A CLASSIC HOME OF RARE DISTINCTION OFFERED BY MOTIVATED SELLER ... NOW SO WELL-PRICED! Constructed in 1936 in the style of the historic Newport Summer Cottages, this elegantly crafted Colonial is said to have been built for the Vanderbilt’s as their summer residence. Now this graceful home that has been thoughtfully updated for today’s style of living with care and respect for its original character and architecture. It sits on over 1.6 well landscaped acres with rolling lawns, mature trees, stonewalls, gardens, brick and stone patios, refreshing pool, and a delightful one-bedroom guest house with kitchen, great room, full bath and deck. Both inside and out, this stucco and clapboard manor house radiates timeless appeal and good taste. The inviting front-to-back reception hall with gleaming wide board wood floor has views of the outdoors and a door to the patio and backyard. Gracious authentic details abound … there are handsome floors, refined moldings and millwork including beautifully carved woodwork framing many doorways, and six fireplaces; elegant casement windows and French doors bathe the house in sunlight and open to the outdoors, while stunning chandeliers, wall sconces and original hardware all remain with the home. The layout and design are exceptional as well with high ceilings, front and back staircases, and unimpeded flow between the generously proportioned rooms. You’ll enjoy entertaining on both a grand or intimate scale in the spacious formal living room with built-in bar and fireplace, banquet-sized dining room with fine wainscoting and fireplace flanked by display cabinets. It would be hard to replicate the original workmanship and architectural integrity evident throughout the house, but the new gourmet kitchen / family room wing does so seamlessly with its dazzling fully equipped custom eat-in kitchen and soaring open family room with fireplace. These four rooms each access the outdoors as well. A large paneled library, with built-in shelving, wide pine flooring, fireplace and bay window alcove, adds to the home’s considerable warmth. A second powder room in the kitchen wing, well conceived mudroom entry into the kitchen area and kitchen stairs complete the main floor. The landing and hall atop the gracious main staircase continue the inviting ambiance, as does the sunny, privately set master suite. The master boasts a beautiful bedroom with barrel ceiling, large windows, fireplace, two custom outfitted walk-in closets, and master bathroom for relaxing with soaking tub and large spa shower. Six additional captivating rooms on this level provide remarkable versatility for your specific needs. The largest has a fireplace, loads of storage, and connects to a pretty Jack ‘n Jill bathroom; cheerful and attractive, it is currently used as a second floor playroom. Two more bedrooms share Jack ‘n Jill connections, and one additional bedroom opens into the upstairs hall bath, providing these four rooms with three bathrooms and endless possible uses! The remaining two rooms are currently used as for an office and as a workout room. All the bedrooms have traditional decorative appeal and excellent closet space, while the bathrooms have so much charm and style! The back staircase at the far end of the hall returns you to the kitchen area. Beautifully understated, this noteworthy home showcases the quiet grandeur of an appealing, less hectic and romantic place in time. It offers unrivaled quality and amenities for the discerning buyer, beautifully set in the Connecticut countryside on a lovely cul-de-sac.