“You can’t get too much winter in the winter.” ~ Robert Frost
I beg to differ with Mr. Frost. However, so far this winter we have been fortunate here in Connecticut. We have had a handful of bitterly cold days and a handful of snow storms, but nothing too harsh. Knock on wood! Compared to last year this winter has been a dream.
This spectacular colonial home is the Judah Woodruff House in Farmington, CT, c. 1760. According to Historic Buildings of Connecticut, Judah fought in the French and Indian wars and was a captain in the Revolutionary War. He was also a noted architect, designing First Church of Christ in Farmington as well as 21 other homes, including his residence.
Of particular interest on this home is the doorway, constructed in the Connecticut River Valley style. This particular style of doorway originated in Deerfield, MA. The style was developed by renowned joiner Samuel Partridge and soon become a popular vernacular style of the region.
In case you were wondering (I was), a joiner is someone who specializes in joinery, or the wooden components of a building such as doors, door frames, window frames and stairways.
Incidentally, the Connecticut River Valley encompasses a geographic area beyond Connecticut itself. The Connecticut River starts at the northern end of New Hampshire, travels through Vermont, Massachusetts and finally Connecticut and ultimately flows into Long Island Sound. It is the longest river in New England.
While all of this is interesting, my primary reason for sharing is because this home is just stunning covered in snow. The roof looks like it is dusted in powdered sugar, and the door just pops out in the sea of white.
What has winter been like in your neck of the woods? Do you agree or disagree with Mr. Frost?
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[x_author title=”About the Author”]
My name is Deb Cohen, and I am a lifelong resident of Connecticut, a lover of all things historic and New England, and a realtor who helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals and dreams. When I’m not working, I enjoy life with my husband, our two adult children, and our two rescue pups. Renovating and decorating our historic home, dating to 1800, is another favorite pastime.
So beautiful. I grew up in Boston, went to school in Providence and spent 18 years in Vermont, Now I am in Denver. I miss doors like this one!
Thanks so much Anna! I’m glad it reminded you of your years in New England.
Very beautiful. It looks so inviting.
Thank you!
Very beautiful.
I agree with Robert Frost, which is not uncommon for me, heh. I love the cold, prefer it. I’m not a warm-weather person.
This photo is amazing — you really captured something special here, and the writing suits it perfectly. “The roof looks like it is dusted in powdered sugar, and the door just pops out in the sea of white.”
Thanks so much for the compliment, Joey! Oh I’m so NOT a cold weather person. I live for summer and fall! But then again we are near the coast so maybe that has something to do with it?
Hi Deb…a warm hello from the sunny but currently cold Albemarle Sound. It snowed yesterday in Edenton, North Carolina and though hovering just at freezing the sun is melting the 2 inches we received. Having spent 25 years in Syracuse, New York (averaging 120 inches of snow per winter) I delight in the light occasional snow because I really did get too much winter in my winters for years! You’d probably love the doors here. Edenton was an early colonial capital of the state, sheltered on the Sound an hour inland from the Outer Banks. We are the home of well preserved houses, some over 250 years old and our historic district has large numbers of preserved and restored historic homes, churches and a very early courthouse, with a number of nearby Plantations, and dozens of Historic Markers! (Even Forbes calls us one of the prettiest small towns in the South…If you are looking for a great place to visit, come on down!) Good luck with your project! Joanne
Joanne, thanks so much for your comments! A warm hello is much needed right now on this 12 degree day we are having here in CT. I can only imagine how challenging Syracuse could be in the winter!! Your new home sounds gorgeous though. I will have to put Edenton on my “must see” list of places (which is very long…). I never tire of walking or driving through historic areas and visiting historic sites.
A great example of New England architecture Deb. I’m experiencing the same winter, and I lean a little more toward Mr. Frost’s view. This has been a pretty easy winter.
The joinery involved in building a door and the jamb and the molding that surrounds such a beautiful entrance is complicated and exacting work today, even with all the modern machines we have. Given that they were working with hand tools back then speaks to their skill level. I remain in awe of woodworkers from that time period.
That’s right – you would know about the carpentry piece! Really beautiful work that was done. This style door is probably one of my favorites of the older style homes.
This is a stunning home – it screams New England. 🙂 Our weather has been like a roller coaster. This morning it was .5 degrees F when I made coffee, and it is going down hill from there. Hope you’re warmer a little south of us. 🙂
Brrr! It’s chilly here but not that bad 🙂