161 West Mountain Road Washington

Worth the price of land alone … An exceptional bucolic setting of 56.68 acres is the backdrop for this mid-century home designed by renowned architect Tom Babbitt. Located in one of the most desirable areas of Washington, the main residence is masterfully sited to harmonize with the surrounding landscape and offer impressive views and ample privacy.

The 56-acre estate property is pure New England — complete with vintage stone walls, open fields, perennial plantings, undulating topography, and a bounty of mature trees. The parcel includes a long, tree-lined drive that leads to the 4-bedroom residence with a second-story overlook deck, flagstone patio, gunite pool, and a secondary structure with a squash court, indoor pool, workshop area, and garage. With no encumbrances and ample frontage along West Mountain Road, the property also lends itself to a possible subdivision.

Built in 1970, the home’s many original features include a fireplace made from field stone harvested onsite, slate and oak flooring, exterior redwood siding, numerous built-ins, and custom walnut cabinetry. The interior has an open and informal layout with the sky-lit master bedroom suite cleverly located at one end of the main floor and three secondary bedrooms on the ground level, which has direct access to the outdoors. 

The living room is at the center of the home and feels bright and airy, thanks to the soaring cathedral ceiling and expansive glasswork. Bands of geometric forms are created by a series of frames dividing the glasswork, as well as beams of redwood lining the ceilings. A large sliding door spans half the width of the room, while a wall of windows extends to fill the entire gable end and increase the indoor/outdoor connection with western views that go on for days. The dramatic space has built-in seating with storage and is divided by a stone fireplace and built-in cabinets with wet bar that sit adjacent to the dining room for easy entertaining. Both rooms offer access to the overlook deck with ample room for outdoor entertaining and a spiral staircase that leads to slate a patio and backyard lawn which gently slopes down to the gunite pool with surrounding slate patio. A small well-lit room off the master and living room can serve as a cozy family/sitting room, or can be closed off to create a proper master wing. The kitchen is presented in its original condition, offering custom wood cabinetry, linoleum flooring, ample storage, prep space, and a backsplash of windows. There’s also direct access to the attached two-car garage. The main level comprises a total of 1,539 square feet.

A staircase off the kitchen and slate-floor entry leads down to three guest bedrooms. One is ensuite and privately situated apart from the other two which share a full bathroom. All bedrooms boast built-in walnut desks and shelving. Separating the bedrooms is a large family/recreation/media room that mirrors the scale and drama of the main living area upstairs. The generous space features a wood stove, built-in seating with storage, a row of floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the lush surroundings, and direct access to the grounds. This level has 1,400 finished square feet of a total of 1,539.

The architect of the home, Thomas Babbitt, was well-known in the Litchfield area, often considering his work an opportunity to give back to the community. A 1979 profile in the local newspaper quoted his reverence for the practice and the involvement of other craftsmen in the process: “Architecture is an art, but it’s never an art you do yourself,” he believed.

Anyone who craves nature and privacy will be taken by this property. A mere 90 minutes from NYC will feel a world away. Enjoy the shape of easy living with the option to move right in as-is or build your own bucolic paradise … minutes to Washington’s town center, wonderful restaurants, galleries, and bespoke shops. Close to Steep Rock Preserve, Mt Tom State Park, Hollister House Gardens, Mohawk Mountain, Mayflower Auberge, White Flower Farm, and Arethusa Farm.

About the town of Washington, Connecticut.

Located in the heart of Litchfield County, Washington is known for its rich history and unspoiled beauty. The rural, residential community is nestled in the Litchfield Hills amid picturesque Lake Waramaug, the Shepaug River and the Bantam River. The famous Washington Green is a highlight of the town, which also encompasses the villages of Washington Depot, Marbledale, New Preston and Woodville. Incorporated in 1779, the town was named in honor of General George Washington, who traveled through the area during the Revolutionary War.
A wealth of beautifully preserved period Washington real estate is tucked within a pristine wooded landscape. Washington is distinguished by three historic districts: Sunny Ridge, The Green and Calhoun Street, the latter comprising large historic homes and farms. Home to both year-round and seasonal residents, Washington offers a variety of antique and specialty shops, art galleries, fine restaurants and gracious country inns. The town is served by award-winning public schools along with several renowned private schools. Four-season sporting attractions include Lake Waramaug State Park, the Shepaug River and the thousands of acres of the Steep Rock, Hidden Valley and Macricostas land preserves

161 West Mountain Featured in THE WEEK MAGAZINE