A prehistoric home in Litchfield has been given a makeover by its new owners, without completely stripping off its original features. This residence was built by Oliver Wolcott, one of Connecticut's past governors, in 1753. Governor Wolcott was also known as one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Behind the renovation are interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud and husband Bruce Schnitzer, a financier, who bought the 20-hectare property in 1978 for $116,000. Since then, both have undertaken what seems to be a never-ending endeavour.
Although known globally for working on some luxurious hotels such as New York's Waldorf-Astoria, the Pierre Hotel, and London's Dorchester, among others, Champalimaud decided to observe simplicity and authenticity in her own home.
The same exterior clapboards, hardware, and floorboards have been maintained through all these years. Schnitzer traced and used the original color and type of paint used on the walls. Bathtubs with claw feet were retained instead of using modern showers, which as Champalimaud claimed, "is part of the charm." The windows were likewise changed to replicate those originally found in the house.
Governor Wolcott, who was a frequent and extensive traveller, would bring home items from his trips. This, Champalimaud tried to match, by combining antique and up-to-date pieces that include rugs, bedspreads and fabrics, which she, herself, designed.
Silver and sconces from Italy and the designer's homeland, Portugal, can be found in the dining room. Candlesticks from England and an old American mirror also decorate the dining area.
Today, the house is considered a National Historic Landmark as it has hosted guests like George Washington. The couple had also decided to keep an oversized portrait of Governor Wolcott, along with framed letters and historic photos.
While Champalimaud has an obvious penchant for interiors, she never neglected the outdoors as she treasures beautiful childhood memories spent outside of their home in Lisbon. Moreover, the exterior of their present home has hosted many special family occasions, and this includes the couple's garden wedding twenty years ago.
Because of this, improvement has been extended in the surroundings, with weeds quince, apple trees and poison ivy all over. The lawn was also once sloped at an angle. They later on flattened the lawn and positioned various dining and sitting areas. A swimming pool with ceramic shards and a porcelain mosaic was also designed by Champalimaud.
When asked to estimate the cost of the restoration and its maintenance, Champalimaud commented that it was difficult to approximate. She considers what they have done as "a labor of love," and "an enormous expense that just needs to be done and forgotten about."
