Category Archives: Historical Remodel

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111-Year-Old Connecticut Colonial With Its Own Certified Wildlife Habitat Lists for Under $850K

Posted on by Mike B
04
Jul

A historical New England Colonial located at the heart of a stunning wildlife habitat has been put on the market for $850,000 in one of Connecticut’s most storied towns.

The 1.49-acre property, which is located within Wilton’s historical district, is a sight to behold, particularly in the summer months, when the landscaped lawns and native gardens are positively bursting with vibrant colors.

However, the natural beauty of the property, which spans just under 1.5 acres, stretches well beyond the backyard; the home and its surrounding land are all part of the Pollinator Pathway Project, a local initiative that encourages residents in the area to turn their backyards into “pollinator-friendly” habitats.

The scheme, which launched in 2017, encourages participants to fill their yards with native flowers in a bid to aid the local ecosystem—however, it has had the happy knock-on effect of turning one of Wilton’s most storied communities into a verdant and lush paradise.

Today, the Pollinator Pathway Project has been designated a Certified National Wildlife Habitat and, with it, the newly listed property, which is represented by Michele Ferguson Nichols of Douglas Elliman.

1.49 acre property designated as a Certified National Wildlife Habitat in Wilton, CT, on sale for $849,000
1.49-acre property designated as a Certified National Wildlife Habitat in Wilton, CT (Roy Smith)
Stone patio overlooking the Certified National Wildlife Habitat in Wilton, CT, on sale for $865,000
Stone patio overlooking the Certified National Wildlife Habitat in Wilton, CT (Roy Smith)
Backyard of home part of the Pollinator Pathway Project in Wilton, CT, on sale for $865,000
Backyard of home part of the Pollinator Pathway Project in Wilton, CT (Roy Smith)

Nichols explains that the current owner of the three-bedroom 1915 dwelling went above and beyond to turn the property into a true oasis for local wildlife.

“The seller, who is a big gardener and has a very green thumb, hired Brett Gilman, who designed the whole landscape plan and purchased native plants,” she says.

“He had a very unique approach for the sloped side of the property. It’s low maintenance, and you don’t have to weed it. You can just let it all fill in.”

Should a future owner wish to keep the wildlife habitat certification, they will have to ensure the upkeep of several very key features.

First, the property must have at least three natural sources of food, at least one clean source for drinking water, and at least two sources of shelter to protect wildlife from predators and weather.

It must also feature at least two spaces for animals to reproduce and nurture their young, and at least two eco-friendly practices, i.e. eliminating chemical pesticides and removing invasive species.

However, in adhering to these rules, the owner has by no means neglected the upkeep of the historic abode that sits at the heart of the property—carefully maintaining many of its most significant period details.

The 1,612-square-foot residence features many historic touches, including built-ins, expansive windows, and a wood-burning stove. Yet it still manages to offer a modern, fresh feel, thanks in large part to the open floor plan and the large windows that bring the outdoors in.

Living room of home part of the Pollinator Pathway Project in Wilton, CT, on sale for $865,000
Living room of home part of the Pollinator Pathway Project in Wilton, CT (Roy Smith)
Dining room of home part of the Pollinator Pathway Project in Wilton, CT, on sale for $865,000
Dining room of home part of the Pollinator Pathway Project in Wilton, CT (Roy Smith)
Kitchen of home part of the Pollinator Pathway Project in Wilton, CT, on sale for $865,000
Kitchen of home part of the Pollinator Pathway Project in Wilton, CT (Roy Smith)

“I really love the home’s open floor plan,” Nichols says. “The original home was built in 1915 and in the early 2000s, the kitchen and dining area were added onto with French doors that lead to a patio.

“It has wide-plank light floors, so it feels very vintage. And a lot of antiques don’t have a lot of natural light, but this one does.”

Located in Wilton‘s Historic District, the three-bedroom residence is ideally sited nearby Georgetown‘s local eateries as well as shopping in downtown Wilton and Ridgefield‘s town centers.

“It is very peaceful and private in both the house and yard but is conveniently located nearby activities,” she notes. “It’s close to the train as well, so you could weekend there, but Georgetown is a place people like to settle and live year round.”

The home’s modernized kitchen now features granite countertops. A nearby dining room has a skylight and bay window that overlooks the serene grounds.

“Its location is within walking distance of Caraluzzi’s, a popular supermarket, so the next buyer could be a young couple thinking about starting a family,” Nichols adds. “It could also be empty nesters or New York weekenders looking for a retreat because it’s also close to the train. I have had a lot of clients buy a home in the area as a secondary residence, who end up turning it into their primary residence.”

Other highlights include a reading/music nook and an upstairs primary bedroom with a walk-in closet. Two more bedrooms on the second floor have built-ins and share a vintage-style full bathroom.

The property is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is ideally sited nearby Route 7, shopping, and many local restaurants.

historic homes, Historical Remodel, Rhode Island, River, Slot 03, Unique Homes, Video, Warwick RI, Weekly NL

Pre-Revolutionary War Compound Overlooking the Potowomut River Brings ‘Three Centuries of History’ to the Market for $3 Million

Posted on by Mike B
03
Jul

A historic Rhode Island compound that predates the nation’s founding by more than 50 years—and is rumored to have once been home to founding father Benjamin Franklin‘s sister—has hit the market for $3 million.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Grange at Potowomut was built in Warwick, RI, in 1723—53 years before Franklin and his fellow Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence.

It is, the 10.9-acre property’s website states, a home “that has been at the center of American life since before America existed.”

But its heritage can be traced back even further to 1684, when the Greene family settled on the Potowomut peninsula—long before Rhode Island became a colony.

“The Potowomut peninsula was Greene family land before Rhode Island was a colony,” the property’s description reveals.

“John Greene, a surgeon and peer of Roger Williams, was among the earliest settlers. He sent sons across the bay to settle the peninsula. In 1684, James II Greene built on the hill above the river at the site known as The Forge.

“His son Jabez III built directly across the road on the river. That house became The Grange.”

Dining room of estate in Warwick, RI, on sale for $2,985,000
A historic Rhode Island compound that predates the nation’s founding by more than 50 years—and is rumored to have once been home to founding father Benjamin Franklin’s sister—has hit the market for $3 million. (Michael David Commercial Photography)
Living room of estate in Warwick, RI, on sale for $2,985,000
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Grange at Potowomut was built in Warwick, RI, in 1723. (Michael David Commercial Photography)
Kitchen of estate in Warwick, RI, on sale for $2,985,000
The property owners have spent more than $1 million on upgrades throughout. (Michael David Commercial Photography)

Today, The Grange retains much of its period charm. However, in the past six years, it has undergone an extraordinary renovation at the hands of its current owners, who poured more than $1 million into stewardship improvements.

Dean deTonnancourt—an agent with Re/Max Revolution, who is also listing the property—and Steve Meersman purchased The Grange for $1.43 million in 2020 and have since made over every single space in the main residence and beyond.

“We went through the house cosmetically and beyond, so every room has been enhanced,” said deTonnancourt. “The porch has been remodeled, and we completely revitalized the cottage on property along with the landscape, hardscape, and softscape.”

The 10.9-acre property boasts a six-bedroom primary residence, a two-bedroom guest cottage, a 10-car “hobbyist” garage, and a tennis court.

Throughout the 6,325-square-foot estate, original millwork, timeless architectural details, preserved hardwood floors, built-ins, and seven fireplaces can be found.

“When you look at the home’s history from stories written or being told, Ben Franklin’s sister resided in the home for a number of years,” he said.

“It was originally built in 1723, but burned down and was rebuilt in the early 1730s. The character is still intact. It’s not your typical older home. It’s a well-built and sturdy house.”

Other highlights found throughout the primary residence include a cozy living room with a fireplace overlooking a bridge with a waterfall, a wood-paneled den with a beehive oven fireplace, and a modernized kitchen with a shiplap ceiling and white Shaker cabinetry.

DeTonnancourt said they currently use the cottage as a short-term rental.

“People come to the cottage for the setting alone,” he said. “It’s amazing.”

Guest house at estate in Warwick, RI, on sale for $2,985,000
The 10.9-acre property includes a six-bedroom primary residence, a two-bedroom guest cottage, a 10-car “hobbyist” garage, and a tennis court. (Michael David Commercial Photography)
Grounds of 10.9-acre estate in Warwick, RI, on sale for $2,985,000
Also found on the property are “meandering lawns,” beautifully designed patios, and specimen trees that are “documented among the tallest in Rhode Island.” (Michael David Commercial Photography)
10.9-acre estate in Warwick, RI, on sale for $2,985,000
The property could be used as a primary residence or continue operating with “guest-ready” accommodations. (Michael David Commercial Photography)

Built in 1825, the income-producing residence known as The Cottage at The Grange features a living room with a fireplace, a modern kitchen with granite countertops, and a front farmer’s porch and side deck designed for entertaining and relaxing.

“The Potowomut peninsula is in a unique location that sits outside of Warwick,” he said. “This is one of the original homesteads that has significant history as it also sits across from the Nathanael Greene park.”

Also found on the property are “meandering lawns,” beautifully designed patios, and specimen trees that are “documented among the tallest in Rhode Island.”

“The property is truly majestic, sitting on 11 acres,” deTonnancourt said. “There are trees that are over 200 years old.”

DeTonnancourt believes the next buyer will also be a lover of history.

“I envision the next buyer to be someone interested in a historic home, who will be more of a steward than a homeowner, who appreciates the history of the home, and will continue the journey of preservation,” he said.

DeTonnancourt and Meersman have themselves worked tirelessly to document the history of the property, which is explained in detail on The Grange website. It includes many incredible figures who have called the residence home over the years.

“This house was not a bystander to history. It was present for it,” they wrote. The dwelling has survived everything from the Revolutionary War to the American Civil War.

Because of the estate’s grandeur, deTonnancourt believes it will likely be used as a primary residence or continue operating with “guest-ready” accommodations.

“It could also be someone who has other properties who needs a retreat in Rhode Island,” he said. “When we bought it, we saw it as being a part of the home’s overall story and carrying it on. It has been wonderful.”