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

37 Old North Road, Washington, CT

$3,250,000

Privately sited amongst magnificent estates & tucked behind rolling stone walls just off the highly coveted Washington Green. Renowned designer/owners have spent 10 years crafting this home/grounds into a truly magical place. Enter from the gracious gravel motor court with sculpted boxwoods into the paneled living area with carved mantle & wood burning fireplace. The dining room with antique wood ceiling & oak herringbone floors seats 12. It leads to a gourmet kitchen with breakfast nook, box set window, center island, top-of-the-line appliances including 2 dishwashers. The library/media room sits off the kitchen, an ideal spot for cozying up around the 2nd fireplace w/ a good book or favorite show. Upstairs, the primary suite with raised ceiling provides ample room for king bed & multiple sitting venues. It also encompasses a walk-in closet & bright en-suite bathroom & takes in the long views over tree tops & terraces below. 2 additional bedrooms share the 2nd bath. Main floor rooms all have walls of windows/French doors out to the entertaining perch. This spectacular bluestone terrace is lined with creeping thyme & dotted with lichens which creates a glorious patina. Wind down the stone path to the pool with antique stone coping & chic cabana (fridge/ice maker/outdoor shower). The immaculate basement hosts the main laundry room, dry storage, & cedar closet. Front lawn with manicured pond. Established gardens. Generator. 2 Car garage. Published in multiple magazines.

22 Parsonage Lane, Washington, CT

$2,295,000

This charming Parsonage Lane home sits atop the prestigious Washington Green with mature gardens & spacious lawns for play. Walk directly from the house to The Washington Club, The Mayflower Inn, The PO Cafe & into 1000+ acres of Steep Rock Land Trust. The home has been fully renovated to perfection, adding geothermal heat, solar array, a top of the line chef's kitchen. The office is just off the kitchen for easy access and can double as a breakfast nook. The primary bedroom is on the main level & walks out to the terrace and pool. The additional two bedroom suites are located on the 2nd floor & each boasts its own private sitting room. Currently they share a bath but it would be easy to add another ensuite. There are multiple living spaces incl: a sun room w/ French doors overlooking the pool, family room/media room, formal living room w/ fireplace, & formal dining room. The lower level offers a walk-out game room/gym/potting station/workshop with extensive built-in storage. Additional amenities incl: sound system, wide board white oak floors, Marvin windows, 40 year roof, whole house generator. Gorgeously landscaped grounds - complete with Gunite heated pool, stone terraces & specimen trees. Only 2 minutes into Washington Depot for chic shoppes & markets. 90 miles to NYC. Enjoy privileges at the Washington Town Beach on Lake Waramaug.

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.

View All Listings