Over the River And Through The Woods...A Carriage House In Connecticut

A Country Cottage gets tweaked

nestled in the warm community of Washington, Connecticut within the confines of a historic enclave, is this lovely compound.  My friends Sally and Bill bought the home a few years ago and added their unique touch to the landscape and interior design.  It's one of three homes on a historic parcel of land that apparently was part of the infamous Underground Railroad.  Their home was the former barn on the property.  Since Sally rides Arabian horses at nearby show stable Trowbridges, it seems fitting they made their country home a converted barn.  I've written on Nest before that I love barns, and although some are quite historic they have a decidedly modern appeal without many of the over the top accoutrements of more formal homes.  Because Sally comes from a large family of Florida citrus growers, there is also a southern charm weaving throughout the home. Bill adds his eclectic art collection to the mix.  With help from Florida interior designer Mary Washer Designs, garden designer Mary Miscikoski of Gardenkeep in Cornwall, and local landscape designer Beth Whitty, they created a warm and inviting home with interesting and cultural touches. Beth Whitty designed the pergola, stone walls, a treehouse for the children, as well as a fun, Bocce court in the back of the property.  The exterior renovations are well done and a good example of how to highlight a piece of property, rather than change it's integrity.  As you can see this place has "good bones" and the additions have added onto a well laid foundation. 

a planned walkway, lattice and leading to painted black door

stone walls were added to highlight the grassy areas and showcase the forest behind

I especially like this gate of reclaimed doors,

the hint of patina blue paint adds a nice touch and frames the property well
by Beth Whitty in Danbury, CT

the Georgian columns mirror the neighbors carriage house front porch and show the connection of the homes on the property, however, the reclaimed
wood pergola top continues the rustic charm on the brick patio

I love the use of trees to create a natural doorway -
a room with a view!

Sally beams when describing the back porch,
which has a Southern charm -
I can envision sipping sweet tea and looking out over a sunny day

a winter view of this lovely porch

A quick tour and we head to the barn for a ride...

Have you seen an Arabian horse canter? 
They have distinctive qualities

 and much different than other horse breeds.
Their free spirit is refreshing

Trowbridges Horse Stables on Champion Mount Captain
Sally recently won
the National Championship in her division
 and their hard work and talents were rewarded 

 back home for a comfortable lunch at the hearth...

One of the interior projects they took on was adding this natural stone hearth and fireplace mantle which keeps with the old world charm.  The equestrian influences tug with this

American Folk Art weather vane horse flanking the hearth. 

a gentleman's quarters -- a quiet library

from the entrance to an inviting guest room, the family's eclectic nature shines and not in an overly decorated fashion!

Interior Design by

Mary Washer Designs

of 

Stuart, Florida

a southern touch with pink and green palm tree fabric
(Brunschwig & Fils)
upholstered chair and custom pillow
both from my designs (Tamara Stephenson Interior Design)

Sally taking Championship - a supportive family cheers her on.  What I enjoy about this home is the

well lived in feeling that embraces you the minute you enter. 

The outside landscaping project has truly added to the ambiance of an already stately feeling

 and mirrors the integrity of the home. 

Now, that's a Makeover we love to see!