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Studwell and Higgins Group have the listing for the simple yet luxurious 6,500 square foot estate property. It is offered for sale for $3,085,000. Sited on 1.52 fenced and stonewalled acres, the 6-bedroom, 6.5 bath house also has a heated pool and heated 3-car garage in its "barn" addition.
The big white colonial home, known as the Jesup Wakeman house, dates to 1760, though it was rebuilt in 2005. Stripped to its original posts and beams during the high-profile, high-value restoration, many townspeople became alarmed that the house was being demolished.
But instead, visionary builder Jill O'Shea of Westport's Revive LLC and her 255-year-old colonial won the town's Historic District Commission Preservation Award in 2006.
“It’s an important part of Westport’s heritage,’’ Studwell said. “Single homes like this are not protected and it could have been torn down. The town was lucky that someone like Jill came along with a passion to save it. Westporters have driven by it for centuries. Imagine if it were gone! The current owners are the right caretakers and they proudly maintain it right down to the old glass bottles, pottery chards and rusty bayonet that were found in the yard.”
The home, also known as The Wakeman Vineyard, was originally a shingled box that sat atop 58 acres of farmland near Long Island Sound. Abraham Higgins built it in 1760, then the Wakemans bought it shortly afterward. The farm -- which was famous for its vineyard and onions -- remained in the Wakeman family until 1916. The home has had a variety of styles over the years including Victorian influences which are featured in a new modern way in the rebuilt home.
This home was set aflame during a British raid in 1777 when the English invaded Compo Beach. The repair is still visible.
From the exterior, the home has a vintage appearance. The interior, however, tells a different story. Wireless internet, audio system, 9-zone HVAC, new electrical and new mechanicals are the new "guts" of the house along with designer bathrooms and kitchen.
Gorgeous wide pine flooring, reclaimed barnwood and beams mesh easily with professional stainless steel appliances and honed granite in the kitchen. The sitting porch is also as useful today as it was then.
"In some ways it looks like the home is from the 18th century,’’ Studwell said. “Jill dismantled the barns on the site and used them as paneling. She reclaimed and reused all of the old wooden doors and knobs from the original house, with new hardware to help ease the transition from the past to the present."
Whoever purchases the property is getting more than a terrific home. They will also be getting a piece of history.
“The house inherently has a lot of character. You can see the axe marks on all of the beams from 1760. They also used Roman numerals to mark the beams so they knew where it all fit,’’ Studwell said. “You feel like you’re part of the past, but then you get to go jump in the pool or turn up the air conditioning.”
For complete details on the home, click here.
