175 Litchfield Ln

Description

As you turn past the antique French gates onto the imported Indiana pebble drive, you will understand why the curator of this property chose to slow your arrival to this French Manor Estate- the extent of detail expended into creating this jewel box is evident. Before the main home comes into view, your eyes will be fixed upon the Acadian Cabin with its lovely covered porch. A tranquil retreat for your guests, or perhaps a writer's sanctuary, just steps from the main home- imagine the sound of a gentle rain tapping on the rooftop. This 400 sq. ft. cabin is rich with charm from the wood-burning fireplace to the heart-pine floors and white-washed walls. Nearby, you will find the limestone and slate well-house/ potting shed with an artesian well including a whole-house water softener and purifier. The Manor was strategically placed to allow the steward of this property to plant an English garden that offers an abundance of seasonal harvest and diverse botanical treasures. Over 200 tons of Tennessee limestone graces the exterior of the Manor. Vermont slate, copper gutters, decorative lightning rods, and Jack Arnold Chimney pots adorn the roof. Handcrafted copper gas lanterns stand as sentinels beside the reclaimed antique 12-foot tall, mahogany entry doors. As you step through these 150-year-old pieces of art into the entry hall, your gaze is fixed upon the antique, reclaimed, and hand-finished cypress flooring that runs throughout the entire home- truly a unique pleasure- timeless, elegant design with a modern sensibility. Venetian plaster covers the main level walls and ceilings: three wood-burning fireplaces, antique and art lighting, mahogany French doors with handcrafted custom cabinetry and finishes. The cabinetry is discretely tucked beneath the hand-made, 5 ft x 10 ft solid iron window to allow an abundance of natural light. The antique, white-washed, heart-pine, 4ft x 10ft island, with 2 1/2 inch thick black walnut, anchors the kitchen. The custom-fabricatedJade range from California, with a salamander, griddle, and true convection oven, complimented by the hand-crafted, solid stainless steel hood by Lonestar of Texas, surrounded by a Ken Mason, handmade tile backsplash and Sub-Zero glass front refrigerator/freezer would make Thomas Keller drool. The dining room boasts a grand, custom-designed, and hand-crafted glass-front cabinet- a stunning piece of furniture to display your treasures. The family room has a wood-burning fireplace framed by a solid travertine mantel, Pennsylvania reclaimed, antique hand-hewn beams, solid mahogany French doors with transoms, and solid brass surface bolts by Classic Brass. A wine cellar, just off the hall, is charming and convenient to the kitchen and dining room. The exquisite salon, centered with a hand-carved marble surround, is a welcome compliment to the grand and open main level. The Master suite vestibule is accessed through antique, reclaimed heart-pine French doors and enhanced with art lighting. There is a cast-stone, gas log fireplace mantel surrounded with Venetian plaster walls and ceilings, that is steps away from the resort-like bath offering a steam shower with solid marble walls and floor with seating, a claw-foot, cast iron, roll-top porcelain tub, antique cherry ten-foot vanity with porcelain sinks and separate water closet. The two guest suites are completed solid with ensuite baths and operable solid mahogany French doors with wrought iron Juliet balconies, with each having its elegant personality. The third room is currently used as media but could also be an office. The third-level bonus room is currently used for crafts and hobbies. This property is set in the exclusive, secure, and enchanting gated community of Alders Glen. From the moment you enter the gates, you are immersed in one of the most breathtaking landscapes typical of a land rich in nature and careful preservation. Only five homesites of 18 remain