Essex, Conn. (July 19, 2016) — William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty today announced that the firm has listed the former carriage house of Rev. Thomas N. Dickinson, the founder of one of the largest witch hazel companies in the world. The transformed and renovated historic structure, which now stands as a four-bedroom, five and a half-bath single-family home in Essex, Conn., is represented by Essex agent Mariette Woolfson, and offered at $2,250,000.
The Industrial Revolution spawned many new local businesses including producers of witch hazel, an all-natural skin care solution derived from a plant with topical healing properties native to the Northeast. Dickinson’s firm served as one of the most prominent producers of this useful remedy, eventually gaining nationwide recognition and beyond after the business was handed down to his son, Edward Everett Dickinson, in 1897. By the 1930s, the company supplied the largest part of all the witch hazel used in the country by households and cosmetic companies alike, as well as produced more than 50 percent of all the witch hazel used in the world.
In addition to the global success of their brand, the Dickinsons were significant landowners in Essex, Conn. This carriage home, which neighbors their former main mansion, was originally built in 1890 to garage the family’s limousines and convertibles, as well as provide housing for servants.
Considered to be located on a uniquely large historic property in the heart of town, the architecturally converted coach house lies on over an acre of land with views of the Connecticut River. The transformed residence sits in the middle of the property, which contains a private patio, gardens, grape vine arbor and pool. Truly gracious living conditions are offered throughout its interior, with nine-foot coffered ceilings, custom built-ins, arched doorways, antique red oak flooring, a marble kitchen and more. An open concept living and dining area complete with a wood burning fireplace, architectural pillars and banks of large French doors that lead outside provide an ideal setting for home entertaining. Unique to this house is the staircase, which is central to all living areas and leads to the home’s second level with two en suite bedrooms and a master suite with adjoining music room/library. Banks of windows and French doors additionally open to a second story deck, affording views of the landscape and river below.
“This extraordinarily beautiful Essex home is a true treasure in town, with a great architecturally significant past,” said Woolfson. “The genuine care and thought that went into its renovation, which was overseen by its current owners, is magnificent, resulting in a residence that can effortlessly be cherished and enjoyed.”
For more information on the property, located at 7 Dickinson Lane, please visit its website here.
About William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty
Founded in 1949, William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty manages a $3.9-billion portfolio with more than 1,000 sales associates in 28 brokerages spanning Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Westchester County, New York. William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty is the largest Sotheby’s International Realty(R) affiliate globally and the 28th-largest real estate company by sales volume in the United States. A full-service real estate firm headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty provides ancillary services including commercial services through its affiliation with Building and Land Technology, a second-generation development company based in Stamford, Connecticut; William Pitt Insurance Services; and an award-winning global relocation division. For more information, visit the website at williampitt.com.
Sotheby’s International Realty’s worldwide network includes approximately 18,000 sales associates located in approximately 825 offices throughout 61 countries and territories.
William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty Contact:
Mariette Woolfson
Real Estate Agent
860.883.3667
