New Milford CT Real Estate Happenings

108 Old Town Park Rd, New Milford, CT. A Candlewood Point Antique

My office has an antique colonial for sale, 108 Old Town Park Rd in New Milford, CT, just steps away from Gerard's Marina at Candlewood Point. I love antique homes, and this one inspired me to do research to find out who lived inside its walls over the years. The town says the house was built in 1787, but for some reason there is a date over the front door of 1782. Whichever is right, it is still old!

My quest sent me to the town clerk's office at the town hall, inside the vault. I pulled the current deed, then looked back farther and farther, I found myself fascinated with the leather bound volumes holding New Milford's past. I quickly moved from the computerized list to the "old fashioned" way. The index records were divided into large volumes spanning back to the 1600's, carefully hand written records that to me were captivating my imagination.  I did peek into the volumes that hold the oldest records for New Milford, CT. The writing was very hard to decipher and faded (it was copies of the originals). A few times I saw reference to the King of England, saw the familiar names we know as the founding families of New Milford, CT. I felt as if I was being pulled back in time through the words, the names on the pages in front of me.

Somewhere around the early 1800's I lost the ability to track the owners for certain. I am sure with more time and expertise, or a visit to the New Milford Historical Society I could glean more information, perhaps I will do that. The house has captured my imagination and my love of history. But for now I will have to give you what I found to be true, and what I believe to be true. (Please note, I have picked out only certain people to whom the house belonged to over the years to talk about)

The current owners purchased the house in 1956, they always referred to the house as the "Barlow Homestead" as they knew the house had once been owned by the Barlow's. A few phone calls led me to Mr. Charles Barlow, an elderly gentleman who owns and lives in the last house on our Village Green that is still a residence! He was happy to impart what he remembered, it was his parents that owned the house, he had lived there for a time as a child.  Mr. Barlow told me about his parents building 2 cottages on the property (one is now the apartment/cottage) for relatives to live in. The second building is no longer part of this piece of property. (I promised Mr. Barlow to show him the photos I took of the house, it has been years since he was there.)

His parents had bought the house in the 20's. They in turn sold it to a Mr. Roth, who was heavily involved in the development of the homes around Candlewood Lake, particularly Candlewood Point. (I won't tell you how he and his family felt about that!) Mr. Barlow was surprised to hear that the current owners family had referred to the house as the Barlow Homestead, he said he knew it only as the "Knowles Farm".

In tracing back farther, the Knowles family owned much of what we know in Candlewood Point, probably over to Lanesville Rd and possibly what is now under Candlewood Lake. They seemed to have purchased the land from Issac Northrup in 1860. This is the same Northrup family that shows up in the earliest history of New Milford. It became impossible for me to track farther without more expertise. It was in hand written deeds which referenced only "Lanesville", no way for me to understand exactly where the location was, and the property was much larger at that point.

2 more interesting things to note, well known artist Eric Sloane lived in the house for a bit in the early 50's. It appears his wife (one of them) purchased the house in her name. Also, the story is that the house was used as a time to house a minister, that is the explanation for the fountain in the living room wall. The fountain no longer works, I suppose someone could make it work again if they so desired.

Set up high with sweeping views south over what was once known as "Lanesville", this 4 bedroom antique home is waiting for the next generation to put their mark on it, to live well within and add their own history to the rich history already deeply etched in the walls. And I will venture a guess that a renovation will reveal more of the history of the families who have called this house "home".

The large living room has a wonderful old fireplace and many windows to allow plenty of light in. Just off the living room is a generous sized dining room. I think this is really the original section of the home. A good home inspector would probably be able to get the house to give up some of its secrets!  There are still many of the old architectural features left including wide board floors, moldings, old doors and hardware.

On one side of the home is a very unique patio, someone took some headstones from the valley prior to the creation of Candlewood Lake and used them for the patio stones! I am sure that is a very good conversation starter while relaxing outside and enjoying the views!

The flower garden in the back is nestled between the remnants of an old barn, the stone foundation makes a stunning backdrop for the mature plantings. The vegetable garden is still where it was so many years ago. (I saw both gardens referenced on the survey map from 1930)

There is cottage on the property which is currently rented. It can be kept as a rental or used as a guest cottage or whatever captures your imagination. One of the old barns still remains and would make a wonderful workshop or studio.

The house has deeded beach rights to the private beach at Candlewood Point.

The house is currently offered for sale at $459,900 by Prudential Adams & Assocates, REALTORS.  If you would like more information please feel free to contact me. I do hope this antique home in New Milford, CT has captured your imagination as it has mine.

108 Old Town Park Rd, New Milford, CT. A Candlewood Point Antique.

Candlewood Point, New Milford Connecticut is one of many private lake communities around Candlewood Lake in New Milford, CT. Homes range in size from condo sized starter homes to stunning lakeside homes. Some of the direct waterfront homes have their own docks, otherwise you do have the option of docking your boat at Gerard's Waters Edge Marina, which is just at the Sherry Lane Entrance to Candlewood Point.

Candlewood Lake is the largest man made body of water in Connecticut. With 86 miles of magnificent shoreline and a water surface area of over 5,000 acres, the lake spans the towns of New Milford, New Fairfield, Sherman, Brookfield and the city of Danbury.  It is a much desired location for lake lovers from all walks of life, from the first time home buyer to the luxury second home purchaser. So many activities from boating, water skiing, swimming, sun bathing, fishing, scuba diving, hiking, camping, to just drinking in the spectacular views. Candlewood Point has homes of all sizes and price ranges, some with direct waterfront, some with killer views, others with no views but with all the privileges that Candlewood Point membership has to offer.

In the mid to late 1920's dams were built and the lake started to fill. By 1928 the water level was up to 429 feet. An interesting read is the history of Candlewood Lake by the Candlewood Lake Authority.  The rich valley was flooded, farms were abandoned or sold to Connecticut Light and Power, there are still many artifacts under water making for a great scuba dive!

Dykes Point Recreational Park in New Milford, CT is located just at the entrance of Candlewood Point and a popular scuba diving destination. There are also picnic tables and walking trails in Dykes Point Recreational Park.  For more information on diving Candlewood Lake click here.

Care to fish? Candlewood Lake is a premiere fishing destination, the lake is full of trout, bass and more, many fishing tournaments are held on Candlewood Lake. For more information on boating on Candlewood Lake click here for the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection.

Are you interested in living in Candlewood Point in New Milford, CT? The lake lifestyle calling you? How about calling me at 203.460.1775. I will be happy to discuss homes currently on the market in Candlewood Point. Or, you can email me at andrea@andreaswiedler.com.

Are you looking to buy a home or sell a home in the greater New Milford area? Please contact me or visit my website to find out more.

Homes for sale, greater New Milford CT, start your home search here!

Local area information, New Milford, Washington, Roxbury, Kent, Bridgewater, Sherman and Warren. Why you should be looking for a home here!

(Maps of Candlewood Lake Courtesy of Google Earth)

© 2009 Andrea Swiedler. Unless otherwise noted, the content, both written and in pictures, is the property of Andrea Swiedler. If you wish to use something you see here, please email me (andrea@andreswiedler.com) with your request. Most likely I will oblige, with a link back to my original content as well as an acknowledgment. Although imitation is the highest form of flattery, please let me know before you decide to bestow this form of flattery on me! Thank you.