How would you like to enjoy easy living in an old-world setting without the usual upkeep of owning an antique? As an alternative to the overly lavish McMansion, the emergence of the new-old home forges a pathway for a new kind of luxury at home with a much classier appeal.
According to The Wall Street Journal, a new-old house is one that is reasonably sized with accurate, historical features on its exterior, yet catered to today’s contemporary lifestyle inside. More simply, architects who contribute to this growing trend study and transform images of historic homes into fresh, modern masterpieces.
Here are just a few homes that define the strong, distinct quality of a new-old home in our local neighborhoods. From exact replicas to common antique design, these residences recreate the past with great sophistication and honor, all while embracing the plentiful comforts and luxuries of today.
68 South Street—Litchfield, CT
You may have seen this home before. Located in Litchfield, CT, this 2004 Colonial constructed by William Poole is a mirror image of the historic tourist attraction known as the James Anderson House in Williamsburg, Virgina. The newly built home appropriately lies in Litchfield’s historic district, which has been named one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in all of New England. Despite its antique appearance, the 4,000 square-foot residence is completely modern, offering all the luxuries of today amid a charming, old-fashioned environment. The home’s interior boasts great detail in its architecture, which is crafted with fine materials. Visitors will notice the structure’s historic quality through various features, especially its distinct custom Colonial trim work and moldings. The past recognizes James Anderson as a well-known blacksmith, as well as a public armorer, a role in which he served the Virginia community for several years. The home, originally built in 1770, burned to the ground during a tragic fire that took place in 1842. The established residence, however, was re-constructed in 1934 by talented architects and knowledgeable historians who used the remaining foundation, insurance records and the memories of longtime Williamsburg residents to resurrect the striking historic home. William Poole, a custom design architect specializing in historic structures, then recreated the beautiful residence once again, maintaining the historic appeal and atmosphere that so many seek in Williamsburg right through the front door of this freshly built Connecticut home. It’s safe to say that the result was a perfect blend of old-world meets new.
Rendering of the James Anderson House (1770)
35 Barlow Lane—Rye, NY
It might seem like an antique, but you could actually be the first to live in this brand new home constructed in 2014. With a traditional Colonial style and quaint characteristics surrounded by all the modern comforts and conveniences of today, this home is simply irresistible. In its 3,884 square feet, visitors will find beautiful wood floors, intricate moldings, an amazing kitchen, a fireplace at the home’s center and more, all contributing to the unique quality of a new-old home lifestyle right here in Rye, N.Y.
New Canaan—CT
Even though it wasn’t just built, this stunning home constructed in 1992 offers contemporary luxuries with an early 20th century English Manor style. Inspired by the great British architect Edwin Lutyens, best known for his work involving the detailed and traditional design of numerous country houses, the residence appropriately boasts an architectural style popular in England during Lutyen’s era. The overall lifestyle offered here, however, exudes a modern world of comfort accented by rare features including a grand foyer, gorgeous mahogany wood and well proportioned rooms, which greatly reflect the exquisiteness of the past.
