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Buckingham-Horowitz Estate
Exclusively Presented by Madonna & Phillips Real Estate
Group, William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty
860.800.3344 | [email protected] | mpgreal.com
http://buckingham.relahq.com
ormer estate of internationally acclaimed classical pianist
Vladimir Horowitz, and Wanda Toscanini -- daughter of legendary
conductor, Arturo Toscanini. Offered for the first time in 40
years, “Buckingham Estate” is among the most unspoiled and storied
properties to hit Litchfield County. Delightfully sited at the
crest of Revolutionary Camp Second Hill, the sale includes a c.1760
fully restored main residence,
antique guest house, and 6-stall chestnut barn -- all set on a
7+/--acre level parcel comprised of a house lot and two (2)
approved building lots that abuts 200 acres of forever green land
trust property.
Character, charm, and romance define this stunning estate
compound, 80 miles from Manhattan, and minutes from the historic
towns of Washington, Roxbury and Bridgewater. The main 4-bedroom
residence encompasses 4,000+/- square feet (excluding finished
lower level), with seven rooms on the main floor and five above. A
charming entry foyer invites you to stay the moment you arrive,
opening to the expanded front living room -- a generous gathering
space that spans the entire width of the house -- featuring
original chestnut flooring, high ceilings with period-perfect crown
molding, and a wood-burning fireplace with Federal-style mantle.
The swanky dining room is ready for hosting formal dinner parties,
and boasts a second fireplace, as well as a grand-scale bay window
that affords an abundance of natural light and seamlessly captures
garden views. The country kitchen is adjacent. A large, open space
with exposed antique beams, floored with terra cotta tiles and
built around a center island; it features a cooking fireplace, and
opens to a bright windowed breakfast room. There’s a
F
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Buckingham-Horowitz Estate
Exclusively Presented by Madonna & Phillips Real Estate
Group, William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty
860.800.3344 | [email protected] | mpgreal.com
http://buckingham.relahq.com
laundry and powder room off the kitchen, and completing the main
floor is a sitting room with bay window, a fourth fireplace and
original beehive oven.
A sculptural, flying staircase climbs curvaceously upward and
ushers you to the delicious master suite with gas fireplace, bay
window, and sitting area. The master bath with treetop views is
fitted with travertine flooring, a walk-in shower, standalone tub,
and double vanity. Two guest bedrooms include one en suite, and one
sharing a third full bath. The fourth bedroom is currently set up
as a library with warm, rich wood paneling, built-ins, and gas
fireplace.
The lower level transports you to another place in time …
Finished with ceramic tile flooring, wood beam and stone walls, it
currently serves as a wine cellar, with coal stove, wet bar, and
built-in cabinetry. There is also a separate spa area, with small
gym, Jacuzzi, and steam shower.
The antique 1,100+/- guesthouse is ideally suited for guests’
extended stays, caretaker’s house or as an onsite rental income
opportunity. It offers a full eat-in kitchen, living room with
wood-burning fireplace, bedroom, two baths, greenhouse, and
attached 2-car tandem garage.
The Revolutionary War-era chestnut barn -- horse and carriage
barn -- now functions wonderfully as an enchanting event space,
with upper level loft and long meadow views.
Outdoor amenities are highlighted by a stone loggia with views
of the gardens, a heated inground pool with sunning patio, outdoor
kitchen, and an open flat lawn perfect for outdoor play. The
landscaped grounds -- beautified with extensive accent lighting --
create a beguiling backdrop for elegant and serene living. Original
stone walls, perennial gardens with mature plantings that include a
matching pair of 200-year-old "wedding maples", and an
award-winning American Elm.
A truly rare and exciting opportunity to own a piece of New
Milford history and one of the prime trophy estates in the area.
Musicians, celebrities, poets and artists have walked through these
doors and gathered in these very rooms, and now Buckingham Estate
can be yours to see, live and love. Only 80 minutes to NYC, minutes
to New Milford Town Green, and the quaint towns of Washington,
Roxbury, and Kent – each lined with galleries, antique shops, fine
dining and more.
Buckingham-Horowitz Estate History
Thomas Buckingham, born in 1672, resided in Milford, CT. Along
with 108 others, including his father or brother Samuel, known as
Proprietors, mostly from Milford, acquired a vast land area now
known as New Milford from the indigenous Indians then inhabiting
the area. As an original Proprietor, Thomas acquired a “Right” to
portion of the land acquired from the Indians. His son, Benjamin,
inherited his father’s “Right”, and sometime prior to 1760
-
Buckingham-Horowitz Estate
Exclusively Presented by Madonna & Phillips Real Estate
Group, William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty
860.800.3344 | [email protected] | mpgreal.com
http://buckingham.relahq.com
moved to Second Hill, where he built his home at the crest of
the hill. In June of 1762, Benjamin married Ann Botsford, daughter
of prominent New Milford citizen, Captain Nathan Botsford.
Benjamin became an extremely prosperous tobacco farmer,
prominent in local and Congregational church affairs. When Benjamin
died in May of 1819, the house and surrounding farmland, passed, as
was then the custom, to his eldest son, Benjamin W. He was also a
highly successful farmer on his father’s homestead, where he
resided until his death, August 31, 1862, aged 86.
Upon Benjamin W.’s death, the property passed to his oldest son,
Botsford W. Buckingham, who continued to be a prosperous farmer on
his father’s homestead.
While the original “Right” was approximately 60 acres, along the
years the Buckingham’s acquired adjoining parcels so that
eventually they owned eight (8) separate parcels containing
approximately 250 acres. During the Revolutionary war, General
Washington’s troops, on their march to Boston, camped on the
Buckingham spread, then known as Camp Second Hill. Several of the
Buckingham’s served in the Union Army during the Civil War.
The grave stones of Benjamin, his wife Ann, their children and
grandchildren and other relatives are located in various areas of
Center Cemetery in the center of town, most notable being the
impressive Buckingham obelisk, speaking to the vast wealth and
prestige of the Buckingham clan.
The homestead remained in the Buckingham family until 1915, when
it was sold intact to a wealthy industrialist from New Jersey.
Eventually it was acquired by Rowe B. Metcalf who owned the
renowned and expansive 2500 acre Judds’ Bridge Farm just down the
road in Washington and Roxbury. In 1960, Mr. Metcalf sold the house
and property to his farm manager, Howard G. Sleighter, who
continued to farm portions of the estate until the 1960’s when he
subdivided the property and began selling off parcels.
In September,1968, the internationally acclaimed concert pianist
Vladimir Horowitz and his wife, Wanda, daughter of the world renown
conductor, Arturo Toscanini, purchased the house together with 47
acres. The Horowitz’s later donated the back 24 acres to a land
trust.
The Horowitz’s sold the remaining land, house, barns and
outbuildings to the present owners in July, 1978, who have lived
there for the past forty (40) years.
About the Town of New Milford
New Milford, located in southern Litchfield County, is the
largest town by area in the state, consisting of approximately 64
square miles. It offers convenient commuting from its location just
a few miles north of I-84 and approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes
from Manhattan. The town provides many amenities and year-round
community events including summer concerts and art shows on its
expansive town green. Along Main Street, Bank Street and Railroad
Street, visitors will find charming boutiques, fine dining and a
movie theater. The town’s scenic rural setting is highlighted by
Candlewood Lake and the Housatonic River, which deliver plenty of
recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.