Five fabulous Ridgefield homes, plus the newly renovated Lounsbury House, are decorated in their holiday finest and received hundreds of visitors on this absolutely beautiful December day.
The Holiday House Tour is a biennial event to support capital projects for Tiger Hollow Stadium, a premier athletic facility that supports both school and community events.
We wanted to give you a peek into one of the homes featured on today's tour.
Enter: 120 Prospect Ridge (this home is currently on the market, click here to learn more).
As you pass through the gates of this 1928 grey-shingled colonial you can feel the tranquility of this peaceful sanctuary. The gravel driveway is a picturesque introduction to this tastefully landscaped property with formal English gardens throughout. On the way to the front door visitors are greeted with a bluestone walkway bordered with boxwoods and stonewalls.
The main house is entered through a gracious covered entrance with a custom-built doorframe and leaded glass windows. The welcoming large center hall offers a glimpse of the rear terrace through French doors. There is a hand-carved teak mirror from Bali over a family heirloom desk. An authentic Tibetan chest sits beneath the main stairway, adorned with festive holiday greens. Throughout the home you will notice countless Santas collected by the family.
LIVING ROOM: As you enter the living room to the right, the family Christmas tree shares yuletide cheer for all. This lovely room is often the setting for parties and game nights around the roar of a fire, but it also offers a quiet and contemplative space at the English Barrister’s desk. An antique long case clock from Derby holds court in the corner, and many family photos and memories find their home here.
DINING ROOM: The gracious formal dining room is set for the family’s annual Christmas Eve party. Many of the Santa Claus’ collected can be seen here in the custom cabinets, which along with the French doors, frame the children’s Christmas tree. Notice the lovely art deco crystal chandelier and the detail on the cabinetry and trim.
MUDROOM: Passing through the Mudroom, you will see more finely crafted woodwork with a built in bench leading to a private outdoor setting. There is a large tin sink set in granite and a Chinese Emperor’s vest rummaged by the homeowner from a farmer’s market in Beijing. Continue on through the arched doorway to the kitchen.
KITCHEN: This gourmet’s custom kitchen and sun-drenched porch with a 19th century leaded light window is the heart of the home with its extra large island and ample seating for the entire family. The white inset cabinets and exquisite trim at every turn continue the fine craftsmanship used throughout the home. Notice the coffered ceiling and window seats, another comfortable gathering spot where the family enjoys being together. French doors lead to the terrace and formal gardens that encompass remnants of the old stone barn from the days that this property was part of Fair Acres Farm.
GUEST COTTAGE: the tour continues outside to the family’s guest cottage. As you walk over, you will see a Victorian chimney salvaged from a construction site in East London.
The light-filled entranceway leading to the Garden Room is watched over by a Ming Warrior statue from Singapore and a hand-painted chest collected in Shanghai. Ascend the staircase and imagine spending the night in your own private oasis. Throughout the suite are more Asian and English antiquities collected while the family was living abroad, where they are headed again and reluctantly putting this lovely home up for sale.