Property of the Week: 878 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow, Mass. – Hartford Courant

2022-08-08 05:15:49 By : Ms. Ella Tu

A quintessential New England home, which has retained its old country feeling, is waiting for a new steward. Located on the historic Town Green in Longmeadow, Mass., this 1795 colonial revival, near the Connecticut River, has withstood the test of time thanks to a widespread restoration, renovation, alterations and modern updates.

“I think it is a source of pride to have such a historic home and to be a steward of it,” says Nancy Maree, the home’s listing agent.

Located at 878 Longmeadow St., the 16-room stately home (yes, 16 rooms!) stands out with a spectacular wrap-around porch, perfect for dining, entertaining, greeting passersby or just relaxing on a rocking chair. More than 100 years later, a blanket of rhododendrons still blooms in front of the porch.

“The porch is a focal point,” Maree says, adding it is the perfect spot to savor New England’s majestic autumn. “You become ensconced with the fall foliage. It’s a true Norman Rockwell scene.”

Enter the home through a front door, a side door or in the rear. In the expansive foyer, the chestnut wood staircase and railings have been fully restored. Maree, who describes the home as a “masterpiece,” points outs the gorgeous woodwork casings and doorways. “It is such a special home,” she says. “The flow is beautiful.”

During its 227-year history, the homeowners have painstakingly maintained architectural period details that offer a peek into the past such as high ceilings, exquisite millwork, three wood-burning fireplaces, dentil trim molding, tray ceilings, five chimneys, two staircases, hand-milled corbels, thick walls, expansive windows and built-in cabinets with lead glass.

A fragment of the home’s first level is the only original section; the upper two floors date back to the late 19th century. Recently, the home was freshly painted, inside and out. The wood-and-brick exterior, held together by several corbels, has been painted white.

The newest gem, a chef’s kitchen, features a six-burner Wolf range, a full-size wine/beverage chiller, stainless appliances, double ovens, a microwave with a pullout drawer situated in the Carrera Marble island, a separate prep sink and counter, a vent hood, white cabinetry, granite countertops and Kohler fixtures. A distinct red brick wall is a nod to the past. A roomy breakfast nook is encased by large windows.

The home features four bedrooms with unique built-in shelving. The impressive primary suite has its own library, a dressing room and a storage loft. There are two laundry areas, one conveniently located in the primary suite, and the other in the basement. The private bath boasts two separate vanities and a seamless glass-door shower. Two additional full bathrooms and a powder room are located throughout the home.

In the full basement, a thick red-stone barrier maintains a temperate climate year-round. As a result, the space has been able to house an award-winning wine collection in pristine condition.

Public water and sewer service the home. Its steam system heats water by utilizing natural gas. Central air conditioning is located throughout the home. Additional attributes include insulated doors, a central vacuum, a security system and storm windows. The four-season porch with a terracotta floor and a separate screened-in porch are light and bright. Earlier this year, a new slate metal roof was installed on the carport and the two-car garage.

Set on nearly one acre, the property is fashioned with gorgeous Japanese maple trees, perennials and ornamental tulips. A public recreation area that can be utilized during the winter and the summer months borders the backyard.

Referred to as the “Benjamin Stebbins House,” the home’s illustrious history began when Samuel Cotton built the home as a wedding gift for his daughter, Lucy, who married Dr. Benjamin Stebbins in 1794. Samuel Colton Stebbins, the couple’s only son, owned a sawmill business on the banks of the Connecticut River and is credited with planting more than 100 shade trees around town.

Although English Puritans began arriving in the then-called “Long Meddowe” area during the 1630s, the town did not formally incorporate until 1783. Longmeadow’s long-rooted colonial character has been captured in some of the earliest surviving pastoral country estates and old homes in the area.

Once a bustling 18th and 19th century town center with small shops and businesses, the tree-lined Town Green continues to serve as a gathering spot for many community events. The Longmeadow Historic District, which encompasses the Town Green, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. With a population of less than 16,000 residents and more than 750 acres of conservation space, Longmeadow has well preserved its small-town feeling.

Owning the home at 878 Longmeadow St. on the historic Town Green will ensure it remains an integral part of the town’s history. “It’s an incredibly social home,” Maree adds. “It’s a social enclave within the town itself.”

For photos, a virtual tour and more details about this historic home and property, visit https://878longmeadow.com.

Karen A. Avitabile is a freelance writer based in Plantsville.

Square footage: 5,100 on three floors (does not include four-season porch)

Best feature: Home has been modernized but historic charm remains

Contact: William Pitt | Sotheby’s International Realty, Nancy Maree, (413) 250-4353, nmaree@wpsir.com; https://878longmeadow.com