The Valley of Love and Delight?
Wednesday, May 30th, 2007Well, almost. It’s on a hill actually. Nearly 300 acres of protected farmland, which has been foreclosed. It’s going for a snip. We saw it go up for auction last November, but weren’t ready to bid. There was some problem with the winning bidder resulting in it being put back on the market.
This place would be a bargain with just the land, and having to build a house and barn from scratch. But for the same price, we could restore the original Queen Anne home, which has been largely untouched in the 107 years of its existance. It’s in rough shape. Really rough shape. But not beyond help.
The grand old house used to be a weekend retreat for the wealthy. There were polo fields and a bandstand, according to the neighbors. It has seven - yes seven - bedrooms. It has three bathrooms, we counted 3 fireplaces. It has three floors of beautiful light rooms. Well, beautiful if you can see past the water damage, holes in the plaster and dirt. I can see. The mouldings, millwork, hardware, built ins, mirrors, tubs, even the clockwork doorbell are still in place. The light fixtures are exquisite. She must have been a beautiful lady in her day.
There is a carriage house attached - wonderful and light, a supply room opposite the first of the basement access doors, a bathroom and a back entry. There is a mudroom coming in from what must once have been the garden. This also opens onto the back hallway where I can just imagine a line of servant bells and coathooks. Just beyond the back door is a kitchen and a butler’s pantry. Then you come to the main hallway on the ground floor. There are three reception rooms on this floor, each with its fireplace graced with mirrored mantel. The front door leads out onto what must have been a magnificent front porch where guests sipped lemonade and watched the polo match in the field opposite.
At the top of the stairs are four spacious bedrooms, each with a generous closet. And a bathroom with a clawfoot tub still in residence. On the landing is a handsome old built-in wardrobe. He’s surely seen a lot. Up one more time to the top of the house where there are three more beds and a bath. The windows on the landing let light stream in.
Behind the house, there is a rather large barn, which was sadly stripped of its insides and its dignity. It needs a new skin, but it has running water, heat, and electricity. It needs new footing and stalls and new light fixtures. It needs some new residents to bring it back to life. They’d be so happy there. The main doors open onto a breathtaking vista overlooking where the polo field probably was. The whole beautiful thing is situated on a 1/4mi. long private road - paved. So quiet.
There are currently hundreds of ornamental trees being grown on the open fields. There was some sort of rental arrangement with the former owner. We don’t know where that stands or will stand. The value of those trees is enormous, perhaps 25-50% of the restoration costs. The restoration would treble the value of the property in one fell swoop. I’m not kidding. There is another property in the neighboring town with 1/3 the land that is going for 4 times the price. Instant equity is something I like.
We’re waiting for the APR document that lays out specifically the restrictions for this particular property. We’re waiting for divine guidance. We’re praying for discernment and wisdom. We would really appreciate yours. In a strange twist, Brian really likes it. That never happens.
Is requested. If you live in New England, or near enough to visit once per month, and you love the Regency Period (think Jane Austen), perhaps you would like to join a social re-enactment group… Please 
