Rock Gate, built in 1885 by renowned architect Ehrick Rossiter, stands as a testament to Gilded Age grandeur in Washington, CT, epitomizing status and timeless appeal. This Queen Anne shingle-style home seamlessly blends history with modern luxury, featuring elaborate woodwork, arched windows, turrets, and gabled roofs. Reimagined for 21st-century living, it offers bright, expansive rooms, including 5-6 bedrooms, 5 full baths, and a wine cave, plus ten fireplaces and a newly remodeled kitchen and primary suite. Recent upgrades, such as advanced heating, plumbing, and a heated gunite saltwater pool, ensure effortless, future-ready living. Nestled amid serene landscaping on an expansive private plot, this 5,595,000 USD residence is perfect for the successful, forward-thinking individual seeking heritage and innovation in one iconic address.
Front Exterior
An inviting and spacious front exterior combines traditional shingle-style architecture with modern touches, perfect for a family home. Weathered wood shingles and a grand stone chimney provide timeless curb appeal, while the symmetrical façade is balanced by multiple gables and dormer windows that let in ample natural light. The rounded entryway with its double glass doors is both elegant and welcoming, leading to a covered porch ideal for gatherings. Lush landscaping, manicured shrubs, and a curved gravel driveway create a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, and subtle architectural details add charm and character to this picturesque American home.
Elegant Entryway
A welcoming entryway featuring a striking Dutch door crafted from rich wood acts as the focal point. Large arched windows usher in abundant natural light and offer serene views of lush greenery, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. The space is accented by warm beige walls with crisp white trim, intricate crown molding, and a paneled wood ceiling that adds extra warmth and sophistication. A patterned tile floor brings a touch of vintage charm, while a marble-topped console table gives practical surface space for keys and bags. Bench seating provides convenience for families with children and guests.
Music Room and Parlor
Rich wood paneling and a coffered ceiling provide warmth and timeless character, complemented by parquet flooring and ornate rugs that unify the open-concept layout. The room features a grand piano beside the fireplace, perfect for music or family gatherings, with a cozy ottoman for extra seating. In the adjacent parlor area, a classic sofa and cane-back chairs surround a central coffee table, facing large windows that bathe the space in natural light. Neutral walls adorned with tasteful art and period light fixtures add elegance, while ample seating and open flow make it ideal for entertaining or relaxing with loved ones.
Living Room Details
A sunlit living room blends classic American charm with elegant design, featuring rich wood paneling that frames the walls and ceiling, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Tall windows offer serene garden views, enhancing the sense of space and light. The space is anchored by an ornate fireplace with detailed tilework, ideal for family gatherings or cozy evenings. Polished hardwood floors and an intricately patterned area rug add texture and color. Comfortable armchairs and a plush sofa ensure a family-friendly setting, while a glass coffee table adds a contemporary touch. Adjoining dining room access encourages easy flow for entertaining and daily life.
Living Room Bay Window
Bright and welcoming, this living room features a stunning bay window with built-in seating, perfect for curling up with a book or enjoying the view. The space is designed for family comfort with plush sofas, patterned armchairs, and oversized ottomans, fostering a cozy environment for both relaxation and conversation. Warm beige walls, intricate molding, and tasteful wainscoting add classic architectural charm, while deep blue and earth-toned textiles create a timeless palette. Thoughtful touches like table lamps, framed art, and area rugs provide a homey, inviting atmosphere ideal for family gatherings and everyday living.
Cozy Sitting Room
A charming sitting nook brightened by natural light through large windows and a dramatic arched window, perfect for family reading time or quiet relaxation. The inviting window seat, accented with plush cushions, creates a comfortable spot for lounging. Classic wood trim frames the windows and lines the room, complementing the intricate dark wood fireplace that serves as a striking focal point. Muted yellow walls pair harmoniously with rich wood details. A decorative area rug in red and blue tones adds warmth underfoot, while a small table with patterned chairs provides a cozy space for games, homework, or afternoon tea.
Kitchen Island and Cabinets
This spacious kitchen features an inviting island at its center, perfect for family gatherings or casual meals, surrounded by elegant gray cabinetry that provides ample storage for all your culinary needs. The stone countertops complement the cabinets and are accented beautifully by a striking copper range hood that acts as a focal point. Natural light floods in from broad, lattice-style windows, highlighting warm wood floors that add coziness to the space. Family-friendly features include plenty of countertop seating with woven barstools and a sizable farmhouse sink for easy cleanups, making this kitchen both functional and visually appealing.
Dining Room Details
Bathed in natural light from generous surrounding windows, this dining room offers a welcoming, airy ambiance perfect for family gatherings. The polished wood floors complement a spacious blue-geometric area rug, which anchors a sturdy rectangular dining table and elegant wooden chairs with soft upholstery. Light, neutral walls provide a fresh backdrop, while a classic chandelier adds a touch of sophistication above the table. The mix of woven seats near the breakfast bar and the decorative blue-patterned drapery provide extra texture and visual interest, creating a space that is both stylish and comfortable for children and adults alike.
Home Office Details
This elegant home office combines classic sophistication with functionality, featuring rich hardwood floors and ornate patterned wallpaper that adds warmth to the space. Large windows framed by beige curtains allow natural light to fill the room, creating an inviting atmosphere for work and study. Two stately wood cabinets display books and collectibles, complementing a vintage wooden desk positioned in the bay window area. The antique round table at the center offers a communal surface for family projects or reading. The oversized Persian-style rug anchors the room, while a tufted leather chair provides comfort, making this office perfect for both productivity and family use.
Primary Bedroom Retreat
A spacious, sunlit bedroom featuring a grand bay window draped in classic blue-and-white patterned curtains, inviting abundant natural light and offering a cozy seating nook. The walls are painted in a calming blue-gray tone, complemented by crisp white trim and elegant crown molding. A traditional wooden bed with plush white linens and accent pillows anchors the space, paired with matching nightstands and wall-mounted sconces for a soft ambiance. The ornate white fireplace with decorative detailing adds an old-world charm, while family-friendly touches like ample floor space and a reading corner ensure a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for all ages.
Walk-In Closet Design
Spacious and bright, this luxurious walk-in closet features custom built-in shelving and cabinetry in a soft wood finish, providing ample storage for shoes, folded clothes, and accessories. A central island with drawers offers additional organization while doubling as a surface for folding or laying out outfits. Natural light pours in from large windows dressed with elegant blue and white valances, highlighting the tranquil blue-painted walls and crisp white trim. Plush carpeting underfoot ensures comfort, while the chandelier adds a touch of sophistication. This family-friendly space helps keep belongings tidy, making morning routines calm and efficient for everyone.
Bathroom Vanity Area
Bright and inviting, this bathroom features a timeless design with creamy walls and charming white trim, creating a soft, welcoming atmosphere. The classic wood floor adds warmth beneath your feet, while the area rugs offer extra comfort for family use. Dual vanities provide ample counter space and storage, including open shelving for neatly folded towels, making it ideal for a busy household. A cozy soaking tub and a glass-enclosed shower offer relaxation options for all ages. The quaint window brings in natural light, casting a glow on the subtle details like the round mirrors and classic light fixtures.
Living Room Seating Area
Bright and inviting, this living room features a cozy seating area anchored by two plush armchairs and an ottoman, ideal for family gatherings or relaxed reading. The soft neutral palette is accented with muted red throw pillows and a matching window seat cushion, creating a harmonious and timeless atmosphere. A wall of lattice-pane windows fills the space with natural light, enhancing the airy feel. Classic crown molding, detailed woodwork, and warm hardwood floors add an elegant touch. A spacious built-in window seat offers the perfect nook for children or adults to lounge, fostering a family-friendly and welcoming environment.
Master Bathroom Retreat
A spa-like master bathroom filled with natural light features a stunning arched window as its focal point, casting a serene glow over the classic clawfoot soaking tub. Soft blue-gray walls pair beautifully with crisp white cabinetry and trim, while warm polished wood floors add richness and comfort underfoot. Spacious his-and-hers vanities on each side offer ample storage for towels and essentials, making this space practical for busy families. The glass-enclosed shower and thoughtful wall sconces add a touch of elegance, creating a relaxing environment perfect for unwinding or energizing at the start of the day.
Wine Cellar Details
A dedicated wine cellar offers a warm, inviting retreat with walls, ceiling, and custom shelving crafted from rich, dark wood. Natural light filters through narrow windows with wooden blinds, contributing to a cozy, intimate ambiance. The floor is adorned with a classic patterned Persian-style rug, adding texture and color to the space. Rows of wine bottles are neatly stored in individually designed racks, some with cross-section cubbies and others with horizontal shelves, maximizing organization. A few framed art pieces personalize the atmosphere. The thoughtful layout makes it ideal for secure wine storage, adult gatherings, and family celebrations alike.
Backyard Pool Retreat
A serene backyard oasis features a classic rectangular pool set amidst lush green grass and mature trees, offering both privacy and tranquility. Comfortable wooden lounge chairs with neutral-toned fabric provide a perfect spot for relaxation, while a rustic stone border and simple wooden fence create a charming, family-friendly setting. The expansive lawn invites children to play, while the landscaped greenery and garden archway lend a picturesque touch leading up to the stately American home. Earthy tones from the natural wood elements, complemented by the dappled sunlight and pops of greenery, evoke a warm and inviting atmosphere for gatherings and leisure.
Wraparound Porch Dining
A charming wraparound porch blends relaxation with functionality, offering a spacious area lined with natural wood shingles and soft gray flooring. The inviting outdoor dining table with wicker chairs provides ample room for family meals or entertaining guests. Light blue painted ceilings enhance the porch’s airy, welcoming vibe while lantern-style lighting adds classic Americana charm. Large windows overlook the porch, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor living spaces. Comfortable lounge seating in the corner encourages gathering and conversation. Surrounded by lush greenery, this porch provides a safe, family-friendly environment ideal for children to play and adults to unwind in a serene setting.
Garden Patio Retreat
A welcoming stone patio creates a seamless transition between this charming American home’s classic shingled façade and the beautifully landscaped garden. Surrounded by lush greenery and blooming flower beds, the patio offers a cozy seating area with comfortable wicker armchairs and a central table, perfect for family gatherings or afternoon relaxation. Architectural details such as diamond-patterned window panes and a rounded front porch enhance the home’s historic character. The natural color palette, with warm wood siding and soft gray stone, blends harmoniously with the vibrant plants, making this outdoor space ideal for both entertaining and tranquil family moments.
Backyard and Terrace
The backyard and terrace of this American home exemplify classic country elegance, framed by lush forest surroundings and expansive lawns perfect for family activities and outdoor play. A large, stone-edged terrace serves as the heart of the space, offering plenty of seating and room for entertaining guests or family meals al fresco. The home blends rustic wood shingles and charming architectural details like dormer windows and brick chimneys, giving it warmth and character. Manicured landscaping borders the house, while wide grassy areas allow for children to run freely. The serene, natural setting fosters both relaxation and connection to nature.
Listing Agent: Maria Taylor of Klemm Real Estate Inc via Zillow
