Candlewood Realty

09/17/2026

Draw Down Update - FirstLight issued a press release today, announcing plans to conduct a deep drawdown this winter for Candlewood Lake.

FirstLight, the owner and operator of the Rocky River Pumped Hydro Storage Station, will initiate the deep drawdown season for Candlewood Lake, which includes Squantz Pond, after November 1, 2026, as weather conditions allow. In recent years, the annual drawdown of Candlewood Lake has typically been initiated between December and February, with the exact start date determined by weather patterns and planned maintenance timelines. The trend toward warmer and wetter winter weather, widely attributed to climate change, has and may continue to push the drawdown to this later timeframe. The deep drawdown, executed in consultation with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Candlewood Lake Authority, will be completed with water levels returning to normal summer operating ranges
prior to Memorial Day 2027. A deep drawdown is scheduled for this year. The normal summer operating range of the station is from 429.5’-427’, and the deep drawdown will target an elevation of 418’ with a 2’ winter operations pumping and generation range from 418-420’. Due to unknown weather patterns, exact dates and associated lake levels are not available. Homeowners are therefore strongly encouraged to remove their structures, boat lifts, and docks from Candlewood Lake prior to the winter season to prevent ice damage along the shoreline. All work planned to occur along the shoreline requires prior permitting from FirstLight, who can be contacted at http://www.firstlightpermits.com.

For more information on the annual drawdown, visit our website: https://candlewoodlakeauthority.org/Drawdown

09/14/2026

Please see the information below from First Light on the drawdowns of Candlewood, Lake Zoar, and Lake Lillinonah.

Lake Zoar – Beginning on October 17, 2026, FirstLight will initiate a drawdown of Lake Zoar at the Stevenson Dam to conduct its annual maintenance and inspection activities. The normal summer operating range of the station is from 103’-100.5’, and the drawdown will target an elevation of 98.5’. The drawdown will lower lake levels to minimum pond levels and aim to return to normal operating elevations on October 26, 2026, as river conditions allow. All homeowners are encouraged to remove structures, boat lifts, and docks from Lake Zoar to prevent ice or flood damage from occurring during the winter months. All work planned to
occur along the shoreline requires prior permitting from FirstLight, who can be contacted at www.firstlightpermits.com.

Lake Lillinonah – Beginning on October 26, 2026, FirstLight will initiate a drawdown of Lake Lillinonah at the Shepaug Dam to conduct its annual maintenance and inspection activities.
The normal summer operating range of the station is from 200’-195.5’, and the drawdown will target an elevation of 190.5’. The drawdown will lower lake levels to minimum pond levels and
aim to return to normal operating elevations on November 4, 2026, as river conditions allow.
All homeowners are encouraged to remove structures, boat lifts, and docks from Lake Lillinonah to prevent ice or flood damage from occurring during the winter months. All work planned to occur along the shoreline requires prior permitting from FirstLight, who can be contacted at www.firstlightpermits.com.

Candlewood Lake – FirstLight, the owner and operator of the Rocky River Pumped Hydro Storage Station, will initiate the deep drawdown season for Candlewood Lake, which includes
Squantz Pond, after November 1, 2026, as weather conditions allow. In recent years, the annual drawdown of Candlewood Lake has typically been initiated between December and
February, with the exact start date determined by weather patterns and planned maintenance timelines. The trend toward warmer and wetter winter weather, widely attributed to climate change, has and may continue to push the drawdown to this later timeframe. The deep drawdown, executed in consultation with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Candlewood Lake Authority, will be completed with water levels returning to normal summer operating ranges prior to Memorial Day 2026. A deep drawdown is scheduled for this year. The normal summer operating range of the station is from 429.5’-427’, and the deep drawdown will target an
elevation of 418’ with a 2’ winter operations pumping and generation range from 418-420’. Due
to unknown weather patterns, exact dates and associated lake levels are not available.
Homeowners are therefore strongly encouraged to remove their structures, boat lifts, and docks from Candlewood Lake before the winter season to prevent ice damage along the
shoreline. All work planned to occur along the shoreline requires prior permitting from FirstLight, who can be contacted at www.firstlightpermits.com.

Welcome to FirstLight Power Resources Shoreline Management and Permits for the Housatonic River Project

09/05/2026

$6900.00/month. https://smartmls-portal.connectmls.com/shared-link/litchfield-residential-rental-single-family-rental-40-looking-glass-hill/65c67814-005d-4f95-8cef-2729f478da87 Escape to the peaceful charm of the countryside with this exceptional 4-bedroom, 2 full bathroom rental in the heart of Litchfield. Nestled in a private and tranquil setting, this home offers a rare blend of rustic elegance and modern comfort. Inside, you'll find a grand fireplace that create a warm, inviting atmosphere-perfect for relaxing evenings or entertaining guests. The property includes a space in the two car garage. Outdoors, enjoy your own heated pool and a picturesque fishing pond with bass, all surrounded by serene natural beauty that makes every day feel like a retreat. Located just minutes from charming local dining spots and scenic hiking trails, including the renowned White Memorial Conservation Center, this home offers both seclusion and convenience. Whether you're exploring nature or enjoying the vibrant local scene, this location delivers the best of both worlds. Available immediately. A rare opportunity to experience refined country living in one of Litchfield's most desirable settings.

09/02/2026

08/25/2026

Here is where people are coming from that are moving into Connecticut....

07/31/2026

🗺️ The same $400,000 home carries $7,172 a year in property tax in Illinois and $1,232 in Hawaii.

That is a $5,940 spread on identical property value.

These are effective rates from the 2024 American Community Survey: total real estate taxes paid divided by the total value of owner-occupied homes in each state.

The national average is 0.888%, which works out to about $3,552 a year on a $400,000 home.

Illinois, New Jersey, Vermont, Nebraska, and Connecticut hold the top five spots, and every one of them is above 1.35%.

Texas ranks ninth at 1.245% with no state income tax, which is the tradeoff that funds its schools.

A state average is not a bill, though: counties, cities, and school districts set the actual rate, 18 states and Washington, D.C. cap how fast an assessed value can rise, and a homestead or senior exemption can put a long-time owner well below the state figure.

Retirees comparing states usually weigh income tax first, but on a paid-off house the property tax line is the one that never goes away.

Where does your state land on this list, and how much has your bill moved in the last five years?



*The content shared here is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not personalized investment, tax, legal, or financial advice. Consult a licensed professional before making decisions based on your specific situation.*

07/26/2026

Public Open House TODAY July 26th from Noon until 4 PM at 301 Grove Street in New Milford, CT PRICE ADJUSTMENT! $529,000. Please stop by- hope to see you there!

07/25/2026

Public Open House Sunday July 26th from Noon until 4 PM at 301 Grove Street in New Milford, CT $529,000. Please stop by- hope to see you there!

06/21/2026

Summer began at 4:24 AM today!

06/17/2026

Public Open House Saturday June 20th from Noon until 3 PM at 301 Grove Street in New Milford, CT $539,000.