570 N Salem Rd, Ridgefield, CT 06877

The Josiah Keeler Homestead, circa 1765, Ridgefield, CT. Sited on 2 lush level acres w/ orchard trees, this historic home has been beautifully restored and updated with attention to period details. Many original features remain, including keeping room with walk-in fireplace and beehive oven, wide plank floorboards and exposed beams. Over $400k in recent renovations include a custom kitchen, master suite, second bdrm w/ full bath, c/a, new mechanicals, roofing, stone patios, fencing, paint. See addendum for full list, property history. Separate studio and 3 car barn w/ full loft. Family room opens to stone patio and beautifully landscaped, private yard, w/ plenty of space for pool or paddock. Unique opportunity-less than 60 minutes to NYC!

Built before the American Revolution, the house and its environs have figured prominently in the town of Ridgefield’s history. In 1765, Josiah Keeler came of age. At that time, his father, Isaac and his grandfather, Joseph deeded him a portion of their land, located half-way between their two homes. Sometime in the next five years, according to Ridgefield’s land records, a house, barn and orchard were documented. During the Battle of Ridgefield, troops marched past Josiah’s house after burning his father’s grist mill which held supplies for Patriot troops. Some say Redcoats camped on the outskirts of the property. Others say the soldiers borrowed eating utensils from the home. The property passed through many hands until 1799 when it was purchased by James Scott II, one of several Scotts in the area. Generations of Scotts grew up in the house until, in 1865, Hiram K. Scott sold it to Lewis Reed. In 1882 The Town of Ridgefield bought the house and forty acres of land for the Town Farm. Residents who had no one to look after them were housed here, under the care of a Superintendent and Matron. Life was not easy for the residents. Those who were able were expected to help with farm chores in return for room and board. The Town Farm operated until 1949, when the property was sold on the open market. Over $400,000 in Recent Improvements: 200 amp electrical upgrade Septic tank upgrade Well improvements (house line, electrical, head) Water softener Oil tanks replaced Central A/C (dual zones) Furnace system replaced Central alarm installed New Kitchen (location, Crown Point cabinets, Kitchen Aid appliances, Wolf cooktop, flamed granite counters, new windows, ceiling work, beams) Mud room & laundry Half bath update Family room (french doors, windows, antique flooring, etc.) Stairway opening Hall bath update Guest suite bath update Master suite (floor engineering, antique flooring, closet, bath) Generac 7500 watt generator & electrical hook-up to main house panel Third floor bedroom remodel (~ 400 sqft) Fence Stone walls (front & side) Stone patios & walkways New studio (~ 190 sqft track lighting, a/c wall unit) Wishing well Extensive landscaping & plantings New roof & gutters (house + garage) House, garage & studio painted