Topsmead State Forest
I stumbled upon this gem of a property by accident several years ago while exploring the many interesting and winding back roads our state has to offer. I like to explore, so my husband loves it when I say, "Lets take this road and see where it goes"! I also love it when my work takes me through towns and areas I'm unfamiliar with. I've often found the most interesting places that I would never have known about otherwise!
Topsmead is a Connecticut State Forest property found in beautiful Litchfield County, CT. It was the summer home of Edith Morton Chase, her father Henry Sabin Chase was the first president of the Chase Brass and Copper Company of Waterbury, CT. Waterbury was nicknamed the "Brass City" during the early part of the twentieth century due to it being the leading center of manufacturing of brassware in the United States.
As with most affluent families, having a summer home out of the city was an important part of their lifestyle. Edith's father gave her sixteen acres atop Jefferson Hill in Litchfield where she then built a rustic cabin for her summer retreats. In 1923 she hired architect Richard Henry Dana, Jr to design the current English Tudor style cottage. Miss Chase wanted it to be part of the landscape and they took great care in planning both the house and gardens to complement the natural beauty surrounding the estate. Edith Morton Chase cared a great deal about the environment. She never married or had children so when she passed away in 1972 she left the entire estate to the people of CT. She wanted Topsmead to "be kept in a state of natural beauty" and set up an endowment to ensure that it would be maintained for all to enjoy.
When I first saw this, estate upon the hill, I was mesmerized, not only with the casual beauty of the house, but the setting on which it sits. I certainly see why it's said to be a "precious piece of a past era". You are definitely taken back in time to a simpler way of life, free of hectic schedules and noisy cities. I've been back many times over the past few years, in different seasons, to enjoy the many gardens, trails and house tour. Yes, you can even tour the house on certain weekend hours through October! The best part is there is no fee to park or enjoy the surroundings. It is a great place to take your dogs walking and the meadow gardens are perfect for birdwatching. I just want to notate this is not a picnic park with fire pits and tables, playgrounds or swimming. You can certainly pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the surroundings. Please enjoy the photos I've taken over the years here. I have so many it will be hard to choose which ones to use! I hope they inspire you to take a ride to the Litchfield Hills for a peek at this fabulous gem. But don't tell to many people…..it will be our secret!
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| Almost Sunset |
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| A glimpse of the house from the pond trail |
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| The cottage seams large from a distance, however once you arrive at the gardens, it seams to shrink and become part of the landscape! |
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| A simle wooden gate leads you into the sunken garden |
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Benches are strategically placed ouround the property for your viewing enjoyment!
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Come sit a spell and listen to the soothing sound of the trickling fountain
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In the spring, the Peonies are a fragrant and welcoming sight!
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Climbing Hydrangeas grow abundantly here.
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| The South facing garden has something different blooming all season long. |
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| The gardens as well as the grounds are kept meticulously groomed by friendly staff. |
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There is a fabulous view from every window inside the house!
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This one is the view from the dining room!
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The kitchen was very state of the art for those days.
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Butlers Pantry
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The furniture in the cottage is all original, they haven't touched a thing.
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Exquisite details and craftsmanship found everywhere!
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This is the main drive up to the front door where guests would arrive.
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And now for a walk down memory lane….
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One time when I was there late afternoon, I was able to watch the sunset along with a moonrise, what a treat!
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The wildlife viewing blind.
There are still some trails here I haven't explored yet…so maybe I'll see you on one of them!
Until next time…enjoy the journey!
Tina
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Tina your photos are beautiful! Shots from every season. I'm definitely inspired to go!
ReplyDeleteThanks Deb! Do go, I'm sure you will enjoy it! The house tour is only open until the end of October on the weekends, a definite must see!
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