Colgate Mansion (Filston) Sharon, CT – Photo Courtesy of Southeby’s International Realty
Completed in 1906 by an heir to the Colgate toothpaste fortune Romulus Colgate (electricity tycoon) for the modern equivalent of $43M, the estate known as Filston remained in the Colgate family until, by 1938, it had passed to Romanian expat Edgar Ausnit, who escaped the Nazis and brought his massive fortune (derived from the steel and munitions industries) to this sleepy corner of Connecticut. Ausnit partied with stars like Cary Grant and many of Manhattan’s then-plentiful playboys, but apparently kept the home in good order. After Ausnit’s death, the stunning mansion was sold and by 1976 belonged to songwriter Paul Leka (producer of such hits as “Hey Hey Good Bye” and “Cat’s in the Cradle”). Leka’s widow Angie Leka has commissioned Copake Auction to sell the contents of this grand estate.
The contents are scheduled to be sold Saturday September 27, 2014 at 3 pm.
