ANNE PEOPLES, REALTOR

Description

There are houses, and then there are homes that hold entire worlds within their walls. Heartsease, a stately Victorian estate set on 5.25 acres, is one such place. For over a century and a half, it has stood as both sanctuary and stage - its history woven into the lives of those fortunate enough to call it home. The estate’s very name is a story in itself. “Heartsease” was chosen for the home after the delicate wildflower, a symbol of tranquility, joy, and belonging. Like its namesake, the property has always been a place where hearts feel at ease - a retreat where beauty and serenity shape daily life. Originally built in 1869, Heartsease embodies the grace and craftsmanship of its era: a symmetrical façade, a broad and welcoming front porch, and timeless architectural details. Through the years, each generation has left its touch while safeguarding its integrity. Step inside through the iconic red double doors and you’ll find a home that balances heritage with modern comfort, grandeur with intimacy. With four bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, and an elevator spanning three levels, the house offers both elegance and livability. High ceilings, period woodwork and expansive windows bathe the interiors in natural light. Fireplaces anchor the formal and informal living spaces. A sunlit chef’s kitchen with custom cherry cabinetry and professional-grade appliances centralize connection for elegant entertaining and quiet family evenings alike as it opens to the living room, formal dining room, great room with vaulted ceiling and deck beyond. Upstairs, serene bedrooms overlook gardens and woodlands, inviting a deep sense of retreat. Tucked throughout are quiet corners for reading, reflection, or conversation - each space telling its own story. Additional notable features include a richly appointed wood-paneled office with fireplace, offering an inspiring setting for study or work. The ground level enhances the home’s versatility with a stone-walled drawing room featuring a concealed, state-of-the-art retractable projector screen for theater-style viewing, along with a wine cellar, laundry, garden room with sink, and the original larder - all thoughtfully designed with built-in storage. A full bathroom on this level provides convenience, while doors open directly to the European-style breezeway with hanging swings. From here, enjoy a second access point to the fire-pit patio and hot tub gazebo, seamlessly blending indoor comfort with outdoor leisure. Beyond the main residence, the estate expands to include a detached studio and three-car garage, connected by 1,200 square feet of decks and breezeways. For artists, entrepreneurs, or multigenerational families, this is space with limitless possibility. The grounds of Heartsease are as captivating as the home itself. Specimen trees and gardens - some with plantings that echo the property’s earliest days - bloom in harmony along winding paths and beneath arched trellises, creating a sanctuary of beauty and calm. At the heart of it all, a graceful fountain lends a tranquil soundtrack, while a secluded pool, hot tub, and fire pit invite year-round enjoyment. Yet the landscape is not only for retreat, but also for celebration. With its spacious front porch, expansive lawn, brick patios, broad decks, and pool terrace, the property easily accommodates gatherings of every scale. Few estates combine such natural beauty with this level of versatility, making Heartsease equally suited to private reflection and unforgettable occasions. What truly sets this home apart is not simply its size or its features, but its soul. Here, history and artistry live side by side. It is a place that has welcomed generations - and now, it opens its doors to new stewards, ready to continue a legacy that is both timeless and deeply personal.

Features