Scott Foley’s Connecticut Home: Inside the Actor’s Westport Sanctuary

Scott Foley and his wife, Marika Domińczyk, transformed a 1940s colonial house in Westport, Connecticut, into a masterclass of modern farmhouse design. Their residence blends traditional New England architecture with contemporary interiors, emphasizing open-concept living, neutral palettes, and high-end finishes that prioritize family functionality and sophisticated comfort.

The Allure of Connecticut: Why Scott Foley Chose Westport

For many high-profile individuals in the entertainment industry, the move from Los Angeles to the East Coast represents a shift in lifestyle priorities. Scott Foley, known for his roles in Scandal, Felicity, and The Unit, sought a residence that offered more than just proximity to production hubs. By choosing Westport, Connecticut, Foley and Domińczyk joined a community long favored by artists, writers, and actors seeking privacy and a connection to the changing seasons.

Westport is situated in Fairfield County, often referred to as the "Gold Coast" of Connecticut. As of 2026, the town remains one of the most desirable real estate markets in the United States due to its top-tier public schools, coastal amenities like Compo Beach, and a direct commute to Manhattan via the Metro-North Railroad. For the Foley family, the decision to settle in a 1940s colonial was a deliberate move away from the sleek, glass-heavy modernism of Southern California toward something more rooted in history and texture.

The transition to Connecticut allowed the family to engage with a different pace of life. In interviews and features, such as those in Connecticut Cottages & Gardens, the couple emphasized the importance of having space for their three children to grow, surrounded by the woods and the classic "Nutmeg State" landscape.

Architectural Heritage: The 1940s Colonial Foundation

The primary subject of interest in Scott Foley’s Connecticut real estate journey is the substantial renovation of a home built in 1940. Classic Connecticut architecture from this era typically features symmetrical facades, gabled roofs, and shingle or clapboard siding. However, these older structures often suffer from "choppy" floor plans—small, disconnected rooms designed for a different era of domestic life.

When Foley and Domińczyk acquired the property, they recognized the need for a "gut renovation." This process involved stripping the home down to its studs to modernize the mechanical systems while preserving the exterior charm. The goal was to maintain the "bones" of a traditional colonial while introducing the "flow" required for a 21st-century family.

Key Architectural Modifications:

• Expansion of the Floor Plan: Breaking down walls between the kitchen, dining, and living areas to create a "great room" effect.
• Natural Light Optimization: Increasing the size and number of windows to combat the often-gloomy New England winters.
• Structural Integrity: Updating electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems to meet 2026 energy efficiency standards, which are significantly more stringent than those of the mid-20th century.

Interior Design Philosophy: Modern Farmhouse Meets Organic Minimalism

The interior of the Foley home is frequently cited as a prime example of the "Modern Farmhouse" aesthetic, though it leans more toward an organic, lived-in minimalism than the starker versions of the trend. Working with professional designers and drawing heavily on Marika Domińczyk’s own keen eye for detail, the couple curated a space that feels both curated and comfortable.

The Color Palette

The home utilizes a sophisticated neutral palette. Instead of stark white, the walls often feature warmer tones like "off-white," "bone," or "light greige." This provides a soft backdrop for the architectural details and allows the changing colors of the Connecticut seasons—visible through large windows—to act as the primary "art" in the rooms.

Materiality and Texture

Depth in the Foley home is achieved through a layering of textures rather than bold patterns. You will find:

1. Reclaimed Wood: Used in ceiling beams and flooring to add a sense of history and warmth.
2. Natural Stone: Honed marble and soapstone in the kitchen and bathrooms provide a matte, tactile quality.
3. Woven Elements: Jute rugs, linen upholstery, and wicker accents prevent the large rooms from feeling cold or impersonal.

The Heart of the Home: The Kitchen Renovation

In any discussion of Scott Foley’s Connecticut home, the kitchen serves as the centerpiece. It was designed to handle the rigors of three children while being stylish enough for high-end photography. The kitchen features a massive central island, which serves as a prep station, a breakfast bar, and a social hub.

The cabinetry is typically custom-shaker style, painted in muted tones that bridge the gap between traditional and modern. High-end appliances, including professional-grade ranges and integrated refrigeration, are standard for a home of this caliber. One of the standout features often highlighted is the use of open shelving alongside traditional cabinets, allowing for a display of everyday ceramics that adds to the "cottage" feel.

Landscaping and the Connecticut Outdoors

A "Connecticut home" is incomplete without consideration of its grounds. The Foley property emphasizes the integration of indoor and outdoor living. In the Westport area, this often involves managing mature trees and creating "outdoor rooms."

The renovation included the addition of a significant deck and patio area, designed for entertaining. The landscaping philosophy follows a "controlled wildness" approach—using native Connecticut plants like hydrangeas, boxwoods, and perennials that offer beauty without requiring the hyper-manicured look of a Beverly Hills estate. This choice reflects a broader 2026 trend toward sustainable, local flora that supports local pollinators while requiring less chemical intervention.

Real Estate Market Context in 2026

For those looking to emulate Scott Foley’s move to Connecticut, it is essential to understand the current state of the Fairfield County market. As of 2026, inventory in towns like Westport, Southport, and Darien remains tight. The "celebrity effect"—where notable figures move to the suburbs—has maintained high property values even during periods of national economic fluctuation.

Buying a 1940s colonial in Westport today requires a significant investment, often starting in the $1.8 million to $2.5 million range for a "fixer-upper" (by luxury standards), with fully renovated homes like Foley’s commanding prices well north of $4 million, depending on acreage and proximity to the water.

Considerations for Prospective Buyers:

• Property Taxes: Connecticut has some of the highest property taxes in the U.S., which must be factored into the long-term cost of ownership.
• Maintenance: Older homes, even when renovated, require ongoing moisture management due to the humid summers and snowy winters.
• Zoning Laws: Westport has specific regulations regarding "floor area ratio" (FAR) and setbacks, which can limit how much a homeowner can expand an original 1940s footprint.

Lessons from the Foley Renovation

The success of the Foley home lies in its restraint. It does not attempt to be a "McMansion" or a sterile museum. For homeowners or designers, the project offers several takeaways:

1. Respect the Architecture: They didn't try to turn a colonial into a ultra-modern cube. They worked with the existing shape and enhanced it.
2. Invest in "Touchpoints": High-quality hardware (knobs, faucets) and flooring make the biggest difference in how a home feels daily.
3. Function First: The home was designed for three kids and a dog. Choosing durable fabrics (like performance linens) and open spaces ensures the home remains beautiful despite heavy use.
4. The Power of Neutrals: By keeping the permanent fixtures neutral, the family can change the "vibe" of the home with simple swaps of pillows, art, and rugs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Scott Foley still live in Connecticut in 2026?

While celebrity living situations are often fluid due to filming schedules—including Foley's well-documented time filming in Europe—the Foley family has maintained deep roots in the Connecticut/New York tri-state area. Their Westport home remains their most famous and influential residential project.

What was the specific interior design style of the Foley home?

The style is best described as "Modern Organic Colonial." It takes the structural elements of a New England colonial and fills it with organic textures, a neutral color palette, and modern, clean-lined furniture.

Who was the interior designer for Scott Foley’s Connecticut house?

While the couple worked with professional consultants and were featured in major design publications, Marika Domińczyk was heavily involved in the creative direction. The project is often cited as a collaborative effort between the couple and regional design experts specializing in the Fairfield County aesthetic.

How can I achieve the "Foley Look" on a budget?

To replicate this style without a celebrity budget, focus on three things: painting your walls a warm, consistent neutral; replacing dated carpet with wide-plank wood (or high-quality laminate); and decluttering to allow the architectural lines of your furniture to stand out.

Why did Scott Foley move to Connecticut from Los Angeles?

The primary drivers were a desire for more space, a change in lifestyle for their children, and an appreciation for the historical architecture and seasonal climate of the East Coast, which differs significantly from the environment of Southern California.

Practical Recommendations for Homeowners

If you are inspired by Scott Foley’s Connecticut home and are considering a similar renovation or purchase in the New England area, your first step should be to consult with a local architect who specializes in historic preservation and modern updates. Understanding what can be changed within the "bones" of a 1940s structure is critical before any demolition begins.

Furthermore, prioritize the "Great Room" concept. The Foley home proves that even in a traditional colonial, the kitchen and living area can be merged to create a space that feels expansive and inviting. Focus your budget on high-use areas like the kitchen island and the primary bathroom, as these provide the highest return on both lifestyle quality and resale value in the 2026 market.