Property Week
Colebrook Colonial Blends Historic Past with Modern Updates
Aquintessential New England home in the Connecticut River Valley has retained its old country feeling and is awaiting a new steward. Nestled on a five-acre corner lot in the picturesque town center of Colebrook, this
1828 center-chimney, colonial-style home with 12 rooms has withstood the test of time thanks to widespread restorations, renovations, alterations and modern updates.
“It’s like living in an old house with modern taste,” co-listing agent Ryan De Lello says of the home, in the desirable Litchfield Hills. “People want family-modernized. This house speaks to that in many ways.”
Situated at 474 Smith Hill Road in the Colebrook Center Historic District, the 2,430-squarefoot home features four bedrooms and three bathrooms. It is an easy walk to the community center, local general store, post office, church, elementary school, Little League field and town pond. Only a short drive away are restaurants, shopping and outdoor recreational areas.
“This is authentic northwest Connecticut,” the agent says. “The new buyer is really purchasing the small-town vibe of Colebrook and a home with a great history.”
The home has a storied past. It was first built for a physician, later deeded to the Colebrook Congregational Church and then sold to a family. A general store operated here too, with a few knots from a counter embedded into the original floor.
“You can see the divots in the floor,” De Lello adds.
Constructed by Yankee craftsmen some 195 years ago, the home is the perfect blend of country living with modern amenities.
Previous owners have painstakingly maintained the home, which is comprised of original architectural details that offer a peek into the past. Some of these characteristics include: 12-inch pumpkin pine floors, a soapstone wood-burning stove and a beehive Dutch oven. New custom windows contain original panes.
The main level is large and roomy to spread out and entertain. Two bedrooms including the primary, a family room, a living room, a kitchen, a dining room and a sunroom or screened-in porch connected to the balcony/deck are located here. The home’s second fireplace can be enjoyed in the primary suite.
The kitchen boasts New Hampshire granite countertops, a freestanding island, stainless appliances, a gas cooktop and range, and ample counter space. French doors in the dining room open to the deck. There is also a bonus room, a large foyer and a laundry room on the first floor.
Two bedrooms, one currently used as an office, and a full bathroom are located on the second level. A mudroom off the garage leads to the heated walkout basement, which is partially finished and has lots of storage. A walk-up attic with flooring provides potential for another room.
The peaceful backyard is a gardener’s paradise – delivering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Old rock walls escort you to a private pond, ideal for kayaking. An enclosed and elevated deck is the ideal spot to enjoy wildlife and scenic views, or to host summer barbecues.
“From many rooms, you look over the pond,” De Lello says.
Recently, the electrical system was overhauled. In addition, a whole-house generator and a hot water on-demand system were added. Steel beam supports were installed in some areas.
The baseboard, hot air system is fueled by oil. Propane operates the water heater. There is a private well and a septic system on the property. Under the home, the two-car garage has electricity and is encased by sheetrock.
The wood-frame exterior and a shingle-andasphalt gable roof are set on a concrete and stone foundation. Gorgeous trees and perennials enhance the home’s charming curb appeal. Bushes and flowers line the front yard.
The 474 Smith Hill home occupies the same spot it was built on, known then as Highway Number Three. The Colebrook Center Historic District, at the junction of Connecticut Route 183, encompasses historic residential and commercial structures, a church, the town center and the town green. De Lello calls the historic district “unique, unbelievably quiet, authentic and undisturbed.”
He adds, “You feel the history when you are walking through this property.”
The home is priced at $695,000. For photos, a tour and more details about this historic home and property, visit https://474smithhillroad.com.
Karen A. Avitabile is a freelance writer based in Plantsville.