Hidden 1880 Farmhouse in Connecticut With an Enclosed Porch, Remodeled Kitchen and Expansive Outbuildings for Creative Living

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Mathew Abraham, editor of Century Homes America, brings his passion for architectural history to explore the stories behind America’s most iconic homes.

Dale J. Bunn of Riverview Realty, LLC

This charming 1880 farmhouse in Preston, embodies the historic countryside lifestyle while offering modern updates. The architectural style showcases classic farmhouse design with steep gabled roofs and an inviting enclosed front porch. Set on 2.76 scenic acres, the property includes spacious 4-5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with oversized rooms full of vintage charm. Recent renovations have enhanced its livability without compromising its heritage. Notably, it features two large outbuildings: a massive 5-bay garage/barn with lofts and attached chicken coop, plus a fully operational woodshop, perfect for creative or home business use. Priced at $439,900, this versatile estate is a rare find near major routes and amenities.

Property Aerial View

Dale J. Bunn of Riverview Realty, LLC

A 2.76-acre parcel outlined in yellow borders a winding road and dense forested area. The property includes a cluster of buildings: a main house with a steep, gabled roof and an adjoining wrap-around porch, accompanied by a smaller detached structure nearby. Mature trees provide shade and privacy, especially a large dark-leaved tree near the main homes. The surrounding land is a mix of manicured grass and natural, wooded space, with neighboring properties laid out in nearby clearings. This bucolic scene blends rural charm with a secluded feel, highlighting the spaciousness and natural beauty of the land.

Historic Home Exterior

Dale J. Bunn of Riverview Realty, LLC

A quaint two-story farmhouse stands on a gently sloping, grassy lot bordered by low stone retaining walls along the front. The house is painted a soft cream color with dark green trim accenting the windows and roof edges. A spacious covered front porch with simple railing invites entry, shaded by an overhanging roof. Mature trees surround the property, including a large deep purple-leafed tree near the driveway. To the left, a small two-story outbuilding sits close to the road, also painted in muted tones. Lush greenery and woods frame the peaceful rural setting beneath a partly cloudy sky.

Historic House Exterior

Dale J. Bunn of Riverview Realty, LLC

Set on a gently elevated corner lot, this historic home exhibits traditional American architecture with steeply pitched gabled roofs and dormer windows framed in contrasting dark trim. The siding is a soft yellow with green accents highlighting the window frames and porch details. A stone retaining wall surrounds the front lawn, adding rustic charm against the neatly maintained grass. A wide wrap-around porch invites relaxation and overlooks a quiet road lined with mature trees. Detached from the house, a large two-car garage with an open bay complements the classic yet functional aesthetic of the property.

Historic Home Exterior

Dale J. Bunn of Riverview Realty, LLC

A quaint American historic home with a cream-colored exterior and green trim around the roof and windows. The roof is steeply pitched with dormer windows, emphasizing a classic architectural style. A partially enclosed porch with multiple windows and supporting columns offers a shaded sitting area. In front of the home is a neatly maintained lawn bordered by a low stone retaining wall and lush shrubs, with large mature trees providing natural shade. A detached grey building, possibly a garage or shed, stands beside the driveway, adding practical utility to the property’s charming yet functional layout. Overhead power lines cross the clear blue sky, suggesting a well-established residential setting.

Kitchen Countertop and Cabinets

Dale J. Bunn of Riverview Realty, LLC

Gray cabinetry with simple black handles lines the wall above and below a white farmhouse sink. The countertops are a light gray and white marble pattern, complementing a white subway tile backsplash with dark grout that creates a crisp, clean look. Stainless steel appliances, including a modern range with an overhead vent and a dishwasher, integrate seamlessly. A woven rug with muted tones covers part of the honey-toned hardwood floor, which adds warmth to the space. Traditional cream-trimmed windows and radiators bring a subtle historic charm, while the pendant light above offers soft illumination.

Kitchen Corner with Entryway

Dale J. Bunn of Riverview Realty, LLC

Gray paneled cabinetry with black knobs lines the kitchen walls, complemented by white subway tile backsplash with dark grout creating a classic yet modern contrast. A stainless steel stove with a matching range hood and dishwasher add a contemporary touch amid historic architectural details like the ornate cream-colored door frame trim. The farmhouse-style white apron sink sits centrally under the cabinets. Light wood flooring with a pair of textured striped rugs warms the space. Visible through the open doorway is a dark brown wooden door and a radiator beneath a window, maintaining vintage charm alongside modern updates.

Laundry and Mudroom Area

Dale J. Bunn of Riverview Realty, LLC

A stacked washer and dryer with a white finish are positioned against the left wall above a cabinet and a small hexagonal tile backsplash. Open shelving above the sink holds various laundry supplies neatly organized inside woven baskets. The right side wall holds a wooden organizer with hooks for keys and mail, as well as dog leashes, adding a practical touch. Natural light floods in from a large window framed with classic cream molding. The space has warm wooden floors, a patterned grey rug, and a bench with coat hooks overhead, balancing functionality with a welcoming, tidy aesthetic.

Kitchen Interior

Dale J. Bunn of Riverview Realty, LLC

Light gray cabinetry with black knobs lines the walls, providing a modern contrast to the warm, honey-toned wooden floorboards. A large white side-by-side refrigerator sits flush within a built-in space, complementing the white farmhouse sink beneath a spacious countertop. The backsplash consists of white subway tiles with dark grout, continuing behind the stainless steel range and matching vent hood. The room has a practical layout and a vintage touch seen in the stained glass green door accented with yellow and blue panes. Open shelving holds colorful jars and plants, while an industrial black pipe runs vertically by the wall, adding character and a subtle historic vibe.

Dining Room Details

Dale J. Bunn of Riverview Realty, LLC

The space is defined by rich honey-toned hardwood floors and walls painted in a calming combination of teal and charcoal with cream trim accents. A rectangular wooden dining table draped with a simple white tablecloth is surrounded by vintage ladder-back chairs with worn cushions. A distressed shabby-chic light blue cabinet with glass-paneled doors stands against one wall, juxtaposed by a tall antique grandfather clock near two double-hung windows offering lush garden views. Above the table hangs a modern black pendant light with perforated details emitting a warm glow, contrasting classic and contemporary styles harmoniously.

Dining Room Details

Dale J. Bunn of Riverview Realty, LLC

The room presents a classic dining area with a large rectangular wooden table covered by a simple white tablecloth, surrounded by mismatched wooden chairs adding a rustic charm. Walls are painted two-toned, with a muted teal upper section and a deep gray lower wainscoting, separated by cream-colored trim. The ceiling is white with subtle architectural molding, highlighted by a decorative medallion framing a modern black pendant light with gold interior. A built-in black cabinet filled with glassware and a small shelf holding an antique clock contribute historic character. The adjoining living space, visible through a wide doorway, offers continuity in style and warmth.

Reading Nook Corner

Dale J. Bunn of Riverview Realty, LLC

Two large sash windows framed with thick cream molding allow abundant natural light, brightening this cozy, muted lavender-walled corner, ideal for reading or relaxing. A richly patterned armchair with classic paisley upholstery sits beside a dark wood bookshelf filled with various books, adding warmth and a lived-in charm. Underfoot, a traditional rug with floral and geometric motifs in soft greens, reds, and creams anchors the space, complementing the hardwood floor’s honeyed tone. A cast iron radiator beneath one window and a vintage wooden chest of drawers add period character, while a vibrant sunflower print provides a cheerful focal point.

Sitting Area Corner

Dale J. Bunn of Riverview Realty, LLC

Soft muted grey walls contrast gently with creamy white trim framing the window and doorway. A patterned armchair with rolled arms and dark wooden legs sits in the corner on a large floral area rug with pastel tones of blue, cream, and red. A small side table beside the chair holds a modern double-headed brass lamp. Brightly colored botanical prints with gold frames add an artistic touch, while warm wood flooring flows into the adjacent room with teal-colored walls and a dining table beneath a woven drum shade pendant light. The space mixes vintage charm with thoughtful, understated décor.

Living Room Corner Seating

Dale J. Bunn of Riverview Realty, LLC

A cozy living room corner with a warm, muted mauve wall color contrasts against cream-colored window trim and baseboards, highlighting the historic architectural details. A deep gray upholstered sofa adorned with neutral and blue throw pillows sits next to a patterned accent chair by a set of five large windows fitted with light gray Roman shades, allowing natural light to filter softly. The floor combines wide wooden planks and a beige area rug while a solid wood coffee table with storage drawers forms the centerpiece. A vintage-style ceiling fan with wooden blades hangs above, completing the inviting, classic aesthetic.

Living Room Details

Dale J. Bunn of Riverview Realty, LLC

A cozy living area with warm, muted mauve walls contrasts with cream-colored window trims and door frames. Two windows with soft white roman shades allow natural light. A dark, plush sofa adorned with neutral and blue throw pillows is placed against the windows. A wooden coffee table with a natural finish sits atop a light rug in the center of the room. An antique upright piano with a matching carved wooden bench rests against one wall, adding a historic character. The ceiling fan with wooden blades and brass fixtures hangs from a white ceiling medallion, bringing a blend of traditional and functional elegance.

Bathroom and Vanity Area

Dale J. Bunn of Riverview Realty, LLC

A compact bathroom with a classic, clean design and a vintage charm. The black-and-white checkered tile floor contrasts with the soft cream and white tones of the cabinetry and tiled walls. A white vanity with panelled cupboard doors and a simple chrome faucet stands beneath a rectangular mirror with a golden frame. The adjacent toilet is partitioned by a tiled half-wall, maintaining privacy while preserving openness. The shower area has a white curtain with subtle patterns, and a beige towel hangs neatly on a rack. Subtle crown molding and trim add period character to the clean and functional space.

Staircase and Hallway

Dale J. Bunn of Riverview Realty, LLC

The wooden staircase with white risers and natural wood treads ascends alongside a simple gray wall, contrasted by a rich wooden handrail and intricately turned white balusters. The newel post at the base is substantial and carved, showing classic craftsmanship. The hardwood flooring is warm-toned and continues into the adjacent room, which can be seen through a doorway with wide, white trim featuring subtle decorative corner blocks. A stained glass ceiling light fixture with warm floral tones hangs above the stairwell, adding a touch of vintage elegance. The room visible to the left has muted walls, a ceiling fan, and traditional trim around the window, blending a historic aesthetic with comfortable living space elements.

Cozy Bedroom Corner

Dale J. Bunn of Riverview Realty, LLC

Muted sage green walls meet a white textured ceiling with crown molding framing the room, creating a calm atmosphere. Two windows, adorned with cream-colored curtains, allow natural light to brighten the space and reveal lush greenery outside. A single bed with pastel tie-dye bedding and stuffed toys adds a youthful, inviting touch. The corner features a small wooden nightstand with a reading lamp. A dark bronze radiator sits beneath one window, emphasizing the historic charm. The cork flooring enhances warmth, while a simple black-framed monochrome photo and a basket of toys bring subtle personal character.

Bedroom Workspace

Dale J. Bunn of Riverview Realty, LLC

Soft sage green walls create a calm backdrop contrasted with white trim around doors and windows, showcasing classic molding details. A twin bed with a gradient pink and white comforter occupies one corner beside a small wooden nightstand with a reading lamp. Natural light filters through simple cream curtains over a single window above a vintage cast iron radiator. A ceiling fan with wood blades provides air circulation. On the opposing wall, a colorful “Seussical” poster adds youthful charm above a wooden desk paired with a modern ergonomic office chair. An open door reveals a small carpeted nook with stained glass window insert, merging historic and practical elements seamlessly.

Bedroom Workspace

Dale J. Bunn of Riverview Realty, LLC

Soft pink walls create a warm, inviting atmosphere in this bedroom accented with white trim and ceiling panels. Light floods through two windows framed by white curtains, enhancing the pastel tone. A gray desk with multiple drawers and a black mesh office chair occupy one corner, complemented by a small wooden stand holding a printer and neatly stacked papers. A twin bed with a pale blue quilt and neutral pillows rests against the opposite wall, adorned by a vibrant floral and bird painting. The hardwood floors are partly covered by a large, gray geometric patterned rug, while a white ceiling fan provides ventilation. The room blends comfort and function, balancing cozy bedroom elements with a practical workspace.

Bedroom Corner

Dale J. Bunn of Riverview Realty, LLC

Soft pink walls create a warm, cozy atmosphere in this bedroom corner. A single bed with layered bedding in muted blue and gray tones rests against the wall, surrounded by three striking art pieces, including a portrait and vibrant floral work. The floor showcases polished hardwood partially covered by a large dark gray rug with an elegant white trellis pattern. The ceiling is white with a grid design, complemented by a modern white ceiling fan with a light. A brown office chair and a wooden dresser add functional elements to the space, which opens into a neutral-toned adjacent room.

Home Office Corner

Dale J. Bunn of Riverview Realty, LLC

The room features pale blue walls contrasted with creamy off-white trim around doors and windows. A small open closet with built-in shelving is nestled in a corner, adjacent to a hanging blue dress adding a pop of color. The beige carpeting ties the space together with warmth and comfort. A vintage metal radiator sits below the window framed by white curtains, allowing natural light to filter in. A simple wooden chair with distressed paint leans against the wall under a floating wooden shelf. A basic black desk holds a laptop and mouse, complemented by a plain gray office chair on wheels, creating a modest and functional workspace within a historic home setting.

Bedroom Interior

Dale J. Bunn of Riverview Realty, LLC

Muted blue walls define a cozy bedroom space with white trim around a window and closet doors, adding subtle contrast and classic charm. A large, ornately framed gold mirror reflects natural light, enhancing the room’s brightness. The ceiling fan with wooden blades pairs with beige carpet flooring for a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. Beneath an angled ceiling, a wooden nightstand with gold-toned lamps complements the neutral patterned bedding on a low-profile bed frame. Minimalist wall art and a small wooden bench near the closet add character without clutter, balancing historic details with modern simplicity.

Bathroom Vanity and Shower

Dale J. Bunn of Riverview Realty, LLC

White walls and bold black-and-white patterned floor tiles create a striking contrast in this compact bathroom space. The black vanity with a white marble countertop is minimalist in design, holding neatly rolled white towels on an open slatted shelf beneath. Above the vanity hangs a round mirror with a thin brass-colored frame, flanked by a vintage-style sconce light fixture. A floating white shelf above the toilet holds a small metal box, a candle, and a single flower in a glass vase, adding a subtle decorative touch. The shower has classic white subway tiles with dark grout and a built-in niche for toiletries, enclosed by a clean glass door with black framing.

Bedroom with Ensuite Overview

Dale J. Bunn of Riverview Realty, LLC

The bedroom walls are painted a serene teal, contrasting softly with broad cream-colored baseboards and trim around the door and window frames. The angled ceiling and dormer window allow natural light to filter in, brightening the space. A large bed with a muted paisley-patterned comforter rests against the slanted wall. Flanking the bed, wooden nightstands with brass lamps add a warm, vintage touch. The carpeted floor complements the understated elegance. Visible through an open doorway, the adjoining bathroom features a black vanity with a white marble top, a round mirror, and a stylish monochrome tiled floor.

Workshop and Office Area

Dale J. Bunn of Riverview Realty, LLC

Rustic wood paneling and exposed wooden beams create a robust, practical atmosphere in this workshop space. The floor, ceiling, and walls are predominantly plywood or particle board, giving a rough, utilitarian look. Fluorescent lighting strips hang from the ceiling, casting bright light over a spacious central workbench with a sturdy stool. Various woodworking tools and machines, including a green Grizzly model, surround the room, showing evidence of active woodworking use. A dual-monitored desk setup tucked in one corner indicates a workspace for design or planning. The open door and windows offer natural light, blending functionality with a slightly rugged charm.

Listing Agent: Dale J. Bunn of Riverview Realty, LLC via Zillow 

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