This sought after, prestigious area of Southport known as Mill Hill, which lay north of the harbor, is best known for its influence on Fairfield history and the entrepreneurial spirit of its earliest prominent residents.

While most of Southport’s early residents established themselves around the harbor front, some of Fairfield’s most influential families began farmsteads in the Mill Hill area of Southport. Throughout the 19th century, farmers of this area developed and sold the “Southport Yellow and White Globe Onions”. This produce trade helped Southport maintain its reputation as a leading coastal port on Long Island Sound. When the Onion and agricultural business waned, these entrepreneurial families turned their attention to timber and cider that they made from the hillside orchards which spawned flourishing businesses such as Gray’s Cider Mill on Bronson Road. Also during this period, H. B. Sherwood led the pursuit into the new ice trade for refrigeration, running his “Pequot Spring Ice” business from a pond behind the present Mill Hill School.

Many of these families established large, beautiful homesteads in this captivating hill top area. Increasing demand for Mill Hill area real estate influenced commerce and, by the early 1900’s, much of the hilltop was purchased by Dr. Ira De Var Warner, a founder of Warner Bros., (later known as Warnaco) located in Bridgeport, Ct. The Warner Estate, known as “Restmore,” with its large home and many barns and cottages, was the dominating landmark on Mill Hill until the mid 1960’s. The story of this estate embodies the transition of this area from agriculture to the prominent suburb we now enjoy.

The estate has since been divided into beautiful, spacious neighborhoods with sizable properties that now line the hilltop. The Mill Hill section of Southport boasts attractive homes in many classic styles as well as the very established Southport Woods condominium complex. The area is also in high demand due to its proximity to local amenities and easy commuting by rail or car. It is perfectly situated to enjoy the Historic Southport Harbor and Village just minutes away, the convenience of shopping and dining in either downtown Fairfield or Westport, the boutique shopping and dining in the country setting of the Greenfield Hill Market area or the view of the Fairfield Hunt Club. The lifestyle in Southport’s Mill Hill area combines the best of Town and Country living.