Gardens

Elegant Equestrian Estate in Litchfield, CT

A horse is the projection of peoples' dreams about themselves - strong, powerful, beautiful - and it has the capability of giving us escape from our mundane existence.

Pam Brown

Fox Chase Farm is an elegant estate with a four bedroom main house and a four stall horse barn with a finished play room above. There is plenty of grassland for riding and there are numerous equestrian facilities for clinics, events and competitiions in the area. The one bedroom guest apartment has a separate entrance and a large private deck. This is a wonderful space that could easily be used for in-laws or a caretaker.

The Red Barn is in a Lovely Setting

A gorgeous stone terrace leads to a water garden with 5 waterfalls, an organic vegetable garden, expansive lawns, antique trees and spectacular perennial gardens. This is truly country life at its best. Every corner of this property has lush vignettes of natural beauty.

The Gardens and Waterfalls

Another View of this Exquisite Garden

The main floor master suite is truly glamorous with his and hers baths, walk in closets, and a large adjoining sunroom with lots of natural light.

 

The Master Bedroom

A Magnificent Sunroom

There is a cherry paneled library and a high end kitchen which is perfect for entertaining. Additionally, there is a full house generator and a heated three car garage to enjoy the winter weekends. The house was renovated eleven years  ago with many other improvements in the last three years.

The Den with Fireplace and Cherry Paneled Bookshelves

The Kitchen is Spacious with Lovely Views of the Property

This country estate is just a short drive to Litchfield town or Bantam where you can visit the renowned Arethusa Dairy Farm shop for ice cream or take in a movie at the historic Bantam Cinema. The shops in Litchfield offer a variety of country chic clothing or unique home design items, try R. Derwin Clothiers and Oliphant Design on Main Street.

All this in just two hours from New York City!

For more images and information about this property, please click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breezy Crest Farm in the Town of Bethlehem

tech <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Kemetetz%2006.jpg" style="width: 544px; height: 428px;" class="featured"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Breezy Crest Farm in Bethlehem, CT</p> <p>Breezy Crest Farm is a beautiful, antique colonial located in the charming, historic town of <a href="http://www.ci.bethlehem.ct.us/">Bethlehem, CT</a>. Built in 1841, this five bedroom, 2 ½ bath home is on two acres of prime farmland. Stone walls and a pond complete this country property with extensive gardens, fruit trees and berries.<br>  </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Kmetetz%20Fall14I.jpg" style="width: 592px; height: 444px;"></p> <p>Many of the original features of this charming, vintage house have been maintained while many updates have made the home comfortable for modern living. There are new mechanicals, cedar siding and new windows throughout the home.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/192%20lakes%20Chuck%20008.jpg" style="width: 544px; height: 361px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">The lovely formal living room has original wide board flooring and wood beams as well as a brick fireplace</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/192%20lakes%20Chuck%20080.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 332px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">The spacious formal dining room is perfect for entertaining and has wide board flooring, wood beams, and French doors.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/nDSC00652.JPG" style="width: 592px; height: 444px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">A large updated kitchen has new granite counter tops and custom wood cabinets made from reclaimed lumber original to the home.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/192%20lakes%20Chuck%20056%20(1).jpg" style="width: 544px; height: 361px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Happy Chickens at Breezy Crest Farm</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Kemetetz%2004.jpg" style="width: 544px; height: 361px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Peaceful, pretty surroundings around the home.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/4852019147_fb10f15808.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 213px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">There are beautiful views all around Bethlehem town. </p> <p>The town of Bethlehem was Incorporated in 1787. It is located approximately 95 miles north of New York City and quaintly referred to as Connecticut’s “Christmas Town". Each year the Post Office processes thousands of Christmas cards hand stamped with special Christmas cachets and mailed with the Bethlehem post-mark</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/bellamy-ferriday-house-and-gardens-500d5e57d0394a23da0002dc.jpg" style="width: 520px; height: 316px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">The <a href="http://www.ci.bethlehem.ct.us/bellamy_ferriday.htm">Bellamy-Ferriday House</a> and Garden in Bethlehem</p> <p>The town’s history includes the founding of the first theological seminary in the country by the Rev. Joseph Bellamy, whose home proudly stands today as the Bellamy-Ferriday House and Garden under the auspices of The Antiquarian & Landmarks Society. The restored circa 1754 home is a must see for visitors to the area and includes a formal parterre garden, with a collection of peonies, roses and lilacs.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Abbey%20of%20Regina%20Laudis%20chapel%20int.jpg" style="width: 564px; height: 423px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">The Chapel at the Regina Laudis Abbey</p> <p>Bethlehem is also the home of the <a href="http://abbeyofreginalaudis.org/index.html">Abbey of Regina Laudis</a>, a working Benedictine Abbey founded in 1947 by Mother Benedict Duss and Mother Mary Aline Trilles de Warren from the Abbey of Notre Dame de Jouarre, a 7th century Abbey located northeast of Paris, France. When the nuns arrived in America, they were taken in by Lauren Ford, a local artist internationally known for her religious artwork, who helped them establish the religious community. The Abbey is currently home to an 18th century museum quality Neopolitan Creche and hosts an annual Christmas Fair each year.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/1432271003608.jpg" style="width: 576px; height: 324px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Film actress turned Nun Dolores Hart greets a Llama at the Abbey</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/March%20Farm.jpg" style="width: 562px; height: 376px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marchfarm.com/">March Farm</a> is a great place to pick apples, see farm animals and walk through their field mazes.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Sheep%20at%20March%20Farm.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 413px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">The Sheep at March Farm.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/540_Copy_of_2013-19.jpg" style="width: 540px; height: 720px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">The <a href="http://bethlehemfair.com/">Bethlehem Fair</a> takes places every September with many exhibits, horse contests, tractor pulls and animal exhibits.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/PShow02.jpg" style="width: 533px; height: 300px;"></p> <p>Horses facilities are plentiful in and around Bethlehem town. Here are some riders enjoying the outdoors at <a href="http://www.farmeadowfarm.com/">Far Meadow Farm</a>. Whether on horseback or on foot, there is much to enjoy in this beautiful, historic town.</p> <p>For more information about Bethlehem town, please click <a href="http://www.ci.bethlehem.ct.us/">here</a>.</p>

Roxbury Luxury Retreat on the Shepaug River

This exquisite family compound simply has it all with over 10 acres with Shepaug River frontage. This provides plenty of options for outdoor activities including tubing and fishing from your own back yard!

The Shepaug River is a 26 miles long river in Connecticut. The river begins in Warren and runs south through Washington, Roxbury, and Southbury, where it joins the Housatonic River at Lake Lillinonah. It is a pristine flowing body of water running through beautiful countryside such as this property.

Nature in all its Forms enhance the Grounds

The Stunning Poolhouse also serves as a Guest house

A view from above of the Poolhouse and Pool

Beautiful Landscaping around the Property

The interior is spectacular with a five bedroom main house that includes a gourmet eatin kitchen that opens to a family room with a cupola. There are main and second floor master bedrooms, formal living and dining rooms and a finished lower level with a gym and a sauna. 

A beautifully designed Master Bedroom

A light-filled Master Bathroom

Splendid Patios for Entertaining

Quiet Spots to sit and enjoy the Countryside

This Uber Chic Barns boasts a Game Room and a Guest Room

Vote for Winivan in USA Today's Most Romantic Inn Awards

tech <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/slider-home-81-1576x800.jpg" style="width: 576px; height: 292px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Luxurious Accomodations at Winivan Farm</p> <p>This ideal retreat for couples has been nominated for 'Best Romantic Inn' in USA Today's Reader's Choice awards. Travelers from all over the country and abroad have discovered what the locals have always appreciated; luxury accomodations, farm fresh gourmet cuisine in an exquisite setting.</p> <p>You can easily support <a href="http://www.winvian.com/">Winivan</a> by clicking on the USA Today link <a href="http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-romantic-inn/winvian-farm-morris-conn/"> here</a>. It will take you directly to the page where you can place your vote.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/slider-home-5-1576x800.jpg" style="width: 576px; height: 292px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Luxury Accomodations with Unique Touches</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/slider-home-1-1576x800.jpg" style="width: 576px; height: 292px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">A Beautiful Setting in Pristine Countryside</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/slider-home-2-1576x800.jpg" style="width: 576px; height: 292px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous Tabletop Style</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/slider-home-7-1576x800.jpg" style="width: 576px; height: 292px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Farm Fresh Ingredients in Gourmet Dishes</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/PoolSlideThree-1533x800.jpg" style="width: 533px; height: 278px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Poolside Elegance</p> <p>There are eighteen extraordinary cottages, each with their own style and design as well as the Hadley Suite. <a href="http://www.winvian.com/">Winivan Farm</a> was purchsed in 1948 by the Smith family who have retained ownership to this day. They have a fascinating history which you can read by clicking <a href="http://www.winvian.com/experience/history/">here</a>.</p> <p>Don't forget to vote this morning by clicking the link to the USA TODAY page <a href="http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-romantic-inn/winvian-farm-morris-conn/"> here</a>.</p> <p> </p>

The Allure of Roxbury

tech <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="featured featured" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/11231260_698575343598905_4554534222550580327_n.jpg" style="width: 562px; height: 667px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Arthur Miller and Marilyn Monroe in Roxbury, CT</p> <p>In a recent <a href="http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20150504-the-town-that-couldnt-contain-marilyn-monroe"> article</a>, writer <a href="http://www.amandaruggeri.com/">Amanda Ruggieri</a> wrote that Roxbury was a 'town that couldn't contain Marilyn Monroe'. What the town has ultimately become is a haven for writers, artists, composers and actors as well as all those who enjoy the buccolic beauty of this particular spot. Here is a brief excerpt from her well-written story:</p> <p>"Hidden among thick trees and hilly farmland, looped with stone walls and studded with red barns, the Connecticut town of Roxbury is 75 miles and a world away from New York City- not to mention Hollywood."</p> <p>The countryside is abunduntly beautiful and has attracted the greatest American writers including <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Miller">Arthur Miller</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Styron">William Styron</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay_Talese">Gay Talese</a>. Roxbury was also home for the much loved Irish author <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_McCourt">Frank McCourt</a> and is home for other luminaries such as <a href="http://www.candacebushnell.com/">Candace Bushnell</a>, <a href="http://denisleary.com/">Denis Leary</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Adler">Jerry Adle</a>r and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Sondheim">Stephen Sondheim</a>.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/download.png" style="width: 524px; height: 295px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Amanda Ruggieri</p> <p>Luxurious trails, fieldstone walls and lush fields are found throughout Roxbury. Incorporated in 1796, the town retains its historic charm with many classic colonial homes that are perfect architectural examples. The more contemporary houses are beautifully designed and meld well with the exquisite gardens and landscaping. Featured below are three Roxbury listings with exceptional appeal. </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/NS%201.jpg" style="width: 524px; height: 350px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Edgehill Farm</p> <p>Edgehill farm is made up of three homes which are set on 21.66 Acres. The main house is an 1860 colonial revival that was renovated in 1910. </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/NS%204.jpg" style="width: 524px; height: 350px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Landscaping surrounds the Pool Area</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/NS%206.jpg" style="width: 524px; height: 350px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Stunning Porch Area for Entertaining</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Southford%204.jpg" style="width: 524px; height: 348px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Southbury Rd Property in Roxbury</p> <p>This Roxbury Luxury Cottage-Style has a long winding gated driveway that leads to this 3 bedroom main house as well as a studio guest house.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Southford.jpg" style="width: 524px; height: 391px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Exquisite Gardens</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Southford%20Road.jpg" style="width: 524px; height: 350px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">An Enchanting Pool Area</p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/WW%203.jpg" style="width: 524px; height: 350px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Washington Woodbury Road Property</p> <p>This is a beautifully crafted classic with complete privacy. The home is elegantly renovated with fabulous architectural details. There is a gunite pool with Jacuzzi, stonewalls, perennial gardens, a rushing brook and a covered bluestone terrace</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/WW%204.jpg" style="width: 524px; height: 350px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">A Gorgeous Outdoor View</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Washington%20Woodbury%201.jpg" style="width: 540px; height: 405px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">A Pool Area made Tranquil by Nature</p> <p>There is a fun quote in Ruggieri's article from Roxbury Town Clerk, Perter Hurlbut: </p> <p>"It's not Fifth Avenue or Beverly Hills," he'd told me. "But you have to go a long way to beat this place."</p> <p> </p> <p>To see more properties in Roxbury, CT, please click on the link <a href="http://cmls.matthewsgroupre.com/search-by-town/roxbury-cmls/">here</a>: </p> <p> </p>

Luxurious Landscapes and Gardens in Bridgewater

tech <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Hut%20Hill%202.jpg" style="width: 524px; height: 350px;" class="featured"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Beauty surrounds us, but usually we need to be walking in a garden to know it.</p> <p style="text-align: center;">Rumi</p> <p>Bridgewater is nestled in the hills just to the south of New Milford and is one of the smallest and least developed communities in Litchfield County. It boasts a charming small town green with important historic architecture. The Burnham Library, featured below, was built is 1925 and has been supported in the past by such literary luminaries as Pearl Buck and Archibald MacLeish.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/800px-Burnham_Library_030.JPG" style="width: 500px; height: 375px;"></p> <p>The Bridgewater Village Store is famous for its Bridgewater Chocolates, homemade breads and pastries, gourmet food items, soups and salads, specialty sandwiches, and gifts. True to its Yankee roots, it is also well known for being the last remaining dry town in Connecticut. Farm stands abound in the area and add to the buccolic beauty of the countryside.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/10599339_488828024588100_8460738225563382077_n.jpg" style="width: 540px; height: 960px;"></p> <p>There are special properties in this quintessential New England town that will appeal to thouse who love the outdoors. They are true delights with beautiful landscapes and gardens.</p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Curtis%205.jpg" style="width: 540px; height: 405px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">A house on Curtis Road with a lovely, lush garden corner with a large urn and a variety of greenery.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Curtis%206.jpg" style="width: 540px; height: 405px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">The Vegetable Garden</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Curtis%208.jpg" style="width: 540px; height: 405px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">A border by a brick wall.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Curtis%203.jpg" style="width: 650px; height: 488px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">A close up in an enclosed garden spot.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/House%20Curtis%20Road.jpg" style="width: 540px; height: 405px;"></p> <p>This exquisite  1940's colonial has four renovated bedrooms and a 1990 addition that has a newly built guest house/barn/studio. There is a glamorous sun room with heated bluestone floors and floor to ceiling windows. It is a spectacular property with a brick walled garden and elaborate perennial plantings, some of which are featured above. For more information, please click <a href="/listing/L10045151/20-curtis-bridgewater-ct-06752/">here</a>.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 0.7em; line-height: 1.3;"> <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Hut%20Hill%202.jpg" style="width: 524px; height: 350px;" class="featured"></span></p> <p>This is another property in Bridgewater that has a stunning outdoor setting. The ivy covered brick federal home makes for the perfect country destination with an ideal combination of antique country charm and recent renovations. There is a gorgeous brook, stone walls, english boxwood garden, mature trees and a heated gunite pool. A further bonus is that the property abuts the Bridgewater land trust.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Hut%20Hill%203.jpg" style="width: 524px; height: 350px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">The pool is in a beautifully landscaped area.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Hut%20Hill%204.jpg" style="width: 524px; height: 350px;"></p> <p>The sweeping drive is private with a peek at the stylish, chic landscaping.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Sanford%202.jpg" style="width: 540px; height: 405px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Here is another beatuiful house on Sanford Road in Bridgewater with a wide vista from the lawn.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Sanford%204.jpg" style="width: 540px; height: 405px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">A charming archway and plantings.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/Sanford%203.jpg" style="width: 540px; height: 405px;"></p> <p>This renovated antique has all original details: wide board floors, large hearth fireplaces and exposed beams. There is a gourmet open kitchen with a butler's pantry and a new gunite pool. Located on a quiet country road and just 1 hr from New York City.</p> <p>We hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the buccolic, beautiful town of Bridgewater.</p> <p><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.usmre.com/5739/blog/1013275_322737764530461_997397047_n.jpg" style="width: 565px; height: 816px;"></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p>