Tour a Timeless 1863 New England Estate in Connecticut With a Heated Pool, Garden Sunroom, and 3 Fireplaces

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.

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

This historic New Canaan estate, originally The Waring Farm established in 1863, showcases classic New England colonial architecture. Located on 3 acres in New Canaan, it features timeless stone walls and climbing hydrangea, blending historic elegance with modern luxury. The three-story home boasts 9.5-foot ceilings, a cozy living room with a fireplace, a solarium, and multiple porches for seamless indoor-outdoor living. The spacious layout includes six bedrooms, five and a half baths, a versatile third-floor space, a wine cellar, and a three-car garage. The private pool and spa add charm to this $3,950,000 estate, minutes from downtown and Metro North.

Historic Home Exterior

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

A stately historic American home displays classic colonial architecture with a symmetrical facade, prominent white columns, and a gabled roof punctuated by three dormer windows. The exterior combines beige siding with stone elements, providing texture and visual contrast. Tall chimneys rise from either end, enhancing its balanced look. A curved driveway of light gravel leads to the entrance, bordered by trimmed shrubs and mature trees with bare branches, suggesting early spring or late autumn. The expansive, well-maintained lawn and clear blue sky add to the serene, timeless ambiance of this distinguished residence.

Back Porch and Patio

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

A spacious back porch is elevated above a large stone retaining wall and accessed by stone steps in the center. The porch has white wood columns supporting a roof, creating an inviting covered seating area. Brick chimney rises prominently from the porch roofline. Multiple windows with purple shutters accentuate the beige siding on the house, contributing to a classic, historic American charm. Greenery in pots and manicured bushes provide soft contrast against the stone and wood elements. The lush green lawn and mature trees surrounding the space emphasize a serene connection with nature.

Backyard Pool Area

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

A rectangular swimming pool is centered within a spacious stone-paved patio surrounded by a combination of trimmed hedges and rustic stone walls. Lounge chairs with white cushions align one side of the pool, inviting relaxation in the sun. A hot tub adjacent to the pool is partially recessed into the patio. To the right, a pergola with wooden beams casts shadows over an outdoor seating and dining area with weathered wood furniture. Beyond the pool area, lush green lawns and mature deciduous trees frame the historic multi-story home, featuring taupe siding, white trim, tall windows, and a stone foundation.

Back Porch Seating Area

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

Stone steps lead up to a spacious back porch sheltered by a white, columned roof. The porch centers on a brick chimney that extends upward, flanked by two symmetrical French doors with glass panels. Light brown siding and white trim define the exterior, accented by two small shuttered windows and two half-moon windows in the gable. Cozy wicker seating with light cushions and green throw pillows invites relaxation, complemented by potted ferns. To the left, an outdoor dining area with a wooden table and chairs creates a perfect spot for gatherings amidst the lush greenery and manicured hedges surrounding the patio.

Covered Patio Seating Area

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

A spacious covered patio with a smooth, light-colored ceiling supported by classical white columns, blending traditional charm with outdoor comfort. Two large vintage-style ceiling fans hang overhead, providing a rustic yet practical touch. Wicker lounge chairs with green and white leaf-patterned cushions invite relaxation, paired with a wooden coffee table that sits atop large, irregular stone flooring extending into the garden. The surrounding landscape includes manicured bushes, ferns in decorative planters, and a backdrop of leafless trees, lending a serene, natural atmosphere that balances cultivated and wild elements harmoniously.

Outdoor Pool Area

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

Rectangular swimming pool with light blue water is encircled by a natural stone patio in neutral hues. Stone steps lead gently into the pool, adding elegant accessibility. Along one side, a row of cushioned lounge chairs awaits relaxation, complemented by a shaded outdoor dining area under a wooden pergola. Rustic stone walls border the space, supporting mature greenery and seasonal plants. A classical stone planter, filled with fresh flowers, stands prominently in the foreground, harmonizing with the naturalistic and timeless appeal of the poolscape. Towering evergreens and deciduous trees form a serene, private backdrop under a clear blue sky.

Front Entryway

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

Classic symmetrical design with large white columns flanking the entrance, a beige clapboard exterior, and gray shutters. The door frame is accented by a fanlight window with intricate, leaded glass patterns, complemented by matching sidelights. A traditional lantern-style light hangs above the doorway. Two large silver urn planters filled with white flowers sit on either side of the entrance, framing the natural fiber door mat. Beyond the door, polished wood floors lead into a bright interior with pale blue walls, an elegant chandelier, and large arched glass doors opening to a verdant view.

Entry Hallway View

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

The space presents a long, elegant hallway with warm hardwood floors and crisp white walls featuring wainscoting. Classic crown molding and arched doorways contribute to a refined, historic aesthetic. On the left, an ornately grained wooden console table hosts a large decorative vase with tall branches adorned with purple flowers. A silver bowl complements the arrangement. A circular chandelier with candle-like bulbs hangs from the ceiling, adding charm. To the right, a wooden side table with a glass lamp offers warmth and balance. At the far end, a large arched window and double doors painted a soft blue reveal a bright room with intricate wall patterns and a small table with chairs, suggesting access to a sunroom or breakfast nook.

Entry Hall and Living Room View

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

Polished hardwood floors glide beneath a classic entryway punctuated by white paneled walls and crown molding. The solid wooden front door, framed by sidelights and a grand transom window, allows natural light to flood the space. Against the wall, a dark wood console table adorned with flower arrangements adds warmth and elegance. To the right, an open arched passage leads to a cozy living room where a stone fireplace, active with fire, anchors the room. The living area is styled with green velvet armchairs, a wooden coffee table, a floral patterned rug, and colorful curtains that bring a lively contrast to the neutral walls. Traditional and inviting, the space blends timeless architecture with carefully chosen furnishings.

Entryway and Staircase

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

An elegant arched doorway painted in a soft blush pink frames a classic staircase with white balusters and a dark wooden handrail. The stair wall is adorned with detailed wainscoting in white, complementing the pristine and bright ambiance. Adjacent to the arch, built-in white shelving displays a tasteful collection of decorative ceramics and antique books, blending traditional charm and curated vintage aesthetics. A small wooden side table beneath the stairs holds a clear glass lamp with a white shade, adding warmth and inviting light to the transitional space between living and upper levels.

Living Room with Fireplace

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

Soft pastel pink walls with delicate paneling surround a stone fireplace framed by a classic white mantel, where a cozy fire burns. Two green velvet sofas, adorned with an array of patterned pillows in red and blue tones, face a rustic wooden coffee table laden with neatly stacked books. An ornate rug with rose and leopard motifs covers the floor, adding a vintage charm. Floor-to-ceiling French doors with blue floral curtains open into a sunroom filled with natural light and greenery, blending indoor comfort with outdoor views. Warm lamps add a gentle glow to the inviting, eclectic space.

Sunroom Dining Area

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

Bright sunlight floods the room through expansive multi-pane windows that wrap around the space, creating an airy atmosphere. The floor is laid with a distinctive herringbone-patterned red brick, adding rustic charm to the otherwise refined space. A simple wooden table is centered with two plush, cream-colored armchairs with tassel skirts tucked neatly beneath. Hanging green plants provide a natural accent, enhancing the indoor-outdoor connection. White walls and trim maintain a classic, clean aesthetic. French double doors frame the view and invite easy access to and from adjacent rooms. The overall look is casual elegance blended with historic warmth.

Sunroom with Garden View

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

Bright and airy sunroom with large, grid-patterned glass doors and windows that flood the space with natural light. The floor features a warm herringbone brick pattern that adds texture and rustic charm. A wooden table on the right side holds lush green plants in terracotta pots, and a hanging plant drapes down from a decorative metal bracket, infusing the space with natural elements. White walls and trim enhance the brightness, while a classic lantern-style wall light adds a vintage touch. The room opens to an outdoor wooden dining set surrounded by trees, blending indoor and outdoor living beautifully.

Dining Room Details

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

Long polished wooden dining table surrounded by elegant black chairs with reddish cushioned seats. The floor is beautifully patterned with white and black diamond shapes on a light beige background. Walls adorned with delicate floral wallpaper depicting natural scenes add a classic charm alongside the white wainscoting. Large arched French doors and windows allow natural light to flood in, opening onto a terrace and garden view. Two pink ceramic lamps on covered side tables with chevron fabric complement a vintage brass and crystal chandelier hanging above the table, with matching wrought iron wall sconces on either side.

Dining Room Elegance

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

A long, polished wooden dining table with eight black chairs creates a formal dining atmosphere. The chairs have upholstered seats in soft pink and delicate gold accents. The floor boasts a chequered pattern with diagonally laid light planks and dark square insets, enhancing the room’s classical charm. Walls are adorned with intricate botanical and bird wallpaper above white wainscoting, matched by ornate gold-framed round mirror and antique sconces. Three large arched French doors with multiple panes bring abundant natural light and open to a wooden deck. A crystal chandelier adds refined grace, while twin lamps on a vintage sideboard provide cozy illumination.

Kitchen Corner

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

A cozy kitchen corner with traditional cabinetry painted in soft white tones, topped with elegant white marble countertops. The backsplash and surrounding sink area are clad in polished stainless steel, giving a subtle reflective contrast, while a double basin sink sits beneath a multi-pane window that allows natural light to flood the space. Glass-front upper cabinets display neatly arranged white dishware, contributing to the clean, classic aesthetic. Dark metal knobs and handles provide a tasteful contrast to the cabinetry. The rich, warm hardwood floor extends into an adjacent dining area visible through a wide, open doorway, where a rustic wooden table with turned legs completes the scene.

Kitchen and Dining Area

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

The kitchen displays a warm, inviting atmosphere with a long wooden floor extending through both kitchen and dining spaces. White cabinetry contrasts beautifully with the dark wood doors and a rustic exposed brick wall framing a large stainless steel stove. Central to the kitchen is a narrow marble-topped wooden island with intricately turned legs, adding historic charm. Brass fixtures on the deep farmhouse sink and soft pendant lighting enhance the traditional aesthetic. The dining area beyond features pastel-painted chairs, a wood table, and decorative plates mounted on white wainscoted walls, under a classic chandelier.

Outdoor Garden Patio

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

Stone walls frame a lush garden filled with manicured hedges and flowering bushes, primarily covered in white blooms. A stone pathway leads through the greenery towards a cozy outdoor dining area sheltered by a wooden pergola adorned with string lights, offering an inviting atmosphere for gatherings. Adjacent to the pergola, a white patio umbrella shades a plush seating arrangement, enhancing comfort amid nature. Tall, verdant trees form a rich backdrop, blending seamlessly into the garden’s structured yet natural aesthetic. The space combines rustic stone elements with vibrant greenery to create a tranquil and elegant outdoor living area.

Mudroom Storage Area

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

Wood flooring with natural finish stretches across the space, introducing warm tones that contrast with the exposed red brick wall behind a white built-in storage unit. The storage unit contains four open cubbies with hooks holding colorful jackets in blue, pink, and green, alongside top shelves with hats and bins for additional organization. Below, baskets provide hidden storage beneath a wood bench matching the floor’s hue. Two tall windows framed with floral curtains bring daylight and nature views inside. A classic armchair with a subtle checkered slipcover and a vintage-style ceiling light complete the cozy, utilitarian aesthetic.

Kitchen Pantry Area

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

White cabinetry with glass-paneled doors reveals neatly arranged dishware, accented by black metal knobs and pulls. The countertops are marble, complementing the clean and classic aesthetic. The hardwood floor adds warmth and contrasts with the predominantly white surroundings. A stainless steel sink with a built-in drainboard is visible, blending functionality with subtle vintage charm. An arched doorway leads to a corridor with additional cabinetry and drawers, while a wider entrance opens into a bright room with patterned floors and an elegant wall mural, enhancing the historic American home’s character and timeless elegance.

Powder Room Details

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

A compact powder room with charming vintage design elements. The walls are covered in a playful wallpaper featuring vertical stripes of foliage and monkeys, lending a whimsical yet classic feel. A large rectangular mirror with a dark bamboo-style frame hangs above a vanity with a white marble countertop and an inset copper sink, paired with antique brass fixtures. Natural light filters gently through a white half-curtain on a traditional sash window. The toilet features a dark wooden lid, complementing the wood-paneled vanity, while the floor consists of clean, light-colored tiles. A sophisticated blend of historic and playful details creates an inviting atmosphere.

Bedroom Seating Area

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

A spacious bedroom with a plush, light-colored quilted bedspread topped by soft green pillows aligned on a carved bed frame. Floral patterns dominate the room through drapes and the upholstered base of the bed, featuring blue, green, and cream hues that harmonize with the carpet’s subtle diamond texture. Three tall windows allow natural light to flood in, emphasizing the crisp white walls and classic crown molding. A solid dark wood tall chest stands between two windows, adding historic character. Nearby, a cozy blue armchair with a matching floral pillow and an antique wooden side table complete the serene ambiance.

Sitting Room Nook

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

A cozy sitting nook with two upholstered armchairs in creamy white fabric accented with subtle piping and patterned throw pillows. A round ottoman with a pleated skirt and intricate fabric pattern sits in front, acting as a centerpiece and footrest. The walls are covered in soft blue and white vertical stripes, with matching drapery framing the windows, enhancing the room’s gentle and cohesive palette. Natural light flows through large, mullioned windows, highlighting the crisp white trim and molding. The angled ceiling and dark wood door add architectural interest, blending classic charm and serene comfort.

Bedroom with Fireplace

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

The bedroom is enveloped in floral and fauna-themed wallpaper, extending consistently onto the sloped ceiling, creating a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere. A wooden four-poster bed dressed in white linens with soft pink trim sits against the patterned backdrop, accented by matching bed skirts and pillows monogrammed with initials. To the right, a brick fireplace with white wooden mantel adds warmth and classic charm. A small open bookshelf next to the fireplace holds a variety of books, while a lampshade on a wooden nightstand and a woven basket complete the room’s homey, vintage-inspired look. The light gray carpet balances the strong wallpaper patterns, while a cushioned bench near the window offers a comfortable sitting area illuminated by natural light.

Cozy Bedroom Corner

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

The room presents a bright and inviting sleeping area with a white-painted metal bed frame dressed in a quilted white coverlet. Navy blue and sailboat-patterned pillows add a nautical theme, complementing the sailboat-printed curtains and valances framing two large windows that bring in natural light. The walls are painted a soft, neutral off-white, contrasting warmly with the rich, dark-stained wooden door and matching wooden furniture, presumably a chest of drawers. The flooring is covered in a textured beige carpet that softens the overall look, while a cushioned armchair tucked by the window offers a cozy reading nook.

Cozy Bedroom Nook

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

A charming bedroom corner with a built-in bed nook framed by beadboard paneling painted in a soft cream hue. The bed, layered with white and navy bedding and decorative pillows featuring animal motifs, is set snugly against a white-painted brick chimney. A classic wooden door in a rich mahogany tone contrasts with the light walls. A gray distressed dresser with six drawers stands beside the nook, topped with a large mustard-yellow framed mirror and silver lamps. A fabric-covered armchair with patterned upholstery and an ornamental pillow adds seating. The space blends neutral tones and subtle patterns, evoking a calm, inviting atmosphere.

Cozy Bedroom Corner

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

The room presents a soft, calming palette dominated by pale blue walls that complement the nature-inspired floral patterns on the upholstered headboard, bed skirt, and roman shades. The bed is layered with crisp white linens and matching floral bolster pillows, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. Two double-hung windows allow natural light to brighten the space, framed with white trim that contrasts subtly with the walls. A classic wooden nightstand with brass handles holds a decorated table lamp, while botanical prints hang symmetrically on either side of the bed, enhancing the room’s timeless charm and tranquility.

Cozy Bedroom Corner

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

A small bedroom with white walls and two large windows allowing ample natural light. The bed frame is crafted from natural wood with a distinct spindle design on the headboard and footboard, creating a vintage appeal. The bedding includes a textured knit blanket and cylindrical pillows with floral patterns in soft pink tones complementing the curtains. These curtains have a white background with pink floral prints that match the room’s pink armchair. The flooring is carpeted in a neutral beige, adding warmth to the airy room. A framed floral artwork adds a final decorative touch.

Attic Office and Playroom

Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate

Sloping ceilings and soft white walls shape a cozy attic space divided into distinct zones. A dark wooden desk anchors the office area, paired with a blue mesh chair and a computer setup. Two arched windows flank a non-functional brick fireplace, lending charm and natural light. A wall-mounted flat-screen TV is positioned above the fireplace, enhancing the room’s multifunctional use. The kid’s play area features white furnishings—a small table, chairs, and organized bins creating a tidy, welcoming environment. Neutral carpeting runs throughout, adding warmth and continuity to the quaint, airy atmosphere.

Listing Agent: Janis Hennessy of William Raveis Real Estate via Zillow 

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