A HOUSE OF STORIES

For 110 years, the architectural beauty known as Ferncrest has graced the Eastern Point Historical District of Groton.

“The house has some astonishing features,” says current owner, Michael Collins, “including the wonderful location.”

The six- bedroom, 6,777- square- foot home sits on property with views of Long Island Sound, and lovely gardens including a 100- year- old Rhododendron, two Japanese maples of the same age, and several original boxwoods—two of which were given to Collins by Meryl Streep’s mother.

In 1901, Ladies Home Journal began offering a series of plans for “Model Suburban Houses Which Can be Built at Moderate Cost,” according to the original magazine story from the Library of Congress archives. The “Home in a Prairie Town” design was given to the magazine by Frank Lloyd Wright at the request of the Curtis Publishing Company. While Ferncrest was not built directly from these plans, the similarities give it the “Prairie Home” feel that was popular then.

“The home was originally a beach house,” says Collins, “built in 1910 by the Cushman family who owned it for 53 years. It was named Ferncrest because ferns grew naturally here on the property.”

The Collins family purchased the home in 1969 and it has remained in the family since then.

The main floor consists of a large living room, a large formal dining room, and a music room. “Here’s one of the astonishing things about this house,” says Collins. “From inside the front door, you can see east, north, south, and west through the windows. In these three rooms, there is 70 feet of glass.”

The kitchen was renovated in 1965 in Mid- Century Modern style with granite counters and a gas cooktop. The kitchen area features two pantries— one with a full sink and washing area. A charming, sunny breakfast room sits off the kitchen.

In another area of the main floor, a large family room features a beach stone fireplace and lots of window views, plus an entrance from the back of the property.

“This entrance was for access for people with cars,” says Collins. “A lot of entertaining was done in the 20s and 30s and people couldn’t park on the street with the chauffeur blocking traffic.” Collins points to the back yard. “That driveway went straight across the lawn, all the way along the fence and around the garage, then out to the street. People could be dropped off and come directly inside,” he says.

The rock work and foundation of the house is done in large beach stone and sealed with red mortar. Collins says, “The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation says this house isn’t one of his, but I’m convinced it is, because he used reds in all his houses—in concrete and mortar because he felt that red was the color of life.” Collins smiles.

“I don’t have documentation from the Foundation, but I have circumstantial evidence.”

The foundations of the building splay out to help the water run off the roof and away from the building, another interesting feature of the house. A charming highlight is the third floor tower where a small room affords 360-degree views and a ladder to the open Captain’s Walk on the roof. The garage is completely original including a car wash system on the ceiling, a full workshop, and chauffeur’s quarters.

Collins smiles knowingly. “There was lots of scandal and romance. Mistresses and extravagant parties. Affairs and divorces. That’s the thing about this house,” he says. “Everyone will tell you stories. Someone was here once. Someone knew this person or that person.”

The grounds are extensive and nicely planted, with a 104-year-old hedge bordering the driveway. The concrete birdbath is original, and a pagoda- style well house that provided water for the lawn and gardens in the past, and is currently unused, could be an asset in the future. In the front of the house, a very large boulder is carved with the name “Ferncrest” and surrounded by native ferns.

The craftsmanship and durability of this beautiful historic home will most likely continue to be a star of Eastern Point.