- French Normandy residence -

Description | Video

Our client’s purchase of this four acre parcel was inspired by his dream of expanding the beloved gardens on his adjacent Georgian Estate and having his own organic farm. Inspired by Marie Antoinette’s Petit Hamlet on the grounds of Versailles, this residence is designed to reflect a French Norman Farmhouse, carefully nestled into the client’s thoughtfully designed landscape. A steeply pitched graduated slate roof, pierced with engaged timber dormers and walls of half-timbering, in-filled with randomly laid terra cotta brick tiles, gives the house its unique character. The corner tower serves as a focal point to the composition and is finished with a whimsical cat and mouse finial.

One enters the residence through a pair of heavy oak doors set in a carved stone entry which leads to the central Great Room. The Great Room is the focal point of almost all the spaces in the house and sets the stylistic tone for the rest of the interior. Soaring to two and one-half stories, the ceiling of the Great Room is composed of antique timber planks supported by a dramatic system of antique hand-finished timber trusses. The walk-in Carmague limestone fireplace sits counterpoint to a double height bay window that has views into the client’s extensive gardens. The room opens onto a true chef’s kitchen, appointed with generous amenities throughout. Stairways, carved from solid oak timbers, lead to the overlooking guest bedrooms above, and the garden receiving room, wine cellar, and root cellars below. The Master Bedroom suite, housed in the tower, enjoys commanding views across the property.

- PROJECT TEAM -

Davenport North | Charles J Stick | Home Construction

“Visitors to the home are sure to feel like royalty”

— CONNECTICUT COTTAGES AND GARDENS MAGAZINE

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“Hilton designed the most beautiful French farmhouse that features hand-hewn timbers framing inside and out… It was one of those sites that was hard to break away from.”

— THE CLASSICIST- TRAVELOGUE: GREAT HOUSES OF CONNECTICUT’S FAIRFIELD COUNTY

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“Very elegant, traditional bedroom with beautifully executed architectural details.”

— DESIGNER NATHAN TURNER – A-LIST JUROR

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“Masterfully built, this French Normandy Custom Home features a granite tower, which is the home to a stunning master bedroom with a spiral staircase that leads to an exquisite pyramid ceiling tower room.”

— CONNECTICUT BUILDER MAGAZINE

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“This is a tour de force, with exquisite craftsmanship, good proportions, and magnificent detailing.”

— AIA CT ALICE WASHBURN AWARD JUROR

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“I have had the privilege to work with Chuck Hilton and his extremely talented team of architects on multiple projects over the past five years. One of the projects has won an architectural award and Chuck took the time to travel with me to a limestone quarry in southern France and hand select the limestone with a focus on color and a variety of textures. Chuck's attention to detail is complimented by his integrity, work ethic and a total commitment to his clients, associates, and friends.”

— BOB CAPOFERRI, PRESIDENT  - MARBLE CRAFTERS, INC.

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“I have had the pleasure of working with Chuck Hilton and his team on a variety of projects; from a high-end home, to an accessory building, to an institutional project. Although the design aesthetic of each of their projects varies greatly, everyone at Charles Hilton Architects is instilled with the same common thread – a dedication to the success of their projects and an unwavering commitment to creativity and quality. CHA engages in a rigorous design process, which includes a thorough analysis of design options, a culture of collaboration with consultants and vendors to explore the best possible solutions, and a tremendous attention to detail to ensure all the trades are working in unison towards the same high goals. The result is stunning architecture at the best value for their clients!”

— HARRY RAYMOND, MANAGING DIRECTOR - BUILDER ARCHITECT DIVISION SOUTHEND RECLAIMED

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“I have tremendous respect for Chuck and his insightful creativity. His projects are always invigorating and fulfilling challenges. Collaborating with him over the recent years has been a pleasure not only because of his professionalism, but because his overall work ethic and creative eye are a true testament to his passion. I look forward to future projects with Charles Hilton Architects and what we can achieve.”

— GERRY FLYNN, M.G. FLYNN CONTRACTING

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“Our design firm, Davenport North, has worked with Chuck Hilton and Hilton Architects (formerly Hilton Vanderhorn) for over 20 years from everything from ground-up projects, to simple updates and major renovations. Chuck’s attention to detail is always impeccable. Whether designing a French Normandy-style chateau for entertaining or updating a brick Georgian for a young family, Chuck has the utmost knowledge of period architecture. Chuck’s work has won numerous awards and has been featured in the most prestigious design magazines. The client is never disappointed by Chuck’s keen aesthetic, and collaborative approach. His entire team is talented and delightful to work with. As interior designers, our partnership with Hilton Architects has always resulted in our very best work. I can’t think of a better architect or firm to recommend than Chuck Hilton and Hilton Architects. ”

— ISABELLE VANNECK – OWNER - DAVENPORT NORTH

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“Chuck and I have worked together for 25 years serving some of the most discerning clients in the world. Chuck Hilton and staff are consummate, classic architects at the forefront of design in Fairfield County and adjoining areas. There is no more thorough and accommodating company I know of and they have my highest recommendation.”

— STEPHEN GAMBLE – OWNER – HISTORIC FLOORS

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“I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Charles Hilton on numerous projects over the past 18 years. Throughout that time, the Firm's dedication to their client’s needs has been exceptional. Charles and his entire team are extremely dedicated and talented, and it shows in their beautiful designs as well as in the documents and plans they provide to me from which to build. Equally important is that they are excellent collaborators; highly available and open to design and construction input. Projects move along at an appropriate pace to ensure the utmost quality in the final product. I look forward to working together again soon.”

— ROBERT J. LEVINE OF HOME CONSTRUCTION