History at the Elias Austin House

Restored 1743 Durham home includes modern amenities

Connecticut’s rich colonial heritage has bestowed an abundance of historic homes throughout the area. Rarely does one find an antique home whose historic significance stretches from New Haven County to the settlement of Texas. Yet that is provenance of the circa 1743 Elias Austin House.

Elias Austin was a tailor and farmer, who decided to enter the tavern business since his property sat on the Post Road between New Haven and Hartford. The home was the birthplace of his son, Moses Austin, who would go on to become a successful businessman and petition the Spanish government in Texas to bring settlers into the territory. In 1821, Moses’ son Stephen began the Anglo migration, arriving with 300 families near what is now Austin, Texas, and he became known as the “Father of Texas.”

Today, this meticulously renovated colonial is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a sponsored site of the Connecticut Historical Society. It stands as a testament to the past and an invitation to the beauty of the present. The current owners purchased the home in 1998 when they undertook a major restoration, returning historic portions of the home to their original design and character and adding a seamless blend of modern amenities and elegant features. Original doors and hardware were uncovered and repurposed, fireplaces were revealed and hand-hewn chestnut beams became accent beams in the kitchen ceiling.

“These discoveries and more were highlights of our restoration as we did our best to respect the historic importance of the home, refurbish it to the design of the late 18th century, and modernize it to the expectations of the 21st century,” the owners explained.

“The care, thought and attention to every detail that went into this restoration project has been a lifelong dream and a labor of love for the current owners,” says listing agent Laurie Mazzeo. “It is a privilege to represent this very special historical home. I am honored to help them sell to the next stewards of the Elias Austin House.”

The property is situated on 1.52 beautifully landscaped acres, complete with terraced, natural stone patios, a heated Gunite pool and spectacular views of the picturesque landscape and nearby countryside.

Beautiful wide plank floors and 8-over-12-paned windows can be found throughout, along with seven fireplaces. Finely appointed gathering areas include the living room, study and music room. The dining room features a striking fireplace and beehive oven as well as a built-in cupboard.

The sun-filled gourmet eat-in

kitchen is a delight among a vaulted ceiling, professional grade appliances, island with breakfast bar and wide spans of windows overlooking the glorious surroundings. Off the kitchen, a family room with fireplace, wet bar and walls of windows brings the beauty of the outdoors right in.

The home offers a large, private first floor master suite with vaulted ceiling, gas fireplace, full bath, walk-in closet and a second floor sitting room. The master bedroom is complete with a wet bar and French doors to the breathtaking patio featuring a two-sided fireplace and pool.

Four bedrooms are located on the upper level, along with two full baths. Additional features include a generous mudroom with laundry, walk-up attic, basement and a detached, two-car garage.

The home is conveniently accessed from both Main Street and Maple Avenue. There will be an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday.

William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty This exquisitely restored 1743 Colonial at 256 Main St. in Durham sits on 1.52 acres with terraced stone patios and in-ground pool.

William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the home features include 7 fireplaces, wide plank floors, a study and a music room.