Address Newsletter
Our weekly digest on buying, selling, and design, with expert advice and insider neighborhood knowledge.
If your goal is to live long, prosper, and buy incredible real estate, 155 Shortwoods Road in New Fairfield, Conn., is probably for you.
While locals refer to it as “The Mushroom House,” the 5,036-square-foot home, which was built in 1985, is officially called Starcastle. Tucked between Squantz Pond State Park and Pootatuck State Forest on 23.5 acres in New Fairfield, the four-bed, five-bath home, which is currently listed at $1.4 million, has a pretty straightforward inspiration.
“Star Trek,” explained Lisa Weisenberger of Luks Realty, who has the listing. “Ed Roman, the owner of East Coast Guitars, owned it. He had [futuristic architect] Roy Mason design it.”
Roman sold the home to the current owners in 2007, but it still maintains its spaceship-like quality straight off the Starship Enterprise. A polyurethane foam was sprayed on top of balloons to construct the massive white domes that form the top of the home. Under one, a double front door features a starburst that welcomes you inside. Inside the main level, you’ll find endless entertaining areas, from a sunken conversation pit by a large stone fireplace to floor-to-ceiling windows that look out on the panoramic vistas of New England’s beauty. A spacious deck overlooking the property is the perfect spot to sip your morning coffee.

The upstairs of the home takes on a more traditional setup, but a loft is an exciting twist, providing views all the way to neighboring lakes.
A guest house was previously used as Roman’s recording studio. You’ll also find a gazebo, a beautiful gunite heated swimming pool, attached and detached garages, and an RV/boat pad. Lush gardens feature unique plantings, and rolling lawns are the stuff of suburban dreams. But one of the property’s most unique features is the smiley face that’s cut into the grass. It’s a favorite spot for local kids attempting to get a look at the fun detail.
Weisenberger noted that the driveway, as well as several other parts of the property, need repair.
“But in terms of the land that you’re on and the views that you have, the property is what will sell the house,” she added.
Weisenberger has received a ton of interest from people who may want to use it as an Airbnb.
“It’s had really good activity, but it’s going to take a special buyer,” Weisenberger said.






Megan Johnson is a Boston-based writer and reporter whose work appears in People, Architectural Digest, The Boston Globe, and more.
Our weekly digest on buying, selling, and design, with expert advice and insider neighborhood knowledge.
Stay up to date with everything Boston. Receive the latest news and breaking updates, straight from our newsroom to your inbox.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com