63 River Rd, Washington Depot, CT 06794

Visitors to this historic house often call it an "enchanted cottage" because of its warmth, coziness, charm and beauty. In the 19th century when there were many dams on the river, it was the miller's house for one of them. A large millstone from the dam rests by the ancient maple by the house. Its past dates from the American Revolution. It was rebuilt around 1860 after a fire wreaked considerable damage. The exposed beams show severe charring in several places, and bricks from the old chimney were found where the hosta bed sits. The president of the first Irish Republic possibly hid out in the attic from the British who had put a price on his head. Local lore has it that Ethan Allen was married in front of the fireplace. The center of the living room is its fireplace with a notable Ben Franklin stove which thrusts its warmth into the room. A duplicate of this beautiful yet utilitarian object can be viewed in the Smithsonian Institution. A modern element in the dining room are the murals of floating pears and clouds against a blue background painted on the cathedral ceiling by the notable artist, Carol Anthony. Guests find it reminiscent of Rene Magritte. The goal of the current owner was to bring the gardens inside by making a garden view available from every window. Doors were added to give easy access. It was on the original Garden Conservancy tour of gardens for over ten years. Its uniqueness won it a place in the archives of the Garden Club of American in the Library of Congress. The garden has become self-sustaining to a large degree and has been the site of the annual fundraiser the Tea for Two Hundred, or the Tea for Two Thousand as it's locally known. Over 6,000 people attended the event over its 20 year span and a million dollars was netted for charities. The house was the cover story for House Beautiful and the Connecticut Magazine. It has also been featured in Martha Stewart's Living(twice), The World of Interiors (twice), Country Living, Vogue and others. The house appears in the book, At Home with Books. In short, this is a fascinating house with a lively past. If only its walls could talk.Call for an appointment today! Agent/Owner