The original ‘ Pepperidge Farm’
In 1928, Henry and Margaret Rudkin purchased nearly 200 acres of farmland on Sturges Highway to build their dream house in the country. They named it Pepperidge Farm in honor of the magnificent and ancient Pepperidge trees that adorned the property.
The 8,776 square foot stone, stucco and timber Tudorstyle home served as a showplace for the Rudkin’s collection of art and antiques. After the stock market crash in 1929, Margaret singlehandedly converted the equestrian estate into a working farm during the Depression, growing fruits, vegetables, raising poultry and livestock, making butter and canning.
When their youngest son developed serious allergies and asthma, Margaret researched solutions in food and nutrition and began baking fresh bread made from vitaminrich stoneground flour, along with wholewheat pancakes and muffins.
“Soon others began asking for her tasty baked goods and the rest is history,” says listing agent AndrewWhiteley.
After the Rudkins passed away, their children sold the property which at the time consisted of 173 acres. Today, a gated community of luxury homes has replaced the gardens, orchards and fields. While located within the gated community of “The Ridge,” the property is not part of the association, but the house still stands as a reminder of the original Pepperidge Farm.
The ivycovered main house has been painstakingly and lovingly restored by the current owners to its former glory and is now offered on over six and half acres, including an adjacent twoacre building lot. The grounds are graced with rolling lawns, magnificent terraces, formal gardens, stone walls and a beautiful inground pool and patio and tennis court.
The 12room main residence features four bedrooms, two guest bedrooms, six baths and a guest or au pair wing with two bedrooms, a bath, kitchen and sitting room.
This grand residence is entered via a flagstone vestibule into an entrance hall which spans the width of the house and is adorned with limestone floor and columns, arched entryways, elegant wall panels and an adjacent receiving room with fireplace.
Among the multiple entertaining areas is the gracious drawing room features a dramatic coffered ceiling with handhewn beams, tall wainscoting, arched windows, wide board pegged floors and an exquisite marble fireplace. From the drawing room, the solarium opens onto the side lawns and stone terraces, creating a storybook setting for outdoor entertaining, al fresco dining, large gatherings or quiet strolls. Stone walkways lead to the beautiful pool and patio area and the adjacent tennis court offers added recreation.
Parquet floors, a fireplace and a bow window overlooking the picturesque grounds set the stage for an inviting ambience in the formal dining room. Bright and spacious, the modern kitchen boasts handsome cabinetry, granite counters, a spacious island with breakfast bar, dining area, pantry and wide spans of windows with scenic views.
A private library and two ensuite bedrooms are also located on the main level.
On the upper level, the master bedroom is elegantly appointed with a coffered ceiling, fireplace, builtin bookcases, walkin closet and marble bath.
Also, on the upper level is a fabulous family room with coffered ceiling, handsome fireplace, tall wainscoting and viewing screen that takes up an entire wall. There is also a second floor office with