Exquisite Riverfront Antique-Style Saltbox with 3-Story Barn on 18+ Acres

This listing will hit the market June 10, 2021. Contact us for exclusive details.

Available for the first time on the market, an exceptional riverfront residence and 3-story barn built by H.P. Broom Housewright, a regular in Architectural Digest, Better Homes & Gardens, New England Home, and House Beautiful. Located on over 18 acres of sweeping lawn and meadow, edged by the Pomperaug River, a skating pond, and pine forest, the picturesque property is a storybook world come to life—complete with mature, perennial gardens that were originally designed by Wesley Rouse, noted landscaper recognized in House & Garden, Fine Gardening. The setting is as tranquil as it is transcendent, offering total privacy while within walking distance to town and some of the best restaurants in the area. The land is also suitable for subdividing with two additional approved building lots.

Character, quality, and authenticity define this stunning residence, 80 miles from Manhattan and minutes from the historic towns of Washington and Roxbury. Built in 1991 of the finest materials and recently fitted with numerous upgrades, the antique-style saltbox has a gracious layout with a large, open concept family room interspersed with more formal, intimate spaces. Highlights of the home include wide-board oak flooring, exposed antique wood beams, 4 wood-burning fireplaces, Pella architectural series windows, hand-forged hardware, a covered porch, and 3 landscaped brick patios with meadow views and extensive stone wall perimeters.

Accessed by a long graveled circular drive hemmed by shade trees, the house offers two entries: a stone footpath leading to a formal front entry with foyer, or the “day-to-day” entrance via the garage pathway to covered porch and mudroom. At the heart of the home is the large family room—a combined living/dining space that feels warm and welcoming, thanks to exposed wood beams, cathedral ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace with floor-to-ceiling stonework, and twin French doors that open to the dual-level brick dining patio with a view of the grounds and pond. The room offers an ample and relaxed space for gathering and informal dining with an open country kitchen that can easily be expanded to the adjoining sunroom. It is currently presented with integrated appliances for a sleek and seamless look, including double ovens, brand new Dacor gas stovetop, Bosch dishwasher, and Kitchen Aid side-by-side refrigerator.

A charming sunroom/sitting room is adjacent, inviting you for tea, pre-dinner drinks, or a quiet space to disconnect or enjoy a good book. This intimate jewel-box-of-a-room is wrapped in glass and affords gorgeous meadow views and access to the dining patio. It opens to the front living room, off the front entry — an elegant and roomy conversation space that features a second wood-burning fireplace with a Federal-style mantle flanked by built-in bookcases, and beamed ceilings with period-perfect crown molding. Opposite, the swanky dining room is ready for hosting formal dinner parties, and boasts a third wood-burning fireplace, as well as an abundance of natural light that captures garden views. Completing the main floor is a powder and laundry room off the kitchen.

On the second floor, the indulgent owners’ suite features a fourth wood-burning fireplace, sitting area, and walk-in closet. The master bath with treetop views is fitted with honeycomb tile flooring, a walk-in glass shower, standalone jacuzzi tub, and double vanity. Two guest bedrooms at opposite ends of the hall share a second full bath with shower/tub combo and finishes of equal quality. A pulldown staircase in the hallway provides access to the partially finished attic, a clean storage space that has been newly insulated.

The 1,200±-square-foot lower level offers an array of options for use and expansion. The finished basement room with full height ceilings currently serves as a remote office and exercise space and can be converted into a second master suite with existing roughed-in plumbing ready to accommodate a full bath. There’s also a walk-out to landscaped patio and river view. The remaining 800± unfinished square feet is an expansive, clean and dry storage room.

A stone path from the covered porch leads to the 3-story barn, built with reclaimed barn siding obtained from a local tobacco shed. The entrance is adorned in magical, climbing hydrangea and is fitted with both 120 and 240-volt outlets. The building comprises a 2-car garage and a workshop space on the main level, additional 2-bay storage below for a boat, tractor, or antique car, and a full top floor for clean, dry storage.

An expansive, open flat lawn is ideal for kite flying and outdoor play, but watching the resident egret and mallards  flying over the Pomperaug River, and listening to the peeper frogs hammocking by the pond creates a beguiling backdrop for elegant and serene living. Peep the wildlife while enjoying sunrise coffee on any of the three patios, then take in the view of the pond over the forget-me-nots and the predictability of the 25-year-old perennials as they emerge anew each year. At sunset, meander to the riverfront firepit to toast up s’mores and watch the Pomperaug waterfalls. Among the pine forest, there’s also a second camping area with a small warming hut.

The meticulously landscaped grounds also include blossoming dogwoods and lavender lilacs and a path of emerald moss that runs along the riverbank. A zoned and programmable irrigation system for lawn and garden beds takes stress off maintenance.

A truly rare and exciting opportunity to own one of the prime trophy properties in the area.

Other highlights include a whole house generator with in-ground propane tank; second in-ground propane for gas stove in kitchen; alarm system with driveway alarm, central vacuum, central AC.

Recent updates include: new septic system, new water softener, new cooktop (2020); new hot water heater, new dishwasher (2019), new Electrolux washer and dryer set (2017), new air handlers and condensers (2015).