest experience. The sale marks the end of a long chapter for the property, which had become a symbol of the challenges facing ultra-high-end real estate in remote locations. For the new owners, the steep discount represents a rare opportunity to acquire a fully built estate at a fraction of its development cost.