Natural Beauty in Westport, CT

Address: 31 Stonybrook Road, Westport, CT
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 6 full, 2 half
Square feet: 6,503
Price: $5,199,000

Nestled alongside Stony Brook, this bucolic Westport property provides sanctuary for owls, otters and humans alike. Surrounded by mature landscaping, the home, built in 1936, is characterized by unparalleled stonework and craftsmanship with modern updates for today’s discriminating buyer. The home underwent a major gut renovation in 2005 that made pains to match the original craftsmanship. “In fact, the exterior stonework is so impeccably integrated that I’d challenge anyone to figure out where the original ends and the addition begins,” says property owner and listing agent Kristi Law, of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty. In 2020, renowned Westport designer Yvonne Ferris of Yvonne Ferris Interiors led the most recent refresh, dramatically modernizing the overall look of the interiors while preserving and honoring original historic elements. Stone flooring, hand-milled beams, classic interior archways and French doors give the home warmth and charm. “The architectural nooks and crannies create a level of uniqueness and character that is simply not seen in new construction,” says Law.

Modern organic finishes blend with stately historic elements, from the light-filled living room to the vaulted family room featuring a wood-burning fireplace and reclaimed-wood trestles. A series of French doors lead to the stone patio and pool. “My absolute favorite space is the living room lounge area and dining room,” says Law. Through the floor-to-ceiling glass, the family often spots ducks and herons and sometimes an otter or two with direct views over Stony Brook. “It is an extraordinary spot to experience local wildlife and truly embodies the peaceful, elevated energy of the entire property,” she adds.

Natural oak wide-plank wood flooring and white oak custom cabinetry in the eat-in chef’s kitchen surround a large island with seating for six. Through arched French doors, a picnic style modern dining table and custom wet bar with marble backsplash provide additional dining options for entertaining.

“As both the owner and the listing agent, I’ve had the privilege of living this lifestyle firsthand with my family for the past six years,” says Law. “The house has a great natural flow that makes it easy to live in, whether we're having a quiet family day or hosting a crowd.”

Upstairs, a private office has a set of French doors leading to a Juliet balcony, and an sitting room for when you need to step away from your desk. The primary suite has another private balcony and spa bathroom with dual showers, dual vanities and a soaking tub. “We love starting our mornings with coffee by the windows looking out over the grounds, spending afternoons hanging out on the patio or poolside, and then winding down around a fire at night—indoors or outside,” adds Law. “It feels completely private and serene, like your own hidden retreat, but you're still just minutes from everything in town.”

Set in the Old Hill neighborhood of Westport, the property is minutes from the train station and downtown, but as nature lovers the current owners love the proximity to the brook. “Stony Brook meanders right through our grounds into Nash’s Pond, where we enjoy deeded access for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and ice skating,” notes Law. Just down the street, Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum and Earthplace, a 62-acre wildlife sanctuary, offer more opportunity to access trails and nature programming.

More often than not, the family doesn’t have to leave the grounds to get their fill. “Whenever guests arrive, they regularly comment that stepping into the fully fenced, private backyard feels like discovering a hidden oasis,” says Law. “With the quiet pond, fountain and resort-like pool framing the space, it truly feels miles away from everything while keeping you right in the heart of Westport.”