A Magnificent 1895 Rossiter Home With 10 Fireplaces And A Wine Cave
Nestled in the wooded hills of Connecticut, the Rossiter Home stands as a gentle echo of 19th-century refinement. Designed in 1895 by Ehrick Rossiter, its historic charm hasn’t faded—it’s deepened. Ten fireplaces, no two alike, warm the rooms with quiet grandeur, while a secretive wine cave below offers a whisper of mystery.
Though rooted in the Victorian era, the house feels anything but museum-like. It’s lived-in, layered, and endlessly welcoming—proof that great design never really goes out of style, it just waits to be rediscovered.
1. The Exterior
Built in 1895, this stunning Victorian home was once a summer retreat during the Gilded Age. Now on the market for $6,250,000, it beautifully combines historical charm with modern amenities.
The 9,165-square-foot residence features ten fireplaces, a renovated kitchen, and a wine cave, offering a perfect mix of classic elegance and contemporary comfort.
Recent upgrades include new boilers, plumbing, and lighting. The estate also boasts a heated saltwater pool, as well as a large, separate 3-bay garage with a walk-up loft, adding both luxury and practicality to this remarkable property.
2. Entrance
This foyer greets you with a beautiful arched wooden door and a large curved window, allowing natural light to fill the space.
The classic patterned tiled floor adds a touch of vintage charm, while a marble-topped bench provides both practicality and elegance.
This entryway offers a seamless mix of old-world craftsmanship and modern comfort, setting a welcoming tone for the rest of the home.
3. Grand Entrance Hall With Original Woodwork
Walking through the massive oak doors feels like stepping back in time. The entrance hall showcases hand-carved banisters and ceiling beams that have survived 125 years of history without losing their luster.
Original brass fixtures catch the light from tall windows, creating a warm glow throughout the space. The parquet flooring, laid in an intricate pattern, still creaks pleasantly underfoot as it welcomes visitors just as it did in 1895.
4. Fireplace
This Victorian-era fireplace is a true highlight of the home, showcasing expertly restored details like the carved wood mantle and intricate tile work around the hearth.
The rich mahogany finish of the mantle blends seamlessly with the room’s earthy tones, giving the space a warm and inviting feel.
Located in one of the home’s formal rooms, it serves as a central feature, perfect for both lively gatherings and quiet moments. It’s a piece of craftsmanship that brings both elegance and comfort to the space.
5. Living Room
This spacious living room exudes classic Victorian charm with its high beamed ceilings and detailed woodwork around the fireplace.
Large windows fill the room with natural light, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Built-in bookcases offer both style and functionality, while the deep blue walls add a touch of elegance.
The luxurious furniture, including plush sofas and ornate armchairs, pairs beautifully with the rich hardwood floors, striking the perfect balance between sophistication and comfort.
6. Gourmet Kitchen
Though modernized for today’s chefs, the kitchen maintains its historical heart with the original copper range still in working condition.
Farm sinks carved from single blocks of soapstone flank either side of a butcher block island that has served countless family meals.
Copper pots hang from a ceiling rack installed during construction, their patina telling stories of feasts prepared over generations.
7. Formal Dining Room
This dining room blends elegance and comfort, offering a perfect space for both quiet meals and larger gatherings.
The hardwood floors and large windows flood the room with natural light, creating a bright, welcoming atmosphere. A classic chandelier adds a touch of sophistication, while the wooden dining table and chairs bring warmth to the space.
Built-in features and a charming fireplace enhance the room’s functionality, making it a versatile spot for intimate dinners or more lively occasions.
8. Master Bedroom With Marble Fireplace
If walls could talk, this master bedroom would tell tales of midnight conversations and morning light filtering through lace curtains.
The centered marble fireplace, imported from Italy, features delicate carvings of grape vines and cherubs that took artisans months to complete.
A reading nook tucked into the bay window offers views of the property’s ancient oak trees. The original bed remains anchored to the same spot where it was placed when the home was built.
9. Grand Staircase
Step inside and you’re immediately drawn to the stunning staircase that sets the tone for the rest of the home.
It’s wide and gently curved, with detailed spindles that show off the care put into every inch of the design. Rich wood paneling stretches from floor to ceiling, giving the entryway a warm, timeless feel.
Soft lighting highlights the beautiful parquet flooring and adds a cozy glow to the space. It’s more than just a way to get upstairs, it’s a striking feature that makes a lasting first impression.
10. Wine Cave With Arched Brick Ceilings
The cave maintains a perfect 55 degrees year-round without modern intervention, thanks to ingenious 19th-century engineering and natural spring water running beneath the floor.
Rough-grouted brick arches support the ceiling while custom racks hold over 1,500 bottles. Little niches carved into the walls once held candles for light, now fitted with subtle electric fixtures that mimic that same warm glow.
11. Gentleman’s Study
This study offers a peaceful and refined setting, perfect for reading or getting work done. Large bay windows fill the room with natural light, providing beautiful views of the surrounding greenery.
Antique bookshelves line the walls, and a classic wooden desk sits at the center, creating a cozy yet professional atmosphere.
The elegant rug and soft lighting add a touch of comfort, making it an ideal space for quiet reflection or focused productivity. It’s a room that feels both welcoming and practical.
12. Library Corner
This cozy library nook offers the perfect spot for a quiet moment, with a comfortable seating area by the window ideal for reading or relaxing.
Built-in shelves provide plenty of space for books, while a historic fireplace with intricate black ironwork adds character and charm. The warm yellow walls, complemented by rich wood accents, create an inviting atmosphere.
A classy rug ties everything together, giving the space a welcoming and timeless feel, making it a perfect retreat for a peaceful afternoon.
13. Great Room
This spacious room combines historic charm with a welcoming atmosphere, featuring coffered wood ceilings and intricate paneling.
The parquet floors add warmth, and soft lighting enhances the rich wood details. At the center of the room is a baby grand piano, drawing attention and creating a focal point.
Large windows fill the space with natural light, illuminating cozy seating areas that are perfect for both conversation and gatherings.
14. Garden Terrace
This stone terrace offers a peaceful outdoor escape, surrounded by neatly manicured shrubs, colorful flowers, and low-maintenance ground cover.
A set of wicker chairs arranged around a small table provides a cozy spot for enjoying coffee in the morning or tea in the afternoon.
The terrace blends seamlessly into the rolling lawn with stone walls and gentle steps, creating a private, intimate retreat.
15. Pool Area
The heated saltwater pool offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush lawns and mature trees, perfect for cooling off on warm days.
Lounge chairs are scattered across the lawn, providing a comfortable spot for sunbathing or enjoying the quiet scenery. In the distance, the home’s rear facade, with its cedar shingles and multiple chimneys, adds a stately touch to the view.
This private pool area perfectly captures the property’s blend of luxury and simplicity, creating an inviting space for relaxation and outdoor living.
16. The Modern Bathroom
Bathed in natural light and anchored by gleaming wood floors, this bathroom feels like a page from a Gilded Age novel rewritten with restraint. A clawfoot tub stands gracefully beneath twin windows, while polished marble wraps the shower and vanities in quiet luxury.
The chandelier overhead adds a soft, historic shimmer—an echo of old-world refinement tucked inside a thoroughly modern sanctuary.
17. The Heavenly View
Cradled by Connecticut woodland and crowned with shingled charm, the Rossiter Home’s exterior tells a quiet story of timeless architecture. Its gracious wraparound veranda curves like a bow around the stone foundation, offering sweeping views and shaded repose.
