The simple act of sitting on the porch and looking out over the pristine woods of rural Connecticut is what originally drew Oscar-winning director, producer and actor Ron Howard and his wife, Cheryl, to Conyers Farm more than 20 years ago. Today, the Howards have put their prized 32-acre lakefront estate on the market for $27.5 million, listing it with Tamar Lurie, the company’s top producing affiliated sales associate. The property, which straddles Greenwich and the hamlet of Armonk in Westchester, N.Y., is being co-marketed through Coldwell Banker Previews International®.

Despite having the privilege of traveling all over the world, the Howards regarded Conyers Farm as their retreat of choice—a Shangri-La surrounded by woods, riding trails and private parks with lake panoramas. The farm offers complete privacy and solitude—worlds away from the glamour and grind of Hollywood. The main residence with more than 17,200 square feet of living space seemingly blends the lines between family home and movie set with itsclassic New England styling and tasteful finishes.

The property itself leaves most visitors without any desire to leave, thanks to its generous inclusion of outdoor recreation areas, a working farm, a guest house, indoor sports complex, observatory, organic gardens, an indoor pool, barns, greenhouse, game rooms and a theatre. In fact, its owners say the estate has been the site of two weddings, numerous parties, family reunions and fundraisers. Howard recalls his favorite moments of the house: “Whether we’re watching films in our theatre, walking the trails throughout our property, star gazing in our observatory, or just relaxing with friends and loved ones by the lake, Cheryl and I feel we’ve accomplished the goals we set when we began work on this place.”

Lurie says the home manages to maintain the feeling of coziness and warmth, yet also has the space and amenities for large-scale entertaining—the kind one imagines a top Hollywood director would do on a fairly regular basis. The main home features six bedrooms, five full baths and four half baths, a private two-story library and office, a 14-seat theatre, indoor saltwater pool, gym and yoga studio. The home also offers an au pair suite with two bedrooms and a bath.  Also on the property, is a 2,500 square foot guest house with two bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths, an indoor sports complex with a regulation size tennis court and basketball half court, and an observatory with a professional grade Meade telescope. The grounds offer nature trails, extensive perennial gardens, a formal English garden, Koi pond with waterfall and pergola, a greenhouse and an organic raised bed vegetable garden. Livestock and horse barns, along with paddocks and a riding ring, offer conveniences for equestrian pursuits.

“The estate is in a most breathtaking setting high above Converse Lake,” says Lurie. “This is truly a premier residence that offers the discerning buyer the perfect retreat within an hour of New York City.”

Steve Sawaii, a sales associate with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Greater Los Angeles who is a business consultant for the Howards and referring broker for the property, agrees: “Conyers Farm is a unique property that cannot be replicated today.”

And why would the Howards want to part with such an extraordinary home?

“Our children are grown, so it’s time to move on,” reveals Howard, before adding, almost wistfully: “But the memories of this very special place will never leave us.”

Like the simple act of sitting on the porch and admiring a landscape that, far and away, rivals the best in the world.