Hermitswood is a stunning French Norman-style estate located in historic Newtown, built with timeless stone and stucco. This 6,321 SF masterpiece sits on over 8 acres and was beautifully renovated in 2017 by Charles Hilton Architects, blending old-world charm with modern luxury. Notable for its award-winning landscape and chef’s kitchen, it features natural stone flooring, a 30×95′ natural pool, three patios, and elegant gardens designed by Artemis Landscape Architects. The home includes a grand French fireplace, custom ceiling motifs, a gym, wine cellar, and a 4-car garage. Listed at $2,799,000, Hermitswood offers refined living just 60 miles from NYC, with plans for a cottage restoration in progress.

Front Entrance Courtyard

A charming courtyard leads to a historic home’s front entrance, centered by a fountain with a rounded finial over a rectangular basin filled with water. The facade is beige stucco with subtle aging and brown trim accents. Steeply pitched, shingled roofs with dormer windows add a storybook feel, creating symmetrical visual balance on either side of the central door. Flanking the entrance are sculpted planters with greenery and rustic lantern sconces. The gravel ground complements muted earth tones, while sculptural elements and well-maintained shrubs contribute to a serene, timeless exterior ambiance.

Historic Home Exterior

The stone and stucco facade of this historic American home blends classic and rustic elements. Steeply pitched, wood-shingled roofs with multiple gables enhance the old-world charm, while black-framed windows punctuate the exterior walls. A gravel driveway leads to distinguished, weathered entrances flanked by vintage lantern-style lighting and topiary plants. Mature leafless trees surround the yard, highlighting the winter season ambiance. Natural stone pathways and ornamental shrubbery guide through the grounds, integrating the rugged stonework tower with adjoining, smoother stucco-walled sections. The symmetrical arrangement and subdued earth tones exude timeless elegance and stately tranquility.

Exterior Side View

A charming historic home with a blend of stone and stucco masonry, this side view highlights steeply pitched gabled roofs covered in wooden shingles. The stone section contrasts beautifully with the smooth, light-colored stucco panels outlined by dark brown trim. Black-framed windows provide a classic yet striking accent against the pale exterior. The roof detail includes a small circular dormer window with a wooden finial, adding character. The mature landscape is understated with low greenery and a gravel driveway leading to a parked car, surrounded by leafless trees that emphasize a serene, natural setting.

Front Exterior Entrance

A grand stone staircase leads up to the front entrance of a historic house with a classic Tudor-inspired design. The exterior walls are coated in a light beige stucco, complemented by dark-framed windows and doors that add striking contrast. The steeply pitched roof is covered with wooden shingles, featuring dormer windows and a chimney. Well-manicured shrubs and topiary-style bushes border the steps, flanking several stone planters and decorative urns. Sculptural stone elements sit atop the staircase, adding a touch of elegance and artistry. Mature, leafless trees add an organic frame to the charming, picturesque facade.

Garage Exterior

Four black garage doors with small, square windows punctuate the lower half of the facade, contrasting with the light stucco walls outlined by dark timber framing. Above, three symmetrical gabled dormers rise sharply from a steeply pitched, wood-shingled roof, each with a window framed by dark wood in a Tudor style. The home’s exterior marries rustic charm with historic Tudor architectural details, offering a balanced symmetry. The surrounding environment consists of leafless trees against a cloudy sky, enhancing the timeless, somewhat rural aesthetic of this historic American property.

Garden Pathway

A gently curving gravel pathway winds through a lush garden, bordered by various bushes and trees. Neatly trimmed hedges line the right side, while taller shrubs and leafy green plants, including flowering hydrangeas, embellish the left. The path leads to a wrought-iron gate in the distance, subtly visible amid the surrounding greenery. Tree canopies create dappled light, enhancing the serene, natural ambiance. Stone edging keeps the beds tidy, and the dense foliage offers a sense of privacy and seclusion. The overall effect is tranquil and inviting, evoking classic garden charm with a touch of rustic elegance.

Formal Backyard Garden

Manicured lawn stretches out symmetrically from stone steps bordered by short retaining walls. A formal pathway divides two evenly trimmed rows of boxwood hedges, guiding the eye toward a tree-lined horizon. Vibrant flowerbeds with mixed blooms and foliage flank the bottom of the steps, adding bursts of color against the lush green background. The area beyond opens into a spacious grassy expanse with a sunlit patio retreat furnished with seating and a white umbrella. Tall trees encircle the yard, creating privacy while casting dappled shadows across the tranquil and meticulously maintained garden space.

Garden Terraced Walls

A manicured lawn is bordered by expertly crafted stone terraced walls, giving the garden a structured and elegant feel. The low stone steps invite movement into the upper garden, flanked by trimmed, rounded boxwood shrubs and various flowering plants adding soft color along the edges. A classic stone finial sits on a corner ledge, reinforcing the traditional and historic charm. Dense evergreen trees create a lush, private backdrop. The balanced mix of greenery and stone offers a timeless, tranquil outdoor space blending refined landscaping with natural textures.

Modern Outdoor Pool Area

A spacious rectangular pool sits amid a large, lush green lawn bordered by a dense forest of mature trees. Around the pool, several white umbrellas provide shade over cushioned lounge chairs and sectional seating, arranged neatly for relaxation. The pool design integrates natural stone steps leading into the water and a wooden deck area for sunbathing. The landscaped garden beds with ornamental plants and rocks add a refined touch. The overall atmosphere blends modern luxury with serene natural surroundings, emphasizing open space, symmetry, and comfort for outdoor gatherings and leisure.

Outdoor Pool Area

A serene and modern outdoor pool area with a sleek rectangular pool bordered by a wooden deck. Multiple cushioned lounge chairs are arranged neatly on the deck, each paired with large, white, umbrella shade structures providing relaxation spots. Floating stepped stone platforms create a dramatic, sculptural pathway across the water, enhancing the minimalist design. The pool’s clear water reflects the umbrellas overhead while lily pads drift in the shallow area near the stepping stones. Surrounding the pool is a vast expanse of well-manicured green lawn and dense woodland, adding natural tranquility to the sophisticated outdoor setting.

Outdoor Patio Seating

Expansive patio space paved with large, smooth gray stone tiles, complemented by modern outdoor furniture made of wicker and weather-resistant cushions in neutral tones. Several low rectangular coffee tables crafted from wide wooden planks, each decorated with minimalist planters containing small succulents and greenery. Three cushioned chaise lounges arranged by the pool with soft blue pillows and paired with large cream-colored umbrellas providing shade. A lush green lawn bordered by dense trees creates a natural, serene backdrop, enhancing the tranquil and inviting outdoor living area designed for relaxation and social gatherings.

Utility Room Workspace

Long, stainless steel countertops line two walls of this utility room, providing ample workspace. The walls and ceiling are clad in unfinished natural wood planks, presenting a raw, rustic aesthetic that highlights the room’s functional purpose. Multiple overhead light bulbs with simple fixtures illuminate the space. Below the counters, open shelves house various storage containers, including metal and plastic buckets, adding to the practical vibe. A window allows natural light in, enhancing the warm wood tones. A vintage-style “SEEDS” sign in bright colors hangs on the back wall, adding a quirky decorative touch amid the work-centered design.

Kitchen Wall Decor

Wooden wall paneling serves as a warm backdrop to a rustic, hand-crafted wooden rooster mounted above a vintage-style sign reading “FRESH EGGS” in red lettering. The rooster is painted black with simple accent colors for the beak, wattle, and comb, exuding a charming farmhouse aesthetic. The wood shows natural grain and wear, emphasized by subtle imperfections, enhancing the vintage, country-style ambiance. This decorative piece would likely be situated in a kitchen or pantry area where fresh farm products are showcased, reinforcing a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere connected to traditional rural living.

Kitchen Refrigerator Area

The central focus is a large stainless steel refrigerator with multiple compartments, some with a glass door revealing rows of bottled beverages. Surrounding the fridge are deep navy blue cabinets with matte brass handles, blending modern appliances with classic cabinetry. The upper cabinets have glass doors, displaying pristine white and patterned dishware which adds a refined touch. White marble countertops top the cabinetry, extending to kitchen islands on either side. The floor features monochrome patterned tiles, contrasting elegantly with the dark cabinetry. A vase with bright yellow flowers adds a fresh pop of color by the window, which allows natural light to brighten the space.

Kitchen Island and Flooring

Deep navy cabinetry with intricate wooden corbels supports wide white marble countertops, forming two kitchen islands central to the room. Four wooden bar stools with black cushioned seats line one side, providing seating at the primary island. The flooring is a striking geometric pattern of black and white tiles, creating a bold visual foundation. Brass hardware and faucets add warmth and a vintage touch, harmonizing with the white walls and ceiling’s soft moldings. Lighting includes classic globe pendants finished in brass, enhancing the elegant yet functional atmosphere. Large windows framed in dark trims invite natural light, contrasting with a muted yellow banquette beneath.

Kitchen Countertops and Cabinets

Deep navy-blue cabinetry with classic paneling contrasts strikingly against pristine white marble countertops, creating a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. The kitchen island, spacious and functional, holds a bowl of green apples adding a fresh pop of color. Brass fixtures, including elegant faucets and hardware, complement the warm pendant lights hanging above. Large black-framed windows flood the space with natural light while offering a view of the outdoors. The patterned black and white floor tiles add historic charm and visual interest, harmonizing modern luxury with timeless design elements.

Cozy Breakfast Nook

A corner seating area with a large, polished dark wood square table supported by a robust, turned pedestal base occupies this cozy nook. Cushioned built-in benches in a vibrant yellow fabric wrap two sides of the table, accented by matching throw pillows. The walls are painted crisp white, creating a bright and airy atmosphere against the bold black window frames. Floor tiles feature a striking black and white geometric pattern, adding historic charm. Above, a modern brass chandelier with globe-shaped frosted bulbs suspends from the curved ceiling, providing warm ambient lighting. A colorful abstract painting in yellow tones complements the seating upholstery.

Living Room with Vaulted Ceiling

Vaulted ceilings with dark geometric timber beams create a striking contrast against crisp white walls. A modern sputnik-style chandelier hangs centrally, adding mid-century flair. The room boasts a cozy stone fireplace with an elegant white lamp nearby. Black-framed glass doors on two sides invite natural light and connect the space to the outdoors. A large mustard-colored sectional sofa is accented with dark throw pillows, accompanying a matching ottoman and sleek round side tables. The dark floor complements the trim and window frames, tying together the contemporary and historic details of this airy living space.

Hallway and Seating Area

A long hallway with dark hardwood floors and soft off-white walls leads to a sunlit seating area framed by large windows. On the left, a plush, tufted grey velvet sofa sits beneath two abstract art pieces in warm tones, adding modern flair. Delicate crown molding lines the ceiling while a contemporary drum pendant light provides gentle illumination. The right side has an intricately designed dark wood banister with classic spindle details. Subtle gold accents appear in a small round side table next to the sofa, blending historic architectural charm with contemporary comfort.

Entry Hallway Seating

Long hallway with dark hardwood flooring bordered by a lighter wood inlay, leading towards a black arched door frame and glass-paneled door in the distance. White walls and intricate crown molding blend with a coffered ceiling detailed by recessed lighting and a central modern chandelier. On the right wall, two large framed abstract art pieces in muted pink, black, and gray tones provide contrast. A tufted, plush gray velvet sofa sits against the right wall accompanied by a sleek brass side table with a circular top. A black stair railing with decorative spindles lines the left side, enhancing the historic yet contemporary aesthetic.

Entryway and Staircase

White walls are adorned with a unique grid pattern of raised decorative molding, creating a textured, visually engaging surface. The ceiling echoes this design with coffered beams and ornamental medallions. A carpeted staircase with intricately carved white banisters and dark wooden handrails ascends to the right, while the stair risers feature subtle carved details. The floor near the entrance boasts patterned tile with geometric motifs in earthy tones, transitioning to warm polished hardwood in the stair landing area. Through an arched doorway, a kitchen with modern cabinetry and brass pendant lights is visible, blending classic and contemporary styles.

Entryway Staircase

The entryway showcases a staircase with a beige carpet runner, framed by white wood railings accented with natural wood tops. The walls are paneled with a distinctive geometric design, featuring raised square molding details painted white, enhancing the traditional aesthetic. The ceiling mirrors the wall pattern with a coffered effect, incorporating subtle decorative rosettes. The floor contrasts with a bold tile pattern displaying red and black geometric motifs on a white background. A glimpse of the adjacent living space reveals built-in shelves filled with framed photos and decor, adding a personal and cozy touch to this classic interior.

Entryway Console Table

A rustic wooden console table with turned legs set between two tall windows dressed with beige curtains brings natural light into the space. Above it, a large decorative mirror with an intricate quatrefoil frame reflects a coffered ceiling, adding depth and classic charm. The table surface gathers a blend of curiosities: glass cloches encasing coral and other natural elements, vintage books stacked with dolphins atop, and small black and clear vases. Below the table, maritime-themed accents like oversized rope floats, framed maps, and nautical artifacts create a coastal, historic ambiance. The overall aesthetic mixes antique textures with beach cottage influences.

Listing Agent: Ralph Harvey of List With Freedom.com via Zillow