60 Cross Highway
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 5 full
Square feet: 5,226
Price: $1,325,000
This beautiful 4.6-acre country retreat has a storied history. Circa 1773 it was the Chauncey Merchant Homestead, where a successful weaver built a farm and barns for his large family. Then, in the 1930s it was upgraded by Walter F. Kingsland, a New York aristocrat, and his French princess bride. They added high ceilings to main entertaining spaces, a coach house, staff quarters, and butler’s pantry.
Today, the home has been updated with solar electricity (it produces so much the excess is sold back to the grid), six-zone heat, radiant flooring and central air conditioning. The home has been painted in quintessentially English Farrow and Ball colors and custom wallpapers are found in many rooms. Plus, furnishings may also be purchased with the home.
Despite its age, the home has mass appeal among today’s buyers, says Christine Poppy, realtor with Compass. Among its attractions are an open floor plan, multiple work-from-home spaces and a large kitchen garden for fresh herbs and veggies just outside your door. French doors create flow from indoor to outdoor entertaining spaces. And outside, a gunite pool, dining peninsula, outdoor spit roasting fireplace and wood stove provide all the makings of a perfect summer barbecue.
The ideal buyer, says Poppy, is someone looking for a quiet life, excellent schools, lots of room to entertain and easy access to NYC while still feeling a world away. She adds: “There is an active community of artists, writers and gardeners in the area.”
Christine Poppy
Compass Westport, CT
203-417-2182
christine.poppy@compass.com
