Weston's 1970s Architectural Gem Returns to Market

The angular glass and steel house at 14 Codfish Lane in Weston looks like it could have been transported from a 1970s architectural magazine — because it was featured in one. Designed by Leonard Perfido, a Yale-educated architect whose modernist vision earned national recognition, the property has returned to market after less than a year, asking $2.2 million.

Perfido’s design caught the attention of Architectural Record magazine, which named the Weston residence to its prestigious Record Houses of 1976 list, an annual recognition of “excellence in design.” The honor placed this Fairfield County home alongside the era’s most innovative residential architecture, a distinction that still draws architecture enthusiasts nearly five decades later.

The house embodies the confident modernism that defined American architecture in the mid-1970s, when architects like Perfido were reimagining suburban living through clean lines, expansive glass, and integration with natural settings. Built into a wooded lot, the home’s geometric forms and floor-to-ceiling windows create what the original listing described as an “ultramodern museum” quality.

For Weston, a town better known for its colonial revivals and traditional New England estates, Perfido’s design represented a bold departure. The community has long attracted residents seeking privacy and natural beauty, but typically housed in more conventional architectural styles. This modernist statement piece stands as a reminder of when suburban Connecticut embraced experimental design.

Leonard Perfido studied at Yale School of Architecture during a transformative period for American design, when the school was producing architects who would reshape residential and commercial architecture. His Weston project reflects the era’s optimism about modern living and the belief that thoughtful design could enhance daily life.

The home’s return to market so quickly raises questions about the challenges of living in architecturally significant properties. While such homes attract design-conscious buyers, they often require specialized maintenance and may not suit all lifestyles. The modernist aesthetic that earned praise in Architectural Record can feel austere to some contemporary buyers who prefer warmer, more traditional interiors.

Real estate professionals note that mid-century and 1970s modernist homes occupy a unique niche in Connecticut’s market. Unlike the steady demand for colonial and contemporary homes, modernist properties appeal to a smaller pool of buyers who specifically seek architectural distinction. This selectivity can mean longer market times but often attracts passionate buyers willing to pay for design pedigree.

The Weston property joins other architecturally significant Connecticut homes that have struggled with market timing. While the state has produced notable architects and houses featured in national publications, the local market doesn’t always reward architectural innovation with quick sales or premium prices.

“Properties with this level of architectural significance require the right buyer who appreciates both the design heritage and the responsibility of stewardship,” said a spokesperson for the listing agency. “It’s not just a house purchase — it’s acquiring a piece of Connecticut’s architectural history.”

The timing of the re-listing coincides with renewed interest in 1970s design, as younger buyers discover the period’s bold aesthetics. Interior design trends have embraced the era’s geometric patterns, rich textures, and connection to natural materials. This cultural shift could work in favor of Perfido’s Weston creation.

Codefish Lane itself reflects Weston’s character as one of Fairfield County’s more secluded communities, where residents value privacy and proximity to nature. The street’s woodsy setting provides an ideal backdrop for Perfido’s vision of modernist architecture nestled within Connecticut’s landscape.

For architecture enthusiasts, the property represents an opportunity to own a documented piece of American residential design history. The Architectural Record recognition ensures the home’s place in the canon of 1970s modernism, making it more than just a house but a cultural artifact.

The home’s features include the expansive windows that blur boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, a hallmark of modernist design. High ceilings and open floor plans create the museum-like quality that originally attracted national attention. Built-in elements and custom details reflect the era’s belief in total design environments.

Whether the property will find its ideal buyer this time depends largely on market conditions and the availability of purchasers who value architectural heritage over conventional amenities. In a market where Food & Dining establishments and other cultural touchstones sometimes struggle to find their audience, architecturally significant homes face similar challenges in connecting with the right buyers.

The Weston modernist house stands as both a testament to Leonard Perfido’s vision and a reminder that great architecture doesn’t always translate to easy real estate transactions. For the right buyer, however, it offers the rare opportunity to live within a nationally recognized work of residential art, just minutes from the cultural amenities that make Fairfield County an attractive alternative to urban living.