The beautiful “picture-book paradise” home at 407 Nod Hill in Wilton, CT was originally the “Nod Hill Schoolhouse” founded in 1876. The current owners have completely updated and renovated the home, but have kept the history entwined.
When you first step inside you will notice historical photos in the vestibule by the powder room and an original 1876 chalkboard with a wooden pointer by the side entrance. In the sunroom you will find an original school desk from 1876 that has been restored and will remain as a fixture in the home. If you journey to the basement you will be amazed to see “Whale Rock,” which is very symbolic of the culture of the home. Children of the original school loved to play outdoors, especially on this giant rock. So when Ina Atwood, a retired school teacher from New York, purchased the school house in 1935 and built an addition to create the Nod Hill home, she kept the “Whale Rock”(probably because he enjoyed the historical significance of the schoolhouse, and for its symbolism of child play and merriment). It is still in the basement today, and is valued as a historical element to the structure of the home.
More structural features were kept from the original schoolhouse, like the two large windows and window seat in the living room. This was originally the entrance area of the school house, which housed coal for heating the classrooms. The floors in the living room are the original maple, and to keep consistency the current owners continued to use maple flooring in the library. The kitchen center island, family room mantle, and breakfast room breakfront cabinets are custom constructed from the original antique pine siding from other rooms in the schoolhouse. A favorite embellishment of the home is the backsplash in the butler’s pantry, which has a custom tile depicting “then” and “now” artist scenes of the schoolhouse.
History along with master craftsmanship enhances this home, but without these qualities it would still be admired as an impressive residence. Keeping in line with the historical structural design, it was completely modernized and updated to include the finest amenities 13 years ago. The garden, patios, pool are artfully landscaped and secluded among the 3 + acres of land. There is an attached 3-car garage, plus a private guest or in-law suite with similar fine craftsmanship to accommodate the entire family.
This home is one-of-a-kind and includes a central element of Wilton’s history. View more property details and the listing agents contact information here.
*Interesting Fact about the Home: The exterior Bell Tower is from Pennsylvania from another 1876 schoolhouse. The original one is housed at the Wilton Historical Society. The stone used to frame the exterior doors is antique cobblestone from the streets of Brooklyn from the same period.
