Newly Listed: 620 Ridgebury Rd, Ridgefield, CT

An Emblem of Historic Grace

Nestled in the 300-year-old historic town of Ridgefield, CT, 620 Ridgebury Rd. commands a quiet, yet unyielding presence. Built in 1796, it has outlived its contemporaries - Napoleon and George Washington himself, and it has done so with grace and charm.

The traditional colonial-style exterior rolls out the welcome mat with a flagstone walkway, pillared entrance, and traditional white exterior with black shutters. The six-foot fencing in the front of the home add much-appreciated privacy. The backyard is accented by a three-foot-tall picket fence that echoes the emotion of attaining the American dream.

The sprawling backyard is abloom with Peonies when in season, and well-kept greenery gives life and color to the peaceful space. The flagstone patio is perfect for sipping your morning coffee, or enjoying the sunshine in your own private paradise. For more rest and relaxation, follow the stone path to the barn where you will find a spacious deck and hot tub. Inside, this perfect retreat is outfitted with electricity, heat, a sleeping loft, and a full bathroom — perfect to transform into an in-law apartment or a working studio.

Inside the home, the foyer opens the way to the expansive living room. Rustic wide-planked wooden floors offer the possibility for traditional farmhouse, or trendy modern-rustic decor. Built-in bookcases provide plenty of storage for your novels — just what you’ll need as you curl up by the room’s fireplace on chilly New England mornings. More quiet space is found in the adjacent office. This workspace features more built-in bookcases, and a convenient ensuite powder room.
The expansive farmer’s kitchen has an incredible amount of storage in the bucolic white cabinets, built-in accent cabinets and center island. The large butler’s pantry provides even more generous storage. The country feel of the integrated butcher block countertops harmoniously works with the accented white granite countertops. Exposed beams, Spanish floor tiles, and recessed lighting give the space a sense of country life with a modern accent. A Bosch dishwasher, Frigidaire Professional Series refrigerator, and Garland gas stove with double ovens make cooking in this kitchen a genuine delight!

Another truly magnificent feature for any family is the vast amount of windows – many of which look out onto the peaceful setting of the back yard and  5+ acres.  The kitchen and butlers pantry specifically offer the best views and invite the outdoors in.  An additional feature are the 2 Dutch style doors off the kitchen – one leads you onto the flagstone patio and the other accesses the mud room.

A favorite feature of the current homeowners are the two fireplaces.  The first is the original wood burning fireplace hearth in the large dining room which speaks to day gone by and the second has been converted to a gas fired fireplace in the living room.

The second floor is home to three large bedrooms. The spacious master bedroom features antique wide-plank flooring, original doors and hardware, plenty of light, and an ensuite bathroom. The remaining two bedrooms share a Jack and Jill bathroom, and both rooms offer walk-in closets, built-in cabinets, and classic farmhouse interior shutters. For additional space, the third floor can be accessed through one of the bedrooms and provides a bonus area that could be used for storage, a rec room, or a study.

This iconic 3,000+ square foot New England home was once owned by renowned international journalist and political figure Huntington Gilchrist. The legacy of his former home will continue to stand the test of time as well as provide inspiration for the future.

Read more about this home here.