On the market: Comfort, privacy encompassed in country estate

Good things come to those who wait. The next owners of a Colonial farmhouse at 1170 Hulls Farm Road will have to travel up a half-mile-long driveway to get to the 6,449-square-foot residence. But it's worth that wait.

The country estate at the end of that driveway in the Southport area offers peace and privacy in a bucolic setting that includes a large, open meadow and woodlands. It feels like being in a rural place far away from civilization, and yet commercial outlets located about a mile away in the nearby eastern end of Westport -- a distance only twice the length of the property's driveway.

The property is also convenient to Southport Village, the Southport Railroad Station and Interstate 95.

Originally built in 1979 and completely rebuilt in 2002, this house retains the feel of an old farmhouse. It is an architectural achievement that effortlessly blends the charm of the original New England homesteads with the polish of today's new construction. Together, they create one of Fairfield County's finest estates, and one that enjoys significant tax benefits because of its size.

There are few properties in town that encompass more than 20 acres, but in this neighborhood, there are two. The level property has 20.97 acres and the next-door neighbor has 21.33 acres, which adds to the privacy. On the other side, the privacy veil is provided by Sasco Creek and protected land owned by the Aspetuck Land Trust.

That neighbor, years ago, was famed Broadway composer Richard Rogers, whose property is called Rock Meadow. This property is named Deer Meadow.

In addition to the tranquil views of a meadow, which is enclosed with split-rail fencing and could be a horse property, the estate contains numerous amenities. Because of its location, the house was constructed to maximize indoor and outdoor living in all seasons. There are several bluestone patios and terraces, all of which can be accessed from various rooms throughout the sprawling house.

One of the patios contains an outdoor kitchen with a built-in grill and provides easy access to the free-form, saltwater, in-ground swimming pool. The wing of the house closest to the pool has a full bath, gym and sauna.

According to the current owners the house is so comfortable and inviting that often during snowstorms friends cross-country ski to their house and spend the night. There is ample room for guests. The main house has six bedrooms and there is also a guest house.

Right from the front entrance, the house feels inviting. Visitors enter through an 1850 front door with decorative sidelights and transom. The floor in the foyer is English limestone.

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On the market: Comfort, privacy encompassed in country estate