Antique colonial brimming with old world charm
The antique colonial that sits on Morehouse Highway can be found on the very earliest maps of Fairfield. In the early 1700s the Jennings family established a farm in Greenfield Hills and built the original house from chestnut and oak trees harvested right from the property.
“The house probably existed as a growing season dwelling, as ‘ town’ was a full day’s ride by horse or carriage from the onion fields surrounding the house,” said the owner, who also added that legend has it that P. T. Barnum’s mother lived here.
Today, the beautifully restored circa 1734 home marries a harmonious blend of yesterday and today. Thoughtful details and finishes, both high- end and original, abound throughout the home’s 3,023 square feet. The original framing has been exposed where possible, antique beams and wide floor and wall boards, some 1 1/ 2 inches thick, run throughout the living and dining rooms while three original fireplaces enhance the living spaces. The home is also graced with modern appointments among fresh, current paint colors, luxe bathrooms, a huge deck with hot- tub and gourmet chef's kitchen with Italian soapstone countertops and farm sink.
“The home has great flow for entertaining,” said the owner. “These days, with nine grandchildren, we have been a central holiday home where we regularly have 19 for Thanksgiving or Christmas. We have had 85 for engagement parties, 50 for high school graduation parties and 20 for formal tuxedo dinner parties.”
The home also functioned beautifully for the owners and their two career/ home office situation.
“I have my beautiful airy office in the back of the house, out of everyone’s way.” The owner explained. “My wife’s office, where she has seen clients since 1991, is in the front of the house, conveniently located by the front door.”
The centrally located gourmet chef’s kitchen was remodeled with custom Shaker cabinets made of solid cherry. Italian stone counters, brought from the Dolomites, were custom made for the owners as a wedding gift. The kitchen also boasts high end appliances including a Viking six- burner stove, three skylights, heart pine floors and casual dining area. Beautiful built- ins in the hall between the dining room, foyer and kitchen add charm and practicality.
The kitchen is open to the dining room and expansive sunken family room with wood stove, large spans of windows and sliding glass doors to the spacious deck and hot tub with views of the woods surrounding the tranquil two- acre setting. A vibrant formal garden area, perfect for a picnic or cocktail party, is on the other side of the home.
On the upper level, the large master suite is light, airy and elegant among a vaulted ceiling, wood burning fireplace and sliding glass doors to a Juliet balcony. The renovated bath is finely finished in marble, glass and stone with high- end fixtures. A delightful sitting room at the top of the landing separates the master bedroom from three thoughtfully appointed family bedrooms at the front of the home.
The privacy both inside the house and in the yard is exceptional, and the property is conveniently located near the Richardson Golf Course, numerous hiking trails, Lake Mohegan, and plenty of shopping and dining on Black Rock Turnpike and Easton Center.
Listing agent: Mary Phelps, William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, 203- 546- 0315, mphelps@ williampitt. com