Enjoy this content as part of Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s The Homes series.
Owning a historic home is like living in a piece of art. These homes tell a story—of past generations, architectural styles, and craftsmanship that have stood the test of time. But beyond their aesthetic charm, many of today’s historic homes have been meticulously updated to meet the needs of modern luxury living. Imagine stepping into a home where original hardwood floors, intricate moldings, and antique fixtures coexist with gourmet kitchens, spa-like bathrooms, and smart home technology.
Here are some beautiful historic homes on the market, each one offering its own story waiting to be told.
9 South Main Street, Essex, CT
$1,985,000 | c. 1647
This Nathaniel Pratt Homestead is one of the oldest homes in the United States. This property has been properly updated offering modern living features while maintaining the deep and rich history and character of the property. Enjoy the serenity of a lovely pond and the seasonal Connecticut River views surrounded by masterful landscape and plantings. The home has five bedrooms, three and a half baths, a formal dining room, an eat in kitchen, and multiple fireplaces. Outdoors await a fantastic patio with a propane firepit and a year round spa/pool. This is truly Essex Village living at its best. Restaurants, the renowned Griswold Inn, marinas, art galleries, boutiques and many special places all just a short distance from this home along with being located approximately 2 hours from NYC and Boston.
44 South Street, Roxbury, CT
$1,995,000 | c. 1792
Welcome to FoxCroft, where simple elegance exudes. Tucked on this quiet street lined with giant gracious old Maples, Oaks and stone walls, it appears time has stood still in Roxbury, in the very best way. The property is rare in that it seemingly has space for everything. A heated pool, studio, large three car garage, guest house and pond. Also giving clues to its past: an ice and well house. This house is short on nothing, most of all, charm. This 1792 colonial farmhouse has certainly stood the test of time, and oh, the stories it would tell. Enter into the living room flanked by two massive fireplaces, lit up by a grand window. The sunroom provides a space to read a book on a Fall afternoon surrounded by windows filled with the changing colors of the season. The chic and updated kitchen provides modern amenities including a six burner Viking stove and a SubZero refrigerator. A front and back staircase connect you to the second level. Upstairs has three bedrooms and a bonus space. The property gives space to explore. Head to the pond through the perennial gardens, or hike through the back field through your own meadow of serenity. FoxCroft beckons its next steward to begin its next chapter.
1269 Clayton Mill River Road, New Marlborough, MA
$2,200,000 | c. 1828
Escape to the serene countryside, where this stunning New England farmhouse beckons with its picturesque setting on 10 acres. This property boasts a pool, pool house, garage and barn, offering endless possibilities for enjoyment and relaxation. Step inside this beautifully renovated home (2017), where modern amenities blend seamlessly with classic charm. The 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths provide ample space for comfortable living. This home is sure to impress with its impeccable design and attention to detail. Outdoor living is a true delight at this property, with plenty of space to roam and explore. The in-ground pool is a refreshing spot to cool off, while the pool house provides a convenient place to relax and unwind. Garage and barn offer storage space for all of your outdoor essentials.
658 Hoydens Hill Road, Fairfield, CT
$1,850,000 | c. 1856
If you love authentic features and appreciate excellent craftsmanship, this house is the one. The home features wide board floors, plaster walls, hand-blown glass-paned windows, latched doors, nine fireplaces, and antique charm; truly a piece of history. Two stunning 18th/19th-century homes were combined to create this antique masterpiece. The original Dawson house was built in 1856, beautifully maintained and restored. The current owners wanted to be true to the historic nature of the property and dismantled and moved another period home for the addition. Built in 1750, The Ring Family Homestead from Bridgeton, Maine was painstakingly deconstructed and delivered in 1985. It was meticulously reconstructed to seamlessly join the front house, offering a spacious, natural, authentic home. There are close to six acres of bucolic land (on two separate lots), three post and beam outbuildings, a garage, paths through the woods, a stream, and more to enhance the experience. The attention to detail and commitment to historical accuracy is evident in details such as the bricks in the fireplaces that came via truck from Maine, the historical Old Village paint colors, original doors, many antique sconces and so much more.
139 Scarborough Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY
$4,500,000 | c. 1898
Seize this rare opportunity to own an iconic estate rich in history, dating back to the 1890s. This distinguished property, known as “The Manor House,” was built for and live in by Walter Law, the founder of The Village of Briarcliff Manor. Constructed on Brier Cliff Farms, originally acquired from James Stillman, then-President of National City Bank (now Citibank), the estate at 139 Scarborough Roadd exudes a blend of historical charm and opulence. Spanning over 9 acres, the expansive 15,000+ sq. ft. residence features 14 bedrooms, 7.1 bathrooms, a private entertainment hall, a bar, an atrium, and an indoor pool, all highlighted by distinctive architectural elements. The wood paneling throughout the estate, imported from The Baxter Church in England, has been meticulously preserved. In 1928, The Manor House served as a clubhouse for the Metropolitan Masons with a golf course on property and was once the venue for a notable boxing match between Jack Sharkey and Carl Brisson in the early 1930s. Designed with input from the Olmstead Brothers, renowned landscape architects behind Manhattan’s Central Park, the estate still features remnants of their work, including waterfalls, retaining walls, statues, gazebos, and greenhouses. Neighbors to the Manor House have included prominent families such as the Rockefellers, Shepherds, Speyers, Macys, Webbs, and Astors. This is a rare opportunity to restore and own a significant piece of history. Don’t miss the chance to make this extraordinary estate your own.
The beauty of today’s historic homes lies in their ability to bridge the gap between past and present. Modern luxury homes are often defined by their open floor plans, cutting-edge technology, and sleek finishes, but the enduring appeal of a historic home is rooted in its character and craftsmanship. Whether you’re drawn to a 19th-century Victorian mansion with sweeping porches or a quaint Colonial revival that feels like a trip back in time, a historic home offers a unique opportunity to live in a piece of history while enjoying all the comforts of modern life.
