Author

Pels Matthews

Luxury Properties SpecialistText Agent 203.671.5432 Pels.Matthews@raveis.com

Washington, CT —
An Autumnal Escape

Washington Depot, CT, my home for over 30 years, is a rural community in Litchfield county, known for it’s picturesque views and ties with New York City, for many have weekend homes here. It’s for that reason, the ultimate escape, because who knows best what soothes them than the sometimes stressed New Yorker? Here’s a few tips for a fall weekend in Washington, CT.

Favorite hikes

Steep Rock Land Trust. With over 2700 protected acres of land, Steeprock has many locations with trails. Choose an easy walk along the river or a challenging hike to multiple pinnacle overlooks.

Best date night cocktail

Community Table Bar. The uber chic Farm to Table restaurant has a great bartender and is the place to see and be seen. Order the Bee's Knees or the el Diablo cocktail. My wife, Stacey and my favorite. Cody makes the best drinks in the county!

Healthy organic breakfast

Hidden Valley Eatery. This is the top local hangout on weekend mornings.

Amazing lake view dining

Hopkins Inn. The views of Lake Waramaug from this terrace simply can not be beat. This lake is also a popular and coveted place to own a home for it’s summer watersport activity and serenity.

Place to drive fast

Lime Rock Race Track. Come watch a race or take a Skip Barber Driving Class. This winter our 16-year old kids will experience "Snowcross," where they will learn to drive on snow and ice!

Most delicious gourmet take out

The Pantry. The Pantry is the true heart of Washington, cooking for all our occasions and it’s always packed. Pick up a local berry or pumpkin pie for holidays but remember to order early!

Cuppa Joe: Marty's Cafe

This is the social center of the Depot. Great for breakfast and lunch, no Starbucks here!

"Great for breakfast and lunch, no Starbucks here!"

Getting pampered

Mayflower Grace Inn and Spa. True luxury reside at this Relais and Chateaux Spa. Send your wife, like I do or come together and relax.

Best saturday social

Farmer’s Market at the Park. Washington Depot’s center was recently transformed with a gorgeous new park and garden. It will host the farmers market on Saturdays through October.

Oddest place to have lunch with a James Beard Finalist Chef

Pine Leaf Cafe. This new cafe is always bustling and Chef Joel Vielhand will personally make your breakfast or lunch. Enjoy it on the patio overlooking the river and gorgeous gardens in the middle of the Green Spot Nursery. Who knew I would eat so well when picking out mums for the house?

"Who knew I would eat so well when picking out mums for the house?"

Most glamorous summer party

Pilobolus Ball which supports our internationally acclaimed modern dance company. Spend an incredible night at a rotating location - Spring Hill Farm most recently - watching a performance piece and mingling and dancing with old and new friends. It was even fun in 2015's monsoon rain storm!

Fall event

Gunn Memorial Library Antique Show. This is the social event of the fall season, such fun shopping with incredible vendors.

Ultimate luxury

Lake Waramaug house. This Lake is the hottest ticket in the county. The entry prices are steep but you will be in great company on this lake. People are buying $6mil houses and tearing them down! (We call this "surf and turf" - weekenders with country houses are picking up lake front houses as a second weekend home, often just a few miles from the country house. Having access to the lake is the "Ultimate Luxury" here... ).

Top foodie surprise

World class sushi at Norimaki, master chef Sekikawa makes everything himself so seating is limited, make sure you have a reservation.

Best local bookstore

Hickory Stick Book Sellers will guide to the perfect read. Fran and her staff have read everything! Come in for celebrity book signings which happen all the time.

Winter pleasure

Mohawk Mountain Skiing. Only half an hour from Washington, but make sure to book a spot on the kids program or sign up for the racing teams early as this is a popular weekend activity.

Featured Listings

Kent, CT

$5,250,000

The rarest luxury is seldom the land itself. It is the time already devoted to revealing its full potential. Set amidst protected land along the coveted Kent-Sharon border, RockOak offers the uncommon advantage of beginning years ahead on the construction of a legacy estate. The completed retreat allows the property to be enjoyed immediately, while the future estate evolves. Overlooking the orchard, gardens, woodlands and long views it offers refined, comfortable living from the very first day. The estate unfolds like a private park of meadows, woodlands, orchards, gardens, dramatic elevations and a sheltered seasonal brook. Sweeping western sunsets, expansive northern vistas, and carefully composed landscapes ensure every season reveals a new perspective. Two parcels define the property's flexibility. The principal Sharon homesite occupies a commanding elevation and includes architectural design plans by architect, Scot Samuelson, AIA, NCARB for a 5,000+ sq ft residence. The 2nd parcel is in Kent & Sharon, reached by its own private drive. It rests quietly on the edge of a woodland above the brook and in the meadow below the principal Sharon site. Throughout the estate, thoughtful infrastructure has been integrated into the landscape, while historic woodland roads, stone walls, specimen trees, perennial gardens, fountains, scenic overlooks, and a distinctive 40 tree orchard create a landscape of exceptional beauty and permanence. Convenient access to NYC by car or train. Positioned between the historic villages of Sharon, Kent, Cornwall, Wassaic and Amenia, the property enjoys exceptional privacy while remaining moments from acclaimed restaurants, galleries, schools and chic shops. Hundreds of acres of protected land for hiking lie in the immediate surroundings. New York City is just 2 hours by car, or 17 minutes to Metro North Ten Mile train station. Recreational clubs are just 10-20 minutes away including Ten Mile River, Tamarack, Sharon Country Club and Bulls Bridge Golf Club.

35 Schoolhouse Road, Roxbury, CT

$3,250,000

Subtle Sophistication in A++ Roxbury Locale. Perfectly sited in an estate area of Roxbury on a quiet country road, this renovated country cottage exudes understated elegance & modern comfort. Main house offers one-level living & turn-key perfection, w/chic kitchen featuring custom cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, it flows seamlessly into the dining room. Dramatic great room w/floor-to-ceiling glass & fireplace anchors the living spaces, opening directly to large deck for effortless outdoor entertaining & picturesque views of the grounds. There are 4 ensuite bdrms, incl a stunning 1st-flr primary suite w/sitting room, gas fireplace, 2 fully built-out walk-in closets, & French doors leading to a private terrace with outdoor fireplace. Cozy library/den with built-ins and a versatile lower-level bonus space are ideal for an art studio or private home office. Add'l highlights incl a steam shower, smart-home features, radiant heat w/hydro-air backup, 2 washers & dryers. Dramatic post-and-beam guest house w/ vaulted ceiling, balcony, & full kitchen sits above a 2 car garage and prep kitchen, offering a private retreat complete w/its own washer/dryer. The grounds are exceptional-mature trees, stone walls, a pond, sweeping lawns, and lush gardens surrounding a heated gunite pool. Expansive porches and terraces provide seamless indoor-outdoor living, ensuring total privacy. Minutes from The Mayflower Inn, town center and close to acres of Roxbury Land Trust. 90 min to NYC.

112 Lower Church Hill Road, Washington (Washington Depot), CT

$1,595,000

Stunning country retreat on 10 private acres with Har -Tru lighted tennis court and heated pool/spa and screened porch for summer enjoyment. Located in prestigious area nearby Steep Rock hiking and close to town center. Many recent upgrades including fresh paint, all new light fixtures, new landscaping. Exercise room, sauna, and lower level walk out play room for indoor activities. Vaulted great room with fireplace and bar. Cozy library with second fireplace. Well appointed chef's kitchen with island seating and breakfast nook. First floor master suite with walk-in closet. 3 upstairs bedrooms with 2 baths.

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