173 Highwoods Drive

Description

THE PITKIN MANSION - An unmatched preservation of the fabric of American heritage & unquestionably one of the finest restorations in New England, the Pitkin house is a true historical treasure. Considered one of the finest examples of pre-Revolutionary architecture in CT. In its early glory, notable guests are said to have been General Washington & Count de Rochambeau. Originally sited in East Hartford, the residence was dismantled & re-erected in 1955 on its present site in Guilford where it is nestled within a nearly 4-acre setting of 300 year old dogwood trees, manicured lawns, & magical gardens. Recognized in 1979 by the National Register of Historic Places, this classic revival is sure to be celebrated by any home lover. First time on the market in over half a century, this is a once in a lifetime stewardship opportunity not to be missed. Contemporary comforts include poured concrete foundation, geothermal system, full house generator, humidifier, central A/C, propane gas, Pella windows, heavy shake wooden roof w/under rubber membrane, hardy board siding, fiber optic cables, irrigation system, security system, city water, & underground utilities, to name a few. Significant upgrades & additions include detached 2-car garage with 1/2 bath & expansive bonus room, pool & pool house, tennis court, & garage barn w/full apartment. Remarkably private off quiet cul-de-sac road. Circular motor courtyard. Broad gambrel roof, 2 handmade English brick chimneys, & double door entry. Interiors graciously unfold over more than 5,500sf of formal, casual, & whimsical living spaces. 8 fireplaces conjure a romanticized vision of an era gone by. Central kitchen well appointed w/island, granite counters, double wall ovens, custom wood cabinetry, & quality appliances. Eat-in dining area & butler's pantry. 4-level dumbwaiter. Formal dining room w/paneled walls, crown moulding, & original 1754 hemlock floor. Formal living room. Family room brims w/charm w/original 18" hemlock floor boards, 2 incredible beams, & great copper-hooded fireplace w/Dutch oven. Garden room w/massive brick fireplace, vaulted ceilings, brick floor, wet bar, & fanciful fine art murals. Pair of French doors open to gorgeous garden courtyard & broad covered side porch. 440sf octagon-shaped Solarium is what dreams are made of. Painted foliage, lattice, & sky mimic the outdoor vistas framed by floor-to-ceiling windows each crowned w/a skylight. Main level guest suite w/fireplace & ensuite full bath. Mudroom w/brick floor, coat closets, & 1/2 bath opens to attached 2-car garage. Upper level gives way to restful retreats w/3 bedrooms, dressing room, & 2 luxe ensuite bathrooms. Convenient 2nd floor laundry. Magnificent library/study w/12' vaulted ceilings, rich paneling, bookcases, & built-in desk & cabinets. Versatile 3rd floor w/2 additional bedroom spaces, full bath, & cedar closet. Massive unfinished walk-in attic space. Pristine basement w/tall ceilings, fireplace, & built-ins ideal for storage, workshop, or home gym. Follow expansive bluestone patios through rose-kissed arbors to the in-ground salt water pool. Pool house w/kitchenette, 1/2 bath, & storage. Large pond & private tennis court adds recreational enjoyment & tranquility. Huge heated garage barn w/2-story ceilings, tool room, 1/2 bath, & full legal apartment. Opportunity for income potential. Detached 2-car garage is heated & cooled equipped w/1/2 bath and full upper level bonus room. Original garage serves as ideal equipment & garden storage. Expansive stockade fence adds further privacy. Minutes from scenic Guilford town center & a short drive to the town's beautiful waterfront. Exceedingly convenient w/direct access to I-95, 20 min to New Haven, & equidistant to NYC & Boston. This exceptional heirloom estate is poised to be treasured for infinite life to come. Must be seen to fully appreciate this treasure.