The Dr. Dudley Woodbridge Tavern, 1745 Colonial house in Groton, Connecticut – $599k

Overview
Nestled in the heart of Old Mystic Village, the Dr. Dudley Woodbridge Tavern is a rare piece of living history. Originally constructed in 1745, this gambrel-roofed Colonial stands on a 0.38-acre parcel at 1315 River Road in Groton, Connecticut. With 2,717 square feet of living space, the home offers three bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and an array of period details blended seamlessly with modern comforts. Listed at $599,900, the property epitomizes centuries-old craftsmanship while providing all the updates today’s homeowners expect.

A Storied Past

Early Beginnings (1745)
The Dr. Dudley Woodbridge Tavern began its life as a bustling stagecoach stop and meeting place for travelers along the Connecticut shoreline. Local lore holds that in 1753, Benjamin Franklin stopped here en route from Boston to Philadelphia. Later, Dr. Woodbridge—an alumnus of Harvard Medical School—converted the building into his personal residence and medical office, seeing patients in a quaint consultation room that still retains its original post-and-beam framework.
Role in American History
Whispered tales of the Underground Railroad suggest that the tavern served as a clandestine stop for freedom seekers. Inside, you can still find “witching marks” and “hexfoils” carved into beams and floorboards—symbols that 18th-century settlers believed would ward off evil spirits. A hidden musket cabinet built into one of the walls once held weapons to protect both doctor and patient during turbulent times.

Architectural Highlights

Gambrel Roof & Colonial Form
The distinctive gambrel roof, punctuated by dormer windows, not only maximizes the second-floor living area but also underscores the home’s Colonial-era lineage. From the outside, clapboard siding and an accurately restored façade present the quintessential 18th-century New England aesthetic.
Post-and-Beam Construction
Throughout the home, massive American chestnut beams remain exposed—testaments to the durability of pre-revolutionary craftsmanship. The large timbers, painstakingly sourced over two and a half centuries ago, form the skeletal framework, connecting floor to roof without interior load-bearing walls.
Original Details Preserved
- Musket Cabinet: A concealed niche once used to store firearms, now repurposed as a decorative alcove.
- “Witching Marks” & “Hexfoils”: Carvings found above many doorways and near stairwells, believed to provide spiritual protection.
- Wide-Plank Flooring: Hand-hewn oak floorboards, gently reclaimed and refinished, greet you in the entryway and main living areas.

Modern Upgrades (2021–2023)

While the home’s bones remain rooted in 1745, recent improvements ensure both efficiency and comfort:

Solar Array (2021)
A rooftop solar system drastically reduces electricity costs and lessens environmental impact.
Electrical & Heating Enhancements
- The main electrical panel was fully updated in 2021 to accommodate today’s energy demands.
- A cast-iron wood-burning insert was installed in the central masonry fireplace, offering efficient supplemental heat on crisp Connecticut evenings.
Window & Exterior Restoration
All original sashes were carefully reglazed, and any exterior wood siding showing signs of wear was meticulously repaired. In 2023, a fresh coat of paint—both inside and out—brought new vitality to the home’s historic shell.

Gourmet Kitchen Remodel (2023)
- Custom Countertops: Working in collaboration with Mystic Seaport Museum artisans, the kitchen’s countertops incorporate authentic roundels from the USS Nautilus. These circular wood medallions—once part of the submarine’s decking—imbue the kitchen with maritime heritage.
- Cabinetry & Appliances: Soft-close plywood cabinets painted in historically reminiscent hues pair beautifully with stainless-steel appliances. A deep farmhouse sink and an undermount mica-stone countertop complete the design, offering both durability and period-appropriate appeal.

Interior Highlights

Living & Dining
Enter through the wide central doorway into a spacious living room where exposed chestnut beams and wide-plank flooring draw the eye upward. Natural light floods the room from oversized windows—refurbished to conserve energy—offering serene views of the surrounding greenery. An adjacent formal dining room features embossed leather wallpaper, originally salvaged during an 1850s renovation, preserving an upscale Colonial vibe.
Bedrooms & Baths
- Primary Suite: Occupying one wing of the second floor, the primary bedroom boasts sloped ceilings under the gambrel roof, a built-in closet crafted from old-growth chestnut, and an en suite bathroom featuring a claw-foot tub, marble-topped vanity, and vintage-style fixtures.
- Guest Rooms: Two additional bedrooms, both adorned with wide-plank softwood floors and double-hung windows, share a full hallway bathroom appointed with a mosaic-tile shower and period-inspired basin.
- Third Full Bath: Conveniently located on the main level, serves guests and household members alike, outfitted with beadboard wainscoting and brass hardware.
Consultation Room / Home Office
Once Dr. Woodbridge’s medical office, this cozy 15’×12’ space off the main hallway is perfect for a modern home office. The original built-in desk and shelving units remain intact—ideal for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in history while working remotely.

Grounds & Location

Lot Features (0.38 Acres)
The deep, level lot provides a mix of manicured gardens and established shade trees. A stone patio off the kitchen doors is perfect for al fresco dining, while a fenced-in vegetable plot invites you to cultivate heirloom tomatoes and fresh herbs.
Proximity to Amenities
- Old Mystic Village: Right at your doorstep, you can stroll to boutique shops, local cafés, and waterfront restaurants along the Mystic River.
- Mystic Seaport Museum: Less than two miles away, this living history museum offers year-round events, boatbuilding demonstrations, and a planetarium.
- Local Schools & Recreation: The property falls within the prestigious Fitch High School district, and nearby hiking trails and boating marinas make outdoor adventure just minutes from home.

Why This Home Stands Out

Living in the Dr. Dudley Woodbridge Tavern is more than simply owning a house—it’s owning a piece of American heritage. Every beam, every carved symbol, and every weathered floorboard tells a story: of colonial travelers, a pioneering physician, and even the pursuit of freedom in the era of the Underground Railroad. Yet, the updated solar power, modern kitchen, and energy-efficient windows ensure that this 279-year-old gem serves today’s families with both comfort and sustainability.

Property Details at a Glance

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 3 Full
Interior Area: 2,717 sqft

Lot Size: 0.38 acre
Year Built: 1745
Architectural Style: Colonial (Gambrel Roof)

Construction: Post-and-beam framing in American chestnut; clapboard siding
Recent Updates: Solar panels (2021), electrical panel (2021), wood-burning insert (2021), window reglazing (2021), exterior/interior paint (2023), kitchen remodel (2023)
Historic Features: Musket cabinet, witching marks, hexfoils, embossed leather dining room wallpaper, reclaimed USS Nautilus roundels in kitchen counters

Price: $599,900

Photos & Additional Information

All images, floor plans, and further property information are provided by William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty. To schedule a private showing or to learn more:

Agent: Judith Caracausa, William Pitt Sotheby’s Int’l

Phone: (860) 912-9903
Email: jcaracausa@wpsir.com

Experience firsthand how the Dr. Dudley Woodbridge Tavern weaves together nearly three centuries of history with modern living. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of Colonial architecture, or simply searching for a unique family home in coastal Connecticut, this property offers an unparalleled lifestyle—where every day feels like turning a page in America’s story.