My husband and I rented Sheila & Bill’s stunning home in August when Manhattan is too hot and humid to be enjoyable. Their property is what country house dreams are made of! They greeted us when we arrived telling us everything we needed to know about the house and then some, giving us recommendations on where to eat, shop, swim, hike, etc. Being a decorator myself I was so excited to stay in a home that has been so painstakingly restored. The home is stunning and while historical homes can sometimes feel stuffy and as if you are staying in a museum, Sheila & Bill’s home is comfortable, relaxing, and yet so gracious. They have done an amazing job organizing the house so that you can always find what you need. I have also never stayed in a house that has everything you may need - but this home does! It just makes for such a relaxing visit. In the end, the house was so fantastic that we spent more time at in than exploring the neighboring towns, but we did enjoy a dinner at Community Table, getting produce at the local farm stand and picking up summer fruit pies at Bantam Bread Co. Of course we had to pick up some Arethusa ice cream to go with the pies! We had family coming in and out to stay with us during the week and everyone thought the property was fantastic for warm summer days. We spent time reading in the hammock under the pear tree, lazed about on the lawn and sat around the fire pit at night. We also loved using the deck for cocktail hour and grilling. The kitchen was excellent for cooking those large family dinners where everyone helps and the dining room is an ideal backdrop for any meal shared with loved ones. The home exudes a warmth that is rare and it gave us everything we were hoping for and more for our week in the country. We didn’t want to leave and we can’t wait to go back!

I spent Christmas 2021 at this luxurious, historically-significant and flawlessly decorated country house. It resides in one of the prettiest parts of Litchfield County, an elegant and charming retreat-like place. The home itself was immaculately updated, yet preserves all of its original magic. Sheila and Bill are the most thoughtful and generous hosts. It was a perfect place for the winter holidays -- we even got a picture-perfect coating of snow on Christmas Eve. I wish I could give more than 5 stars. Loved it.

We were so happy to have discovered this beautiful gem in the CT countryside! The home is lovely -- both inside and out. If fact, the listing photos do not really do it justice. This is a gorgeous old house, lovingly restored and decorated with obvious care and talent. It is also a very comfortable house. From the moment you enter the mud room (the most gorgeous mud room I've ever seen) till you sink into the sumptuous down-filled pillows on the family room sofa, you will feel totally pampered. The bathrooms and bedrooms include quality linens and towels, and the kitchen is well-equipped and spacious enough for several cooks. And the dining room... well, the dining room is simply breathtaking! Homeowner Sheila took the time to greet us on our arrival and show us the entire house, answering all of our questions and providing tips about where to eat out and what to see. My husband and I loved hiking down the surrounding country roads and at nearby Bee Brook, and exploring beautiful Litchfield. We visited White Flower Farms, The Glebe, and the Bellamy-Ferriday House. We wandered the shore of Lake Waramaug at dusk -- a beautiful sight indeed. And we may have over-indulged on the ice cream at Arethusa Farm and Dairy. :) If you love the comfort and beauty, antiques and the outdoors, gardens and historic architecture, this is definitely the place for you!

We were so happy to have discovered this beautiful gem in the CT countryside! The home is lovely -- both inside and out. If fact, the listing photos do not really do it justice. This is a gorgeous old house, lovingly restored and decorated with obvious care and talent. It is also a very comfortable house. From the moment you enter the mud room (the most gorgeous mud room I've ever seen) till you sink into the sumptuous down-filled pillows on the family room sofa, you will feel totally pampered. The bathrooms and bedrooms include quality linens and towels, and the kitchen is well-equipped and spacious enough for several cooks. And the dining room... well, the dining room is simply breathtaking! Homeowner Sheila took the time to greet us on our arrival and show us the entire house, answering all of our questions and providing tips about where to eat out and what to see. My husband and I loved hiking down the surrounding country roads and at nearby Bee Brook, and exploring beautiful Litchfield. We visited White Flower Farms, The Glebe, and the Bellamy-Ferriday House. We wandered the shore of Lake Waramaug at dusk -- a beautiful sight indeed. And we may have over-indulged on the ice cream at Arethusa Farm and Dairy. :) If you love the comfort and beauty, antiques and the outdoors, gardens and historic architecture, this is definitely the place for you!

Our group of five old friends (three from the West Coast of Canada and two from the UK) descended upon Forbes House and made this our base for relaxing and exploring Connecticut for a week after attending a wedding at nearby Washington. Despite staggered arrival times, our hostess Sheila was there to welcome all of us and thereafter was readily accessible by phone to answer any questions we had. Her beautiful character home was everything we had anticipated from reading about it on the VRBO website - and more. How difficult it is to describe the comfort and warmth of a home well-lived in through the ages that embraces its visitors. The clean spacious rooms, comfortable beds and linens, a well-stocked and equipped kitchen that begs to be the hub of group meal preparation amid laughter and conversation, thoughtful and pleasing decor with seating areas to spend quiet time, modern bathroom fixtures, and a barbeque equipment cupboard to excite and stimulate the outdoor eating senses - and we put the deck to good use in this way a great deal of the time. It was difficult to tear ourselves away from the house to carry out plans for visiting the nearby charming small towns and villages, exploring beautiful country lanes (the narrow and sometimes unpaved route from Kent through Bull Bridge to New Preston is a wonderful drive), and venturing further afield to Hartford and New Haven, both easily reachable within 90 minutes or so. We were unfortunately unable to secure a reservation for dinner at the highly rated Community Table restaurant, but delicious ice cream at nearby Bantam was easily obtained and oft repeated. A memorable week for all of us was made possible by Sheila's careful attention to detail in providing for her guests all the necessary comforts to create a welcoming and relaxing environment.

Our group of five old friends (three from the West Coast of Canada and two from the UK) descended upon Forbes House and made this our base for relaxing and exploring Connecticut for a week after attending a wedding at nearby Washington. Despite staggered arrival times, our hostess Sheila was there to welcome all of us and thereafter was readily accessible by phone to answer any questions we had. Her beautiful character home was everything we had anticipated from reading about it on the VRBO website - and more. How difficult it is to describe the comfort and warmth of a home well-lived in through the ages that embraces its visitors. The clean spacious rooms, comfortable beds and linens, a well-stocked and equipped kitchen that begs to be the hub of group meal preparation amid laughter and conversation, thoughtful and pleasing decor with seating areas to spend quiet time, modern bathroom fixtures, and a barbeque equipment cupboard to excite and stimulate the outdoor eating senses - and we put the deck to good use in this way a great deal of the time. It was difficult to tear ourselves away from the house to carry out plans for visiting the nearby charming small towns and villages, exploring beautiful country lanes (the narrow and sometimes unpaved route from Kent through Bull Bridge to New Preston is a wonderful drive), and venturing further afield to Hartford and New Haven, both easily reachable within 90 minutes or so. We were unfortunately unable to secure a reservation for dinner at the highly rated Community Table restaurant, but delicious ice cream at nearby Bantam was easily obtained and oft repeated. A memorable week for all of us was made possible by Sheila's careful attention to detail in providing for her guests all the necessary comforts to create a welcoming and relaxing environment.

I have rented this house for my clients the last two years, and they all love the place. The owners, who are incredibly hospitable and caring, have created a home that exudes a warm excellence. If you want an environment that is rich in antique and yet friendly and comfortable, you will not find a better place. Not only is it clean and well-maintained beyond expectation, it is impeccable. I assure you, you will not want to leave when your stay is over.

I have rented this house for my clients the last two years, and they all love the place. The owners, who are incredibly hospitable and caring, have created a home that exudes a warm excellence. If you want an environment that is rich in antique and yet friendly and comfortable, you will not find a better place. Not only is it clean and well-maintained beyond expectation, it is impeccable. I assure you, you will not want to leave when your stay is over.