This is America!

Ridgefield is best-known for its quaint downtown and the historic section of houses dating back to the 1800s on the east side of town. Though Ridgefield has set a precedent for the preservation of historic homes and buildings, and is to be commended for still having so many standing and restored to or beyond their original glory, owning one of these homes remains a rarified opportunity that just doesn’t come around too often. Many of the historic Ridgefield homes don’t ever change hands, and are instead passed-down generationally, or trade off-market. And so, when B&NC Mag heard about one such home that is set to come on the market this Spring, we knew we had to get our readership a sneak peek.

1 Parley Lane is located two-houses-in from West Lane, in the most prestigious sidewalk-to-town part of Ridgefield. With all of the conveniences of being walking distance to the elementary school or an array of coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques, or even the book shop, it’s unique that this home also feels completely private. Set on 1.28 exquisitely landscaped acres, the 6 bedroom, 8 bathroom, 6,500 square foot house and property enjoy a totally secluded feeling. From inside the back yard, there’s not another home in sight as the entire property is encapsulated in rows of mature evergreens, and the fabulous heated saltwater pool and attached hot tub can be enjoyed in total peace. Ornamental gardens and a large pagoda with a firepit centerpiece and large patio area are perfect for entertaining.

A large wrap-around covered front porch is the main attraction on the exterior, setting the mood for the interior flavor and style of a day gone by.

The home itself is a showpiece of a Victorian Farmhouse. Built by railroad executive William O. Seymour in 1886, the home has been renovated and remodeled with love and care by a few owners who have each expanded the footprint and updated amenities, while keeping true to the character and charm. A large-scale renovation took place in 2000, bringing the home up to meet and exceed every 21st Century standard, and the current owners undertook further updates and cosmetic changes, and engaged the renowned designer Molly Hirsch to marry contemporary style with the historic bones of the home.

The main floor features notably high 9 foot ceilings and includes a spacious family room, a study with built-ins and a fireplace, and an oversized chef’s country kitchen with butler’s pantry and eat-in dining area, as well as a full-scale dining room. Feeling it would be more useful than a formal living room, the current owners opted to have a custom pool table and jukebox installed in that large space, framed by double depth archways, allowing for an expanded sightline through the home.

The four large bedrooms and the media/recreation room on the second floor all feature 9 foot ceilings, hardwood floors, walk-in closets, and en-suite bathrooms, and the length of the home provides natural separation and privacy in each separate bedroom suite.

The third floor is the ‘fun floor’, and includes a rec room and a game room, but the large space is like a wide open canvas that could be used for almost any purpose. Think: art studio, in-home office, game room, home theater, gym. There’s currently even a bunk room installed on the third floor, with six beds… perfect for the ultimate slumber party.

And there’s a three-car garage set off in a side courtyard of the home, with a separate mudroom entry.

Ridgefield is known for its top-rated schools, robust community activities, and a wide array of sports and recreational opportunities. And local cultural attractions include, notably, the Ridgefield Playhouse, with its 200-shows-a-year offering, A Contemporary Theater with its Broadway-level performances, and the Aldrich Museum, just across Main Street from 1 Parley Lane.

This magnificent home will be going on the market this Spring with Houlihan Lawrence!

Idyllic…Iconic…Ideal…I want it!