Brookfield landmark blends history with modern conveniences
Built in 1783, the historical integrity and craftsmanship of this beautiful mini estate is visible in its interior details and felt in the home’s stately ambiance.
“This is an iconic Brookfield landmark,” said Linda McCaffrey, Realtor with Coldwell Banker, noting it has been featured on three town-wide house tours of beautiful, historical homes. “It’s a gorgeous, livable home that was a critical stop on the Underground Railroad. Only seven families have resided here in the past 250 years.”
The 4,479-square-foot antique farmhouse is sited on almost 4 acres at 82 Obtuse Road South in Brookfield. It also includes its original three-story antique barn and an in-ground pool with a swim lane.
The home offers an exquisite mix of history with a modern day feel.
“This is a stately, sophisticated home that’s been totally restored and features all of the conveniences you’d expect in today’s upscale home,” McCaffrey said.
Some of its handcrafted features include coffered ceilings, a combination of chestnut and pine flooring, three fireplaces, gorgeous raised paneling and original wood beams.
“Even though this is a sophisticated home, the flow, the three fireplaces, the coffered ceiling and the exquisite woodwork give it a warm family feel,” she said. “You can just imagine large, relaxed, family gatherings in the multipurpose rooms.”
An incredible open wood-burning fireplace hearth spanning an entire wall is the showpiece of the eat-in kitchen.
“This is the place where the family can sit and enjoy an informal meal,” she said.
Combined with the room’s original wood beams in the ceiling, cream cabinetry and color palette, the hearth provides the room with a special coziness. A lovely breakfast nook is the perfect spot for casual meals by the open hearth fire. The kitchen also has a walk-in pantry, a tiled floor and modern appliances. Asecond staircase leads conveniently to the family bedroom area.
Embrace nature in the oversized four-season sunroom that has floor-to-ceiling windows spanning two sides, hardwood floors, wood paneling and cream-colored brick.
“The walls of windows makes you feel that the room is an extension of the garden area,” McCaffrey said.
Sophistication is found in the dining room that’s detailed with hardwood floors, cream wood trim, vintage floral wallpaper and large windows that bring in plenty of natural light.
As you enter from the wraparound porch, you step into a large sitting room.
“I imagine this would be where guests were greeted by servants in the distant past and could sit and relax waiting for their hosts,” McCaffrey said. “The family room feels like it belongs in an historic inn.”
This room has a second woodburning fireplace with a wood mantel, built-in bookshelves with cabinetry and windows that overlook the property. A special feature is a secret door that leads into a cozy office/TV area.
“The walls are exquisitely paneled and the room has a coffered ceiling and parquet wood flooring,” she said.
The living room serves as the family room but adjacent is a cozy office/den with a built-in wet bar with beautiful wood cabinetry.
“It’s a cozy, intimate space to gather or watch TV,” McCaffrey said. A unique feature in this room is a door that looks like paneling. “It’s like a hidden access.”
“There’s a great flow from the family room to the living room to the dining room. The flow from these rooms out to the covered wrap around porch makes it an ideal setting for memorable parties,” McCaffrey said.
Completing the main level is a full bathroom.
“It’s perfect for after a swim or working in the garden.”
Acarpeted wood staircase leads to the upper level where you’ll find an ample-sized “luxurious private master suite,” McCaffrey said. This room features neutral wall-to-wall carpeting, coffered beams in the ceiling, a third wood-burning fireplace flanked by quarter moon windows and three walk-in closets.
“The private master bathroom is modern and spa-like,” she said. It has a wood vanity with granite countertops, a whirlpool tub with windows, a separate large shower, a vaulted ceiling and skylights.
The upper level also has four generously-sized bedrooms, all with wall-to-wall carpeting, closets and white molding.
“Each has its own unique character reminiscent of a bed and breakfast,” McCaffrey said. The bedrooms share a full bathroom that’s been updated with modern white cabinetry and a separate shower.
Additional amenities include an upper level laundry room, central air conditioning, an audio system, a state-of-the-art security system and a finished, walk-up attic with a private office and bunks and a small access doorway where runaway slaves accessed the space. New updates include a new furnace, roof and septic system. The custom architecturally designed detached garage is newer and complements the character of the home.
“South Obtuse is a scenic road and this home has very private grounds enhanced with fabulous specimen plantings, some being over 200 years old,” McCaffrey said.
Some of the trees include yellow oaks, hemlocks, maple trees, fruit trees, a large row of white rhododendron and also blooming perennial gardens dotted throughout the multiple patios. Numerous stone walls and fencing add interest to the yard.
“The setting is more than incredible. The beautiful park-like setting is ideal for family gatherings, events and celebrations. You can picture yourself in the expansive gardens, patios, or relaxing on the wraparound covered porch,” McCaffrey said. “The land is mostly level and grassy with fields that have been used for family softball games.”
The home also has an original three-story barn in excellent condition.
“It was used to store hay and other produce and farm equipment as well as housing dairy cows and currently it’s being used for storage,” she said. “The barn is a piece of history, but a buyer could use it for family gatherings or weddings. It could also be a wonderful workshop or studio area.”
Another highlight is the private in-ground pool that’s beautifully landscaped and surrounded by fencing and a huge cement patio.
Be a part of history as you enjoy the comforts of this updated estate.
“It’s a vintage home that’s been meticulously maintained and updated with today’s conveniences without sacrificing the authentic character of the time,” McCaffrey said. “The grounds are as magnificent as the home.”
The home is offered at $949,000. To view the virtual tour, visit www.coldwellbankerhomes.com, MLS# 170076924.