This charming stone house, designed by Peter Zimmerman Architects to be rustic yet refined, is nestled in the countryside of the quaint town of Cornwall, Litchfield County, Connecticut. The story of this “new old house” harkens to the past, referencing Anglo-Georgian manor houses found in Ireland. The goal was to create an 8,066-square-foot, five-bedroom home that appears to have been here forever, fallen into disrepair, and been refurbished.
The project team sourced salvaged, historic materials to integrate into the design of this home. All of the wood used throughout the interior —ceiling beams, wood panels, and floorboards —was reclaimed, each piece selected for its natural patina. Some of the boards needed to be wire brushed to remove flecks of paint or oiled to soften blemishes, lending the appearance of an old house.
DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Peter Zimmerman Architects BUILDER Hine Builders LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Kent Design Studio
The property includes a tennis court, a swimming pool, and a garage.
The exterior of the house is punctuated by multipaned steel casement windows and topped with a massive stone lintel, giving it a storied appearance. For the roof tiles, the architect selected thick, handmade terracotta tiles that were made in England. They were chosen both for their durability and for their nod to the era in which this house is meant to seem a part.
What We Love: This charming stone house in Connecticut beautifully balances old-world character with modern-day comfort. Though it looks timeworn and storied inside and out, the interiors feel relaxed and inviting. Thoughtful details and simple decorative touches create a sense of timelessness throughout. Overall, we love every detail in this home, from the handpicked stone on the exterior facade to the beautiful fireplaces that lend a sense of history to this remarkably designed home.
Tell Us: What details in the design of this home do you find most intriguing? Let us know in the Comments below!
Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other spectacular home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of Connecticut: A historic 18th-century home gets a charming makeover in New England and See this Litchfield County farmhouse with a stunning modern twist.
The interior of this residence is a rustic interpretation of a house that may have deteriorated over the years and was later restored. Every stone used to construct the house was handpicked on the property; many were part of hedgerow walls that once lined the acreage when it was used as agricultural land.
Above: The main staircase features custom millwork, including banisters, spindles, treads, and risers, all of which are coated with a highly viscous grade of paint, and the brushstrokes are visible as fossil imprints. This was to give the appearance that the surfaces had had numerous layers of paint applied over time.
Above: The plaster walls were made to appear unduly aged and unfinished. The goal was to make this country manor house appear as if a family had abandoned it long ago. The living room is the best example of this, where the plasterwork is made to appear as if the finished overcoating has fallen off over the course of time.
Above: The multi-spoked antique brass chandelier was sourced by the homeowner from Ireland.
The bricks used on the interior and fireplace walls, along with the chimneys, are antique. Due to strict fire codes, some fireplaces are composed of modern firebrick, which are then covered with salvaged bricks, creating an authentic look. The centuries-old stone fireplace surrounds were imported from Ireland.
Above: In the kitchen, the floorboards and brick wall behind the range are antique. The pendant lights are vintage, while the island seating is more modern. The design is in keeping with this home’s sense of history while also lending a contemporary feel.
Above: The bricks on the floor of the kitchen are antique. The millwork and cabinetry were custom-designed by the architect.
Above: The colorful vintage quilt on the bed helps to soften the bedroom.
Above: An expansive outdoor eating area is sheltered beneath a pitched roof.
PHOTOGRAPHER Durston Saylor
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