An expansive estate in the little town of Leverett, Mass., two hours west of Boston, owes its existence to a young lad named Michael Kittredge II..Many years ago, he made a Christmas candle for his mother on the family stove using melted crayons and a shoelace as a wick..From there he started making candles full time, selling them to friends and family, eventually opening his first Yankee Candle Shop, a business that expanded to become the wildly successful Yankee Candle Company, with sales all over the world.. Michael Kittredge IIMichael Kittredge II .In 1998, Kittredge decided to sell 90% of his company for US$500 million, which he used to jet around the world, collect luxury sports cars, drink $20,000 bottles of wine and build his compound on more than 60 acres of parkland in Leverett, with a population of 2,000..In 2019, Kittredge succumbed to liver failure and now, the compound has been listed for US$23 million..Kittredge’s son, Michael J.’Mick’ Kittredge III said his father was generous with friends, family, and employees and the compound was “like having Disneyland in the backyard.”.There are eight Colonial-style structures on the property, including the 25,000-sq.-ft. main house, with five bedrooms, six full bathrooms and five half baths.. Home features a two-storey arcadeHome features a two-storey arcade .The home features 11 fireplaces spread across multiple levels, a solarium, an oval office with glass walls, a pine-paneled living room with built-ins, and a two-storey great room with a balcony and an atrium-like ceiling..Two commercial-grade kitchens, one with five islands, and a wine grotto make the home a centre for large-scale entertaining..Several guest homes and staff quarters bring the bedroom total up to sixteen.. The garage has room for one or two cars, or a dozenThe garage has room for one or two cars, or a dozen .The compound includes a pathway system winding around ponds, fountains, waterfalls and gardens to connect the main home with the estate’s many amenities, such as three tennis courts, a T-shaped pool with expansive deck and fully equipped cabana and a nine-hole golf course..There is also a 55,000-sq.-ft. spa complex complete with multiple gyms and massage areas, saunas, a steam room, and an indoor tennis court with stadium seating..A state-of-the-art, 4,000-sq.-ft. outdoor stage has hosted some headline acts, such as Hall & Oates, The Doobie Brothers, KC and The Sunshine Band and Eric Burdon & The Animals.. Kitchen features five islandsKitchen features five islands .A two-storey arcade features pinball machines, slots, arcade games and a three-lane bowling alley.. Living roomLiving room .Two garages have lots of space for high-end toys, while a full-sized auditorium provides another venue for concerts and shows..An indoor water park, modeled after the Bellagio in Las Vegas, with palm trees, water slides, and pools, completes the one-of-a-kind entertainment pavilion..The listing is held by Johnny Hatem Jr. of The Sarkis Team at Douglas Elliman.. Dining room where you can enjoy a $20,000 bottle of wineDining room where you can enjoy a $20,000 bottle of wine
