A sleepy Connecticut The town has discreetly surpassed New York's renowned Hamptons as the fashionable new hotspot for the East Coast elite.
The Litchfield Hills provide all the appeal without any of the pretentiousness typically linked to its more renowned counterpart, as stated in the description. Financial Times .
This charming area has been labeled the 'new Hampttons' due to its refined but down-to-earth way of life.
Following this subtler trend, you're more apt to see Subarus parked along the roads rather than luxury sports cars.
Situated in the northwestern part of Connecticut – merely 90 miles away from New York City The Litchfield Hills blend breathtaking natural scenery with a deep historical setting and a bustling art community.
The region’s unmistakable charm offers the same lavish yet relaxed ambiance that has made the Hamptons renowned, minus the excessive elitism.
Covering more than 1,000 square miles, Litchfield Hills features undulating terrain, peaceful lakes, and vast rural properties.
Winding through remote residences, long dirt roads often lead to properties belonging to notable figures like philanthropist Agnes Gund and fashion magnate Diane von Furstenberg.
It represents the perfect blend of two worlds," said Anthony Champalimaud, a hotelier and investor raised in the neighborhood, to the Financial Times. "It boasts historical significance and is alive with modern cultural vibrancy.
The Litchfield Hills have historically served as a retreat for seasoned New Yorkers seeking respite from the bustling speed of the city. Here, they can unwind while soaking in an atmosphere brimming with historical significance and creative vitality.
Champalimaud says that people 'aren’t drawn to this place for showmanship,' pointing to the area’s hospitable and straightforward ambiance.
Established in 1719, Litchfield stands as one of Connecticut’s earliest settlements, boasting a captivating downtown area that serves as a scenic centerpiece.
The historical area is focused on a lush green space, encircled by crimson brick structures from the colonial times and defined by four principal avenues—North, South, East, and West—which are adorned with majestic Victorian and Colonial Revival homes.
In contrast to the Hamptons' elite exclusiveness, Litchfield Hills provides a more laid-back atmosphere with amiable, unassuming residents who are truly hospitable.
For enthusiasts of outdoor activities, this area serves as an expansive playfield for hiking, kayaking, cycling, and merely relishing the historical charm of the town.
Best of all, visitors can experience everything without the crowds common in the Hamptons.
The New England community similarly provides an extensive look into American history, with its colonial-era buildings and connections to the Revolutionary War offering insights into the nation's formative years.
The Oliver Wolcott Library, honoring a signer of the Declaration of Independence, remains one of Connecticut’s most historic libraries and a testament to the region’s dedication to safeguarding its legacy.
Beyond its historical importance, the Litchfield Hills area boasts a diverse collection of contemporary architectural designs.
Notable designs by acclaimed architects such as Marcel Breuer and John Johansen grace several local educational institutions, highlighting the area’s harmonious fusion of historical and contemporary elements.
Recently, though, the Litchfield Hills have gained popularity as a getaway spot for prominent city dwellers along with their families.
In 2017, the Champalimaud family launched the lavish 37-room Troutbeck Inn located in the vicinity of Amenia, New York.
Nevertheless, their most recent venture — a lavish 10-suite boutique hotel centered around a historic 19th-century Victorian manor — has genuinely brought Litchfield into the spotlight.
For those who appreciate exquisite cuisine, the Litchfield Hills house an historic treasure in the form of the Lost Fox Inn, whose structures date as far back as 1745.
The hotel’s eatery, managed by the well-respected Hudson Valley chef CJ Barroso, provides a culinary journey rich with heritage and taste.
Eliza Clark and Tim Trojian, the proprietors of Lost Fox Inn, mentioned that they were attracted to Litchfield due to its charm, describing it as "the sophisticated sibling of the Catskills—older, more refined, and equally stunning."
Litchfield Hills isn’t merely a haven for history enthusiasts; it’s also alive with an energetic arts community.
For many years, the region's natural splendor has drawn artists, craftsmen, and composers.
In the past, this place was a favorite spot for extravagant gatherings hosted by renowned sculptor Alexander Calder, attracting frequent visitors such as Arthur Miller and Marilyn Monroe.
Currently, the innovative spirit endures via community art spaces, cultural events, and live shows, infusing a touch of creativity into the area’s serene ambiance.
The Litchfield Hills still remain an undiscovered treasure, with their allure untouched by the massive throngs typically attracted to better-known spots.
However, given its ideal blend of opulence, natural beauty, communal spirit, and heritage, it won’t be long before this area attracts significantly more notice.
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