The spectacular 100-acre Scoville Estate, a French Norman-style manor, is among the finest estates in Litchfield County. It was built in 1927. The architect, Joseph D. Leland of Boston, worked closely with owners Orlena and Herbert Scoville, whose family members have been prominent residents of Salisbury for more than 150 years. Not only is the house a triumph but the setting – 100 gorgeous acres with vistas stretching to Mount Greylock – is incomparable. One enters the estate from a quiet country road via a long, straight driveway lined with a maple allée. From the cobblestone courtyard, the vista extends straight through the house and to the mountains beyond.
The residence has been meticulously maintained to preserve the exquisite original details and fixtures, some of which were imported from Europe and have withstood the years as all classic beauty does. Bathrooms, kitchen and mechanical systems have been updated in keeping with the very high standards and taste that this residence deserves.
The expansive marble entry hall stretches from the front to back of the house. The curved main staircase is on one side of the entry hall. On the east side of the house is the imposing dining room with a fireplace and 18th century English paneling. The chef's kitchen and 3 pantries are well equipped with a Garland gas 4-burner range, a second gas 5-burner range, 2 dishwashers, a freezer and 2 refrigerators, 3 large sinks, a marble pastry counter top, and a plate-warming oven. In addition, a smaller dining room with ceramic sconces and a vaulted ceiling allows for casual or intimate dining. True to the era, the house boasts ladies' and men's rooms, 2 coat rooms, and a flower-arranging room.
To the west of the main entrance is the living room with a fireplace and natural wood ceiling. The hallway with English paneling leads to the sun room with stone floors and a fireplace surrounded by casement windows. The impressive library has English paneling and a fireplace. The game room, with fireplace, is paneled and has a vaulted, beamed ceiling. It has access to a small covered porch that overlooks the vegetable garden. The grand (100’ x 10’) terrace runs along the back of the house. It can be easily accessed from 4 rooms.
The second level can be reached by 4 staircases and an elevator, providing varied access and a sense of privacy in the living quarters. There are 12 bedrooms (6 with fireplaces) and 7 bathrooms. Two bedrooms are master suites with their own baths and walk-in closets; the West Master has its own Art Deco dressing room. The updated original staff bedrooms share a bath and serve as a built-in guest house.
The grounds have been beautifully maintained and feature gardens that date to the early 20th century. There are four formal garden areas on three levels. The heated pool, a relatively recent addition (2012), enjoys splendid distant views. The main lawn features a lily pool and fountain, and an uninterrupted northern view into Massachusetts. The lawn area is extensive and provides ample space for lawn sports or the addition of tennis courts. On the property are fields, woods, ponds, and walking trails. One leads to an old 1890 stone and brick water tower. Its 80-foot staircase winds up to wonderful circular aerie with an intricately beamed conical ceiling, open windows, and benches along the walls. The 360-degree views are stunning.
Other amenities include an artist's studio off the courtyard and a basement with a 2-car garage, laundry room, two wine cellars, utility rooms, and storage spaces.
In 1931, this property was featured in Town & Country Magazine praising the design, materials and authentic interpretation of this extremely attractive French style of architecture. The praise is well-deserved 85 years later.
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