Antique Cape Cod-Style residence boasts extensive renovations and sensitive reconditioning, while maintaining historic qualities and features
Chester, Conn. – March 7, 2016 – William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty announced today that the firm has listed the oldest standing home in Chester, Conn., built in 1672. Known as the Thomas Dunk Homestead, named after the property’s first owner, the Cape Cod-style residence has been thoughtfully restored and expanded over the years, making sure to maintain its historic character. The property is represented by Essex agent Tim Boyd, and offered at $595,000.
Located just steps away from Chester’s historic village center, this four-bedroom, three-bath home underwent a complete renovation in 1976 by former owner and retired historian Jean Simmons. The undertaking involved a total re-build using the structure’s original timbers, beams, floor boards and wall planks. Insulation was also installed throughout the home’s ceilings, walls and floors. The exterior was re-sided with clapboard and a new roof was added, while interior walls were plastered in the authentic, period style and the aging central fireplace was replaced. Not long after, a local attorney purchased the home, developing plans for a reproduction barn addition based on a 1700s design. The 1,100 square-foot expansion provided space for a two-car garage and an upstairs suite with a full bath, ideal for an office, in-law apartment, guest suite or rental. Utilities were also upgraded, and cedar shake shingles were added on the roof.
The residence is currently home to a French-born local artisan and former chef of the popular Simsbury, Conn. restaurant “Metro Bis,” named after the French metro station. Claude Martin, and his wife, Catrin, have continued the tradition of historically correct improvements and maintenance on the now 340 year-old structure, and have recently completed a kitchen renovation. The space was expanded to include a second rear kitchen area, adding granite counters, locally crafted shelving, pot racks and even subway doors and seating discovered from the early Parisian metros. Artisans at heart, the Martins additionally transformed the property’s previous barn addition into a studio, which houses the Thomas Dunk gallery. This space serves as Martin’s fine art restoration studio, where he conserves, cleans and restores oil paintings with classic tools and 21st century technology.
“This residence epitomizes what it truly means to preserve the historic value and character of a house,” said Boyd. “In addition to its outstanding renovations and additions, the Dunk Homestead is located just steps away from the village of Chester, founded some years after Thomas Dunk acquired his land. Home to a remarkably homogeneous community of artists, professionals, restaurateurs and enthusiastic residents, Chester gathers visitors from miles away, who come to enjoy the unique culture and shared appreciation that defines the town.”
Outside, the property is bordered by a gently flowing stream, as well as a private and peaceful rear patio that is surrounded by English-style gardens complete with perennials, flowering trees and landscape lighting.
For more information on the property, located at 16 North Main Street, please visit the firm’s 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:
Tim Boyd
Real Estate Agent
860.304.5524
[email protected]
