18th Century Stone & Shingle Estate For $7.4 Million in Connecticut

102 Melius Road, Warren, CT 06754

Set atop one of the highest stretches of land in Litchfield County, Reverie Farm stands as one of the most extraordinary historic estates currently listed for sale in Connecticut real estate. With more than one hundred acres of pristine countryside, a 1799 stone-and-shingle house, and a collection of outbuildings steeped in artistic and architectural significance, the property feels less like a residence and more like an entire world. Rising over 1,200 feet in elevation, the land unfolds in rolling pastures, deep woods, stone walls, ancient trees, and winding drives, creating an atmosphere that feels untouched by time. Reverie Farm is a place where New England’s past is preserved with breathtaking clarity, yet where modern comforts and possibilities still flourish. It is a home that captures both the imagination and the heart.

Located on Melius Road in Warren, Connecticut, the estate comprises 101.07 acres across four separate tax parcels, making it one of the most private and expansive offerings in the region. The land alone would be worthy of admiration: multiple estate-quality building sites, sweeping views, and a sense of seclusion few properties in New England can match. But it is the 6,844-square-foot main house, built in 1799, that truly defines the spirit of Reverie Farm. It is a structure in which centuries of architectural influences blend seamlessly—Georgian-Federal details, Dutch Colonial elements, and subtle European sensibilities—coming together to create a home that feels both magical and deeply rooted in history. Every room offers a moment of discovery. Every stairway, every beam, every stone archway feels like part of a fairy tale.

Approaching the property, the experience feels like entering a preserved landscape from a bygone era. The long drive winds past fields and forests before revealing the main residence, a stone-and-shingle masterpiece that stands proudly yet softly against the natural backdrop. The building’s proportions, textures, and materials immediately convey its heritage. Thick stone walls reflect craftsmanship rarely replicated today, while its shingle cladding and dormered roofline add warmth and character. Even before stepping inside, the exterior announces that this is not merely a house for sale; it is a legacy, a fragment of early American history preserved in remarkable condition.

Inside, the home unfolds with a sense of intimacy that belies its nearly 7,000 square feet. This balance—grand yet cozy—is one of the qualities that makes Reverie Farm so distinct. Many historic estates are imposing; this one feels welcoming, lived-in, and alive with stories. The rooms are arranged with a sense of flow that reflects both original 18th-century design and thoughtful evolutions over time. Wide-plank floors worn smooth by generations, exposed beams darkened with age, and original fireplaces anchor the interior in authenticity. In some rooms, plaster walls meet hand-hewn timber. In others, delicate moldings reflect the Georgian and Federal influences of the era. Every surface feels touched by history but maintained with respect.

One of the most intriguing spaces within the estate is the historic pub, believed to be the oldest part of the house. Stepping into it feels like stepping into another century entirely. The room retains its rustic atmosphere, with massive stonework, original beams, and a hearth that looks ready to warm travelers from 1799 as easily as guests today. It is the type of space rarely found in modern real estate, offering a tactile sense of the past that cannot be replicated. Whether used as a bar, library, or conversation room, it stands as a testament to the home’s long life and enduring charm.

Beyond the pub are a series of gathering rooms that flow through the first floor—sitting rooms, studies, dining areas—all illuminated with natural light that filters through windows looking out to gardens, ancient trees, and rolling hills. The fireplaces serve as focal points throughout, each one original to the home, each one contributing to the warm, old-world atmosphere. Even the hallways feel enchanting. As you move from room to room, the architecture creates a sense of unfolding narrative, revealing new textures, new angles, and new details that deepen the experience of the home.

The kitchen and dining areas offer modern functionality within a historic shell, balancing updated conveniences with the character of the original structure. Buyers who appreciate historic houses for sale often seek this blend—spaces that feel authentic yet still work beautifully for contemporary life. Reverie Farm achieves that harmony with ease. Whether preparing a simple breakfast or hosting a larger gathering, the kitchen supports both intimate living and more expansive entertaining.

The home includes seven bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and two half bathrooms, offering abundant space for family, guests, or even a retreat-style lifestyle. The bedrooms are serene, character-filled spaces where original beams, wide-plank flooring, and pastoral views create restful environments. Many feature fireplaces, enhancing the cozy atmosphere that permeates the entire home. The bathrooms combine historic charm with updated practicality, maintaining the feel of an antique estate while accommodating modern expectations. For buyers seeking a home with both history and livability, this combination is rare and highly desirable.

Outside, the property expands into an extraordinary landscape that offers both beauty and potential. Mature gardens surround the home, filled with plantings that change across the seasons in real New England fashion—from spring blossoms to summer greenery, autumn color, and winter stillness. A Gunite pool sits privately among these gardens, offering a peaceful place to relax. The setting is quiet, protected, and perfectly in keeping with the romantic aesthetic of the estate. Nearby, a tennis court adds yet another layer of outdoor enjoyment, allowing the property to function not only as a residence but as a complete retreat.

The outbuildings of Reverie Farm are among its most captivating features. The guest house offers private accommodations for visitors or long-term stays, while the separate dance studio, complete with an apartment, provides flexible space for artistic pursuits, fitness, or additional living quarters. The studio’s presence reflects the estate’s long connection to the arts, which is further reinforced by the property’s most famous outbuilding: the antique barn once used as the studio of American Abstract Expressionist painter Cleve Gray.

Cleve Gray and his wife, the renowned journalist and novelist Francine du Plessix, lived at Reverie Farm during some of the most creatively productive years of Gray’s career. The barn, where he painted, is a structure filled with creative energy and untouched charm. Its soaring ceilings, natural light, and rustic architecture make it a remarkable space that could serve as an art studio, gallery, event space, or personal sanctuary. Few properties currently listed for sale in the region contain a building with such deep ties to American art history. For collectors, creators, or admirers of the arts, it offers an unparalleled opportunity.

Throughout the years, Reverie Farm has attracted notable neighbors and admirers, including Henry Kissinger, Philip Roth, and landscape painter Eric Sloane. The property sits within a region known for its privacy, natural beauty, and cultural richness. It is also conveniently located near Lake Waramaug, the Mayflower Inn, and the many distinguished private schools for which northwestern Connecticut has become known. For buyers seeking a tranquil retreat within easy reach of amenities, this location offers the ideal blend of serenity and accessibility.

As a real estate opportunity, the property is uniquely flexible. The four tax parcels, multiple building sites, and extensive acreage allow for a multitude of potential uses. Some buyers may wish to preserve the estate exactly as it is, appreciating it as a rare intact historic home on more than one hundred acres. Others may envision creating a compound, with additional residences or guest structures on the land. The possibilities extend to equestrian pursuits, farming, creative studios, or simply maintaining the property as a private sanctuary. Whatever the next chapter may be, the land and structures provide unmatched potential.

What distinguishes Reverie Farm from many other historic houses for sale is not just its age or its acreage, but the way it feels. The atmosphere is serene yet alive, peaceful yet full of possibility. It is a timeless home that has been lived in, loved, and preserved with remarkable care. Walking the grounds, there is a sense of connection—to the land, to the people who built it, and to the generations who shaped its story. It is this emotional resonance that makes the estate so powerful.

For anyone seeking a historic house in New England, the property offers a rare chance to step into a piece of living history—one that has been maintained with integrity and enriched by the creativity of those who have called it home. For buyers working with a realtor specializing in unique or historic properties, Reverie Farm stands out as one of the most exceptional opportunities currently on the market. At over seven million dollars, it represents not only a significant real estate offering but a once-in-a-lifetime acquisition of a landmark estate that transcends typical definitions of a home.

The sale of Reverie Farm, with its 101.07 acres, 1799 stone residence, and collection of historic and artistic outbuildings, is a chance to own an estate that blends natural beauty, historic significance, architectural artistry, and unparalleled privacy. It is a property into which one can disappear from the world and yet feel deeply connected to it. The land, buildings, and history come together to create a place where everyday life becomes something richer, quieter, and more meaningful.

This is not simply a house for sale; it is a place where the past and present coexist with ease. A place where nature surrounds every corner, where creativity breathes in the walls, and where history has been lovingly preserved. Reverie Farm is the kind of estate that delights, inspires, and endures—an offering that stands among the finest in Connecticut real estate, waiting for the next owner who will appreciate the depth of its story and the extraordinary opportunity it represents.

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