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Sherwood Farm, Fairfield CT

There’s something special about a country farm – it invokes a spirit of tranquility. A simple life, fresh air, picnics on the lawn, harmony with nature.
Sherwood Farm, located in Fairfield, Connecticut, is one of those farms. Originally built in 1769, it’s been owned by only three families over the decades. At one point it was regularly used as a summer boarding house for New Yorkers who needed a break from the city. Today the home is a sophisticated modern farmhouse, rebuilt by the current owners room by room, with a loving nod to its past. The family uses it as a farm, producing honey and growing vegetables for local restaurants. This ‘farm-to-table’ experience is unique, keeps taxes low and provides a wonderful country lifestyle only minutes from town and train and an hour’s drive from New York City.

Significant attention to detail was used in the restoration and the owner’s added considerable new space. Beautiful wide-plank chestnut floors were brought back to life in the Tavern Room, Formal Dining and Library and the fireplaces in each of these rooms were rebuilt using the original mantels and hearths. Some of the original beams were kept and structurally secured. Older doors were brought back here and there, sanded down and reused to recreate an authenticity of what existed. The owners were dedicated to getting things right, rebuilding this house became a labor of love.
A ‘Great’ room was added, consisting of the Kitchen, Breakfast and Family room. Double French doors open to an expanse of yard with a view of a 250-year-old Maple tree, majestically standing the test of time. Around the corner, a lovely English garden sits off a front door long ago used as an entrance. On the other side the owners built a two-car garage with a large unfinished recreational room or potential bedroom above. Below they added a full bath with shower, laundry and mudroom with distressed antique brick flooring.

On the 2nd floor a Master Bedroom suite was added, which includes a large bedroom, bath, walk-in closets, balcony, upstairs stackable laundry and a delightful space above, currently being used as an office. This suite connects to the original part of the house which hosts three bedrooms, two full baths, plenty of linen closets and a size-able, charming 2nd floor landing with a combination of wide plank chestnut and rare white oak floors.

The Guest Cottage, also completely renovated, is next to the house. It has a covered stone porch looking out to a sweet courtyard framed by the house and the farm-to-table vegetable plot. The old English red barn sits off to the left. This is the perfect place for cozy outdoor gatherings and celebrations and in fact, the owners hosted a beautiful engagement party here for their daughter one year. Hardi board and Azek trim were used to keep future care to a minimum. Attached is a large one-car garage/storage space. Inside feels like you’ve come back to summer camp, with the large bedroom upstairs holding multiple beds and family room downstairs with original wide plank floors. A kitchenette and full bathroom are on the main floor as well.

The red barn with gambrel roof is dated around 1785 and is a clear example of a traditional English barn, the early type built in the area. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time once inside. The timber frame is comprised of hand-hewn chestnut timbers, constructed in the scribe rule method. This type of framing uses ‘marriage marks’ to correctly match and secure beams, meant to last a lifetime. The owners installed board and batten siding on top of the existing in order to better protect the barn from future damage. The two-stall paddock with tack room, chicken coop and garden shed all came from an Amish company that designs authentic-looking outbuildings.

The property consists of 16+ acres with beautiful, mature trees, open pasture and woodlands. Some wetlands, 1-2 horses ideal! Hunting is allowed during certain months of the year. A bridle trail runs alongside the southeastern portion. This is a nature-lover and birder paradise, an artists’ muse, a writers’ quiet inspiration…a place to love.

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