The Post and Beam as an Icon: Holidays in Connecticut

Whenever it nears the holidays, thoughts turn to fond memories of the season. “Over the river and through the woods” brings on a whole new meaning when the house at the end of the journey is a gorgeous salt-box post and beam barn home.

This salt-box style post and beam was specifically built to fit into the historic surroundings of Litchfield, Connecticut.

This particular home, built by a widowed woman in her 60’s was decided upon after her search for “an old house in rural Connecticut that had settled into the landscape” turned into “a lot of money to buy an old place and even more to fix it up”. This retired boarding school teacher knew what she wanted: “a warm look and feel and lots of light.” Upon seeing a friend’s post and beam home, the decision was made. Building new was going to be less expensive than buying old, and she would get the added bonus of a home designed to suit her specific requirements. She wanted an ‘old look’ inside and out, with a warm feeling throughout her house. The gorgeous posts and beams  of a quality timber frame would give her that look, and then some.

The large open kitchen with sky lights in the roof of the salt-box roof, provides the homeowner with abundant natural light.

The dining room is open to the kitchen to serve as a gathering place for family and friends.

The living room is the picture of warmth and coziness the homeowner wanted.

The upstairs has a master bedroom with bath, a guest room with bath, and several walk-in closets.

"This home is everything I ever dreamt of" the homeowner declares proudly.

I can easily imagine myself in this setting during the holidays, or any time of the year; can’t you?