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