THE LANDMARK KEELER HOMESTEAD (C. 1738)

The Landmark Keeler Homestead (c. 1738) is a renovated and restored historic home, with exquisite gardens. A country compound – with a pool house, guest house, carriage house, barn, and potting shed. Steeped in nearly three centuries of history, the Keeler Homestead combines its rich legacy with modern amenities to create a family compound like no other. This timeless center-hall Colonial resides on almost 3 acres of pastoral beauty, offering the privacy of lush landscaping and a well set-back position from the street. One of the area’s highest elevations gives the property long-range vistas toward Long Island Sound and the preserved/protected meadowlands.

With 6 bedrooms and 5 full and 2 half baths, the 6,500 SF main residence is accompanied by a 5 bay carriage house, and a 2 bedroom guest house. There is also a magnificent swimming pool with pool house. Glorious gardens round out the bucolic enchantment. The desirable location near the town centers of both Wilton and Ridgefield adds to the appeal of the sophisticated country lifestyle.  With a long private drive, accessed from both Ridgefield Rd and the Keeler’s Ridge cul-de-sac, this estate was originally built by Samuel Keeler IV, from one of Wilton’s oldest families, and operated as a working farm until the 1970’s. Significantly expanded in the 1800’s and 1900’s, the residence has evolved over the centuries as a true architectural gem, featured in many publications, most recently as the cover subject of Wilton Magazine (Jul/Aug 2013). In the style of a stately country manor, the wonderful light-filled courtyard layout centers on a back bluestone terrace, and also opens to the tree-lined lawns and garden on all sides.

Combining the advantages of its generous overall scale, flexible floor-plan, and comfortably inviting rooms, this remarkable historic home adapts equally well to everyday living, family get-togethers, and social celebrations. Blending beautifully with the historic architecture, extensive renovations and restorations have been completed just recently.  Fluted columns mark the front portico, where guests are welcomed into the entrance hall set off by a classic staircase. In the oldest section of the house, the large living room opens through a Dutch-style door to the south lawns presided over by an ancient beech tree. The formal dining room is a light-flooded solarium-style space with room for large gatherings. Here, French doors open to the lawns in a perfect transition for indoor/outdoor dining or cocktails. Also off the living room is the bay-windowed music room. The library, which is lined with built-in bookcases and overlooks the meadowland preserve. Opening its doors to the courtyard, the family room has an enormous fireplace as its centerpiece. Adjoining the fully equipped kitchen, the sunlit informal dining room area is anchored by a brick fireplace wall rising to the beamed ceiling.

The master bedroom is accompanied by a sitting room/office in addition to three custom-fitted wardrobe rooms and two luxurious baths. Defined by handsome stone walls, classic split-rail fencing, stone pathways, and an arbor, the beautifully landscaped grounds showcase formal gardens, cutting gardens, flowering specimen trees, boxwood borders, thousands of spring-time daffodils and tulips, clematis, and dozens of rose bushes. Tall evergreens give privacy along the property boundaries. Situated in the heart of Connecticut’s Fairfield County, the town of Wilton maintains its rich New England heritage with country charm and sophistication, centered on a downtown district with cosmopolitan shops and restaurants. Wilton is served by an award-winning public school system and offers numerous country clubs and equestrian facilities. New York City is easily accessible by car or Metro-North commuter trains.