This charming,
nearly 3,500 square foot, Greek Revival colonial has it all.
Built in 1810 according to town records, by Benjamin Foote, a Wallingford
tanner, this property has been home over the years to many a prominent
personage. At the time of the Civil War it was owned by Elisha Whittelsey,
and, at the turn of the century, by Harry Dickerman, both prominent
businessmen, and town leaders, as well. In 1929, it was purchased by Evart
C. Stevens, president of International Silver. Mr. Stevens later sold it to
Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Fraknoi, who used the house both as their personal
residence and medical office.
The main part of the structure features a pediment gable end facing the
street, and a three-bayed two story façade with an open front porch. The ell
addition, which is a story and a half in height, also has a porch, which at
some point had been enclosed with windows. Although changes were made over
the years, the architectural integrity of the building has never been lost.
Since its most recent purchase in 2001, the new owners have done a truly
amazing job of restoring the house to its former glory, both in function and
in beauty, so that it once again can take its rightful place as one of the
loveliest residences in Wallingford.
A look from the street only begins to tell the story. The windows that
enclosed the side porch have been removed exposing the façade as it should
be. The exterior walls have been completely stripped of all of the old paint
right down to the original clapboard so that the wood is once again as
smooth as satin. The old asphalt roof has been replaced with one of
architectural shingles. The grounds (about half an acres worth, deep and
private), have been replanted, refurbished and redone, and a beautiful patio
has been added in the rear, surrounded by gardens.
The interior is amazing! To the right of the foyer a double “doorway” leads
to a spacious “parlor”, beyond which is a charming study filled with
built-in bookcases. To the rear of the first floor is a fabulous,
light-filled greatroom, as it would be called today, with a lovely old
fireplace. Going back towards the front and the foyer, is a large,
comfortable dining room, and just off that a brand new kitchen with dining
nook, and cabinetry and counter space galore.
Tucked into the back, so to speak, of the ell, is a delightful “apartment”.
Here is a very large day room, full kitchen, full bath and dressing room, as
well as laundry facilities. This in-law, or au pair, take your pick, can,
with slight modification, have its own entrance from the outside. Use this
space as it is or easily incorporate it back into the rest of the first
floor: it is accessible from both the kitchen as well as the greatroom, and
can once again become an integral part of the first level. Just off the
kitchen is a pretty powder room, and stairs that lead up to the second level
or down to the walkout basement which has a series of windows that look out
to the patio and backyard. Here there are two finished rooms…a
workshop/office as well as an additional room to be used for whatever suits
a homeowner’s needs. Laundry facilities can also be found here.
From the foyer a formal staircase leads to the second floor. Here are three
absolutely beautiful bedrooms, (the master with its own separate sitting
room and fireplace), and two full baths. There is great storage space on
this level as well.
At the end of one hall are stairs that lead to what can be a fully expanded
attic. In fact there exists already on this third level two small rooms,
each at one end of the space over the original structure, perhaps at one
time home to servants who lived in the house. Certainly a special place for
a child’s playroom or hideaway! You are limited only by your imagination!
Throughout, there are hardwood floors, typical of the period, and many of
the rooms have glorious coffered ceilings, heavy duty moldings and arched
doorways. Done in warm and vibrant colors, chosen with care and know-how
(the owner is an artist) each room is distinctive in its own right, but
taken in its entirety the “whole” is simply wonderful with an almost old
world, cosmopolitan feel. Everywhere one sees the care and know-how that
went into every bit of the restoring of this well loved home.
Perfect for family, for entertaining, for working from home, and for the
very best in an urban location, this property is a truly remarkable find.
The Facts: Improvements Since Purchase (2001)
New Roof in 2002.
Inground Oil Tank Removed; New Tank in Basement.
Exterior Clapboards Completely Stripped, Primed and Painted with Two Layers
of Topcoat.
Porch of Ell Re-Opened, Original Floor Exposed, and New Railing Installed.
New Landscaping and Foundation Plantings. Treed and Shrubs Sprayed Yearly.
Six Foot White Privacy Fencing Installed.
Rear Patio Built with Tumbled Cement Pavers and Retaining Walls (2004)
New Boiler in 2003.
All Oak Hardwood Floors Refinished.
All Wall Paper Removed, Plaster Walls Repaired and Fortified.
Woodwork, Doors and Windows Stripped and Repainted.
Expanded and Remodeled Kitchen with New Cabinets and Appliances in 2003-4.
In-law Suite Completed in 2008.
Property Description:
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County: New Haven |
Hardwood floors |
|
Style: Colonial |
2 fireplaces |
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Year Built: 1810 |
2 car garage |
|
4 bedrooms |
Parking: Detached, Auto Garage Door Opener |
|
3 full baths |
Heating: Above Ground, Oil, Baseboard, Steam |
|
1 half bath |
Central air conditioning |
|
13 total rooms |
Inclusions: Dishwasher, Disposal, Dryer, Oven/Range, Refrigerator,
Washer |
|
Approximately 3497 sq. ft. |
Exterior: Clapboard |
|
Master Bedroom Suite is 22X20, w/ Fireplace, Full Bath |
Energy Info: Full Screens, Full Storm Windows |
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Formal Living room is 22X20, w/ Fireplace and Great Room |
Approximately 0.47 acre(s) |
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Formal Dining room is 12X12 |
Utilities present: Public Sewer Connected, Public Water Connected |
|
Family room is 15X15, Features: Book Shelves |
Elementary School: Moses Y |
|
Eating Kitchen is 21X11, Remodeled |
Middle School: Dag |
|
Laundry room |
High School: Lyman Hall |
|
Full, Partially Finished Basement w/ Walk-Out |
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