Waccabuc is everybody’s favorite charming little postage stamp of a rural town without a downtown - and much of what defines the character of Waccabuc are the historic homes lining Mead Street, the main artery running through the hamlet.

Elmdon, set along Mead Street and named after the giant Elms that once lined the property, was built in 1780 by Enoch Mead, and was the first homestead of the Mead family - whose imprint on Waccabuc, beyond the main road being named after them, is still visible around Waccabuc today. Enoch Mead served in local governmental roles, including Overseer of The Poor and Commissioner of Highways, which were, at the time, positions that carried real influence in shaping the structure and function of a young community. And over the years, generations of Mead farmers, civic leaders, and land stewards helped to shape Waccabuc’s landscape and community, including by founding the Mead Memorial Chapel that still stands as one of Waccabuc’s enduring landmarks.

Enoch Mead’s original 100+ acres was divided amongst his sons, who each developed farms and constructed homes of their own along Mead Street, but Elmdon remains as the preeminent and archetypal example of the estates built during this special time in Waccabuc’s and America’s history.

Today the home sits on 4+ acres which are bordered by the Old Field Preserve. The property unfolds as a series of open lawns, mature trees, and long, quiet sightlines. There is an immediate sense of space that has been left largely undisturbed. A long gravel cobblestone-lined drive approaches the house gradually, revealing an entrance courtyard, beautiful stonework, a welcoming front porch, and the gorgeous reclaimed barn.

Elmdon is a clapboard Colonial that was expanded thoughtfully over time - but never at the expense of proportion. A recent restoration, extensive but measured, brought the house forward without erasing its past. The result is something increasingly rare - a historic home that feels stewarded and completely charming, but at the same time is modernized, domestically realistic, and functional.

The home exudes understated elegance, Features such as colonial molding around the windows, original millwork throughout, original wood floors, and recently uncovered hand-hewn wooden beams and framed archways, give the home give the home a textured and layered personality. Fireplaces in every room on the main floor are a romantic reminder of a time when family life - and warmth - centered around the hearth. Dutch doors and carefully restored original hardware reinforce the historic character, and beautiful antique lighting evokes the cozy feeling of lanterns illuminating the halls.

The kitchen - outfitted with Carrera marble counters, custom cabinetry, a center island, a fireplace, wooden beams, and direct access to the surrounding grounds - is every bit as functional as it is farmstead chic.

The primary suite is completely updated, but remains in keeping with the era and sentiment of the home. A beautiful dressing room leads to a very large walk-in closet, and - the ultimate luxury - separate his and hers bathrooms with intricate marblework and brilliant natural light.

Outside, the wooden barn features another entire living space with its own bathroom, kitchenette, large main room, and loft.

The original barn burned down and was reconstructed in keeping with the period of the homestead using reclaimed wood from Vermont. Two story vaulted ceilings create an inviting, sun-drenched space for a guest suite, game room, or office.

While ‘historic’ is often thrown-around loosely in assessing real estate, Elmdon is the genuine article. And in a town and on a street where the precious and treasured mansions still standing from a quarter-Millenium ago rarely change hands from one family to another…Elmdon stands as an ultimate trophy,

Elmdon is currently listed with Patty Hinkley with Coldwell Banker Realty at $4.5M