It's a story you couldn't write a better script for.
Model, photographer extraordinaire, and soon-to-be (again) Bethel resident, Kristen Jensen, first discovered her future home 8 years ago when she lived across the street from it in Bethel CT. Many locals will recall "the red barn" (see photo) aka Kristen's favorite spot for a picturesque photoshoot. Her neighbors were happy to provide the perfect backdrop for an outdoor photo in New England.
In a few days, this home will belong to Kristen. That's right. She will be moving into this beautiful 1791 house- complete with charming red barn.
I had the honor of chatting with Kristen about how this fairy-tale-type event came to be and why the grass seemed greener on the other side of the street.
1. Tell me about how you first discovered the house
Answer: I first discovered this beautiful 1791 gem when I moved in right across the street from it 8 years ago. I looked out my window and there it was. Perched up on a little hill, looking proud with a HUGE red barn behind it. The barn dwarfed my little detached garage that I was converting into a photography studio. I recall meeting the owner of the home after I purchased my house and within seconds asking him "if you ever wants to sell it, let me know"....it sort of blurted out of nowhere! The red house reminded me of a house I owned in Ridgefield on Ivy Hill Road..kinda like a first love, you never get over!
2. Of all the house had to offer, what appealed to you most about it?
Answer: The house and barn have personality. Thats it. The minute I walked into it 8 years ago (the owners had an annual Christmas party) I felt it was alive. It has amazing energy, happy energy, creative energy. Growing up in Northern California we never experienced houses this old. I am a history buff and preserving a home like this while living in a high tech world is super cool.
Answer: The folks that have owned this home have allowed me to have photoshoots over the years on their property and to use the barn. I have had over 100 shoots here with Ridgefield residents such as; The Ducey Family, The Bouissou Family, The Behunick Family and headshots for Kevin Cox, LouAnn Daprato, Lonnie Shapiro and Megan Searfoss to name a few.
4. Describe the day of when you discovered this house could be all yours
Answer: Year after year, I've asked the owner if he had an interest in selling and he would always reply "no", telling me that he is too attached to the house to sell. One day about 2 months ago I was up in Bethel for a baseball tournament with my son and we drove by our old house. I looked across the street at the red one and thought, wow, I still love that house. That night I decided on a lark to email him and ask. He emailed me back within an hour and said YES. He said my timing was perfect and that he was just about to put the house on MLS the following day. He said that he had finally decided to let go of the house and would love nothing more than for me to own it because he knew that I would love it as much as he had. Timing is everything.