Your guide to the heart of Litchfield County:
Discover local stories, hidden gems, and must-know events.

With more than four decades of experience, Craig Longhurst leads a full-service interior design practice specializing in residential projects in New York City and Litchfield County. Blending antique and vintage pieces with contemporary art and furnishings, he creates layered interiors enriched by local artisanship and global inspiration.

Who is your ideal client?
My ideal client is curious, open-minded, and eager to create a home that reflects their life and values. Whether it’s a young family settling into their first house, a couple downsizing to something more manageable, or a business owner reimagining a commercial space, I thrive on collaboration and trust.

How would you describe your design philosophy or aesthetic?
I believe interiors should be both beautiful and functional, evolving gracefully over time. My aesthetic blends classic structure with modern ease, always with an emphasis on proportion, comfort, and detail. I aim for spaces that feel as though they’ve always belonged to the people who live in them.

Can you share a recent project you’re especially proud of?
I’m particularly proud of my new office and gallery in Kent. It’s both a creative studio and a destination where clients and visitors can experience my design philosophy firsthand. Curated with furniture, art, and objects I’ve collected or commissioned, the gallery is a place for conversation and discovery, showing how design and decorative arts come together in real life.

How do you incorporate innovation, sustainability, or craftsmanship into your process?
Sustainability often begins with what already exists—restoring historic structures, refurbishing millwork, or reimagining heirlooms. I also explore eco-friendly products for furniture, finishes, and hardware that reduce environmental impact without sacrificing beauty or durability. Collaborating with local craftspeople who combine traditional methods with modern technology ensures every piece has integrity, longevity, and a story worth telling.

What’s the most rewarding part of your work?
The greatest reward comes when a client refers me to a friend or family member. A referral is the highest compliment—it means they value both the outcome of their project and the experience of working together.

What trends are you seeing in design right now, and how are you responding to them?
I avoid trend-driven design, which dates quickly and rarely feels authentic. Instead, I embrace the shift toward meaningful spaces: homes that use natural, sustainable materials, and incorporate antique, vintage, and handmade pieces, all while prioritizing well-being.

What advice would you give someone considering hiring an interior designer?
Choose a designer whose work resonates with you, but also someone you feel comfortable collaborating with. A strong relationship is the foundation of any successful project.

What’s next for your business?
I’m beginning construction on a full renovation of a 1920s Manhattan apartment, and expanding the reach of my Kent gallery as a space for design, art, and community.

Anything else you’d like readers to know?
That I love what I do—and I’m grateful to call Litchfield County home. My husband, Greg Ruggeri, and I moved here after leaving Sydney for New York 15 years ago. We’ve found both inspiration and community. 

27 N. Main St., Kent—craiganthonylonghurst.com

By Sarah Belzer

It was a warm New England summer in the 1970s when a 15-year-old girl, barely 4 feet 11 inches tall, found herself balanced on rough wooden planks 20 feet off the ground, brush in hand. The staging swayed as her brother Dan bounced beside her, making her laugh as she tried to paint a straight line. 

By the end of the day she was covered in paint and sun, exhilarated rather than exhausted. 

“It was fun, not work for me,” she recalls. That girl was Marge Parkhurst, and what began as an afternoon helping her father blossomed into a five-decade career that has transformed homes and landmark properties across Litchfield County. Today, her rebranded Cottage & Country Painting Company carries the same spirit of artisanship, community, and grit that first put “Painting by Marge” on local trucks so many years ago.

Marge’s training began at home. She grew up on a small farm in Woodbury, surrounded by horses, chickens, and the rhythms of country life. She remembers watching her father build houses, and her mother constantly reinvent their home. That summer when her father left Marge and her brother to paint one of his buildings defined the course of her life. By 17, she was running a small landscaping-and-painting venture with a neighbor, painting when the sun was out and gardening when it rained. At just 20, she bought her first house—an early milestone in a career built on tenacity and vision.

By the late 1970s, word had spread. Neighbors and friends called, and Marge soon had more work than one person could handle. She began hiring help. Many were mothers like herself, balancing family life and work. Her reputation grew almost entirely through word of mouth. Soon her clientele included celebrities of every stripe—from sports heroes to actors, musicians, and television personalities.

Marge will tell you trust is built by hard work. “There’s only one way to do a job, and that’s to do the job right.” That begins with sanding, priming, puttying, and caulking—what she calls “the work behind the work,” a discipline most people don’t see but one she says can nearly double the life of a finish. 

Whether restoring the peeling clapboards of an 1800s farmhouse or applying gold leaf behind the altar of a church, Marge brings what she describes as museum-level attention to detail to every project—and her clients have come to expect nothing less.

“Prep work is a lost art, because of the time, skill, and expense it demands. But for me, that’s what it’s all about—the smile on a client’s face when they see their house come back to life.”

After 50 years, Marge reimagined her business as Cottage & Country Painting Company. The new name, she says, “fits my clientele, and speaks to the rustic charm of cottages and the refinement of country estates.” Each summer, she mentors a new generation of painters, teaching them to take pride in their work. “They drive around just to look at the houses they’ve worked on. That’s real pride.”

Today, Marge lives on a country estate in Colebrook, where she still delights in rural life—and where she sees herself as a neighbor first, not just a business owner. “I’m really lucky to be able to drive through the country to go to work every day,” she says. “Sometimes I take the back roads just to enjoy the beauty.”

For Marge, every wall tells a story, every finish carries a piece of her history. With Cottage & Country Painting Company, she has given Litchfield County more than a coat of fresh paint—she has left a legacy of resilience, beauty, and trust. —cottageandcountrypaintingcompany.com

By Clinton Kelly

I didn’t expect to have much in common with Julie Dobson, professionally speaking. She’s lovely and all, but she builds pools for a living, and I build wardrobes. One requires digging a giant hole in the ground; the other, countless hours spent in a fluorescent-lit dressing room with clients in their underwear. 

But as it turns out, Julie and her business partner and brother are in the same line of work: We help people realize a vision they can’t necessarily articulate. And sometimes we have to talk good people out of really bad ideas.

“The choices people make for their pool and surrounds are such an expression of personality,” Julie told me. “Not just style, but generation, cultural background and values.” In other words, your pool is a lot like your wardrobe, only larger and much, much wetter.

Julie and Brian spend their days steering people around obstacles, Brian literally (like actual boulders) and Julie emotionally ( like money). Like me, Julie tries to get inside her clients’ heads—what they love, what they need, what they can actually afford. “After I get to know someone,” she explains, “I start connecting the dots of what’s important to them. Then I show them how to value-optimize their wants if certain things need to be prioritized for budget.”

The same way I might suggest a client buy a Prada dress and accessorize (temporarily) with J.Crew shoes, Julie might suggest prioritizing the pool itself, and landscaping now and saving the outdoor kitchen for phase two. 

And we both know the landmines called trends. Because here’s the thing: A pool isn’t a one-summer fling. It’s a decades-long relationship. It’s one thing to regret buying striped cushions instead of solids, or planting peonies instead of hydrangeas. It’s another to regret tearing up your backyard to install a 50-foot-long, neon-lit kidney bean.The pool equivalent of a cold-shoulder top: cute for five minutes, 2016 in photos forever. Stick with a classic design, clean lines, and durable finishes, Julie recommends, and then have fun accessorizing with the chaises, umbrellas, and plantings.

Julie and Brian are particular about details—and I respect that. “We won’t showcase or photograph a poolscape that doesn’t meet very specific criteria,” Julie shared. I feel the same way about fashion. There are looks I simply will not endorse on national television. Jeggings. Crocs. I can go on.

What struck me most is how personal it all is. These two understand the emotional impact of having a vision realized. “I’m amazed looking at personal projects I’ve completed and realizing it’s a complete reflection and expression of who I am across many levels,” she says. “You get to a point in life when you know what works for you.”

And that’s the real parallel. If you can look in the mirror—or into the water—and think, Yeah, that’s me, you’ve nailed it. @dobsonpools

[Sponsored]

Woodbury has long been known as the “Antiques Capital of Connecticut,” a reputation built over decades by dealers who recognized the town’s history, charm, and ideal location for their trade. In the 1980s, the Woodbury Antiques Dealers Association (WADA) was founded to promote this thriving hub. Beyond highlighting individual shops, the group fostered camaraderie, referrals, and communication among members, creating a stronger collective presence that continues to draw collectors and casual browsers from across the region.

“In spite of a fluctuating market, high-end antiques have been very strong,” says longtime dealer Gary Sergeant. “Some record-setting prices on individual pieces have come from sales made by antiques dealers in Woodbury.” His words echo the enduring vitality of the trade here, where quality, provenance, and expertise remain central to the appeal.

Over the decades, the association has built a reputation for both community and collaboration. Today, it maintains a user-friendly website serving collectors, decorators, and anyone interested in antiques. Each year, WADA publishes a map highlighting participating dealers and their specialties. Past initiatives have included antiques fairs, appraisal days, lecture series, and open houses—all designed to engage the public while showcasing the breadth of Woodbury’s offerings.

One of the group’s proudest achievements was helping to establish the Connecticut Antiques Trail in 2009, highlighting premier antiques destinations across the state, with Woodbury as a cornerstone. Visitors can explore a remarkable range: Federal, Primitive, French, English, Mid-Century, Folk Art, oriental rugs, and even structural antiques. Current WADA members include Abrash Galleries, Pantry and Hearth, Wayne Mattox, Madeline West, Schwenke Group, David Schorsch, Kocian Depasqua, Clapp and Tuttle, Randall Gilding, G. Sergeant, and Villa Vintiques.

The antiques world is also shifting in exciting ways. Collectors are mixing styles—pairing Mid-Century Modern with traditional pieces—and bold colors are now in demand. Younger collectors are approaching antiques with fresh enthusiasm, ensuring the tradition continues into the next generation.

“As we approach the 250th celebration for the United States of America, renewed interest in our nation’s history has helped fuel the patriotic and early American market,” notes state Rep. Karen Reddington-Hughes. This trend reflects not only a national moment, but also the timeless appeal of antiques as a way to connect with heritage.

Antiques have always been “green.” Long before sustainability became a buzzword, dealers preserved, restored, and gave new life to furniture and decorative arts. Each piece tells a story, offering history, character, and craftsmanship that mass production rarely matches.

At the heart of it all is knowledge. WADA dealers provide not only curated inventories but also insight into provenance and design. While many maintain an online presence, nothing compares to visiting Woodbury in person—meeting dealers, hearing the stories behind the pieces, and often leaving not only with a treasure, but also a new friendship. That personal connection is the hallmark of Woodbury’s antiques community, keeping the town at the very center of Connecticut’s antiques tradition.

If you visit during the holidays, consider staying at Connecticut’s oldest inn, 1754 House, with its own restaurant and tavern.—Antiqueswoodbury.com

Since 1987, Litchfield County Pools has been shaping the landscapes and lifestyles of homeowners across the region. The second-generation family business has remained a sought-after firm for pool installation and service, known for its craftsmanship, attention to detail, and lasting client relationships.

At Litchfield County Pools, every project begins with the client. Devon Dobson, the company’s president, is hands-on throughout the design process, from determining the pool’s shape and size to planning spa jet layouts and interior lighting. “The pool should feel as if it has always belonged to the property,” he says. “It’s about creating a space that reflects the client’s lifestyle and vision.”

Serving residential properties, Litchfield County Pools creates custom solutions for both full-time homes and weekend retreats. The company’s family-oriented approach ensures attention to detail at every stage. “We treat each project with care, no matter the scale,” Devon explains. “Building a pool isn’t just construction—it’s craftsmanship.”

The company emphasizes quality and innovation. Salt-based sanitation systems and automatic built-in pool covers are increasingly standard, offering low-maintenance care, safety, and longer swim seasons. Materials are selected for durability and timeless appeal, from natural stone to interior finishes. “Innovation comes from doing things right, not cutting corners,” Devon says.

Beyond design and construction, Devon values the relationships built along the way. “Each property is unique, and working closely with clients to realize their vision is the most rewarding part of our work,” he shares. “We’re at an exciting point in our growth—large enough to take on exceptional projects, yet small enough to remain deeply hands-on and personal. Our focus now is on refining our processes and elevating every aspect of the client experience, from design through completion”

Current trends show a preference for pools that combine functionality with sleek, modern aesthetics. Litchfield County Pools continues to evolve, exploring new materials, technologies, and techniques that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and long-term performance. The company’s approach balances growth with hands-on involvement, ensuring that each pool remains a personalized retreat.

From planning to final installation, Litchfield County Pools brings expertise, artistry, and integrity to every backyard. Every pool is custom designed to harmonize with its surroundings, reflecting the homeowner’s vision while providing a serene, elegant outdoor space. Devon’s commitment to client-centered design ensures that each project is both a functional oasis and a lasting work of craftsmanship. —lcpools.com

When you step into Samantha Gale Designs, you immediately feel the spirit of Litchfield County—refined yet grounded, creative yet timeless. Samantha grew up on a mountaintop here, a country girl at heart whose path took her through Maryland and Boston before bringing her back home to Connecticut. With a Fine Arts background and a lifelong passion for design, she founded her namesake studio and shop 12 years ago. Since then, she has been creating interiors and collections that reflect both her artistry and her deep connection to the place she calls home.

For Samantha, design begins and ends with how people live in their spaces. “Your home is where you create your own world—a place that should bring joy, comfort, and inspiration every day,” she says. “Helping a house feel like a home is incredibly rewarding.” Her process always starts with visiting a client in their home. “Each consultation is personal and unique. That’s where inspiration flows, where I can see how someone moves through their day. No two projects are ever the same.”

Samantha’s approach is layered, nostalgic, and intentionally imperfect. “Homes have souls and energy. To me, the home itself is the real client, and I listen closely as I design.” She incorporates vintage finds, textured textiles, and colorful patterns, each element adding another chapter to the story. “Designing a home is like making a bed—each addition is another layer of warmth. A home should evolve with the people inside it, reflecting their lives and rhythms, not chasing trends.”

Her Vintage Farmhouse Home concept embodies this philosophy of past meeting present. She often repurposes existing furniture, custom-upholstering cherished family pieces so they can be used and loved again. “There’s nothing better than seeing someone sit in the same chair where memories were made—and watching it live again, ready to tell new stories.”

Beyond her design studio, Samantha runs a brick-and-mortar store that is central to her vision. “It’s more than a shop—it’s a living showcase of my designs,” she explains. Visitors are invited to experience the feeling of a layered, nostalgic home firsthand. The store is a blend of furnishings, accessories, and art, thoughtfully arranged to create warmth and intimacy. “People walk in and instantly connect. They see and feel what I love most: cozy, storied spaces full of character.” Many of those who find her shop become longtime clients and friends, drawn to her ability to translate that atmosphere into their own homes.

Samantha’s ideal client is not defined by budget but by appreciation for story and soul. She works on projects big and small, from single rooms to entire houses. “Everyone deserves beauty in their lives,” she says. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a full renovation or just refreshing one corner of a space—every project matters.”

Ultimately, Samantha sees her role as part guide, part storyteller. She creates spaces that are warm, layered, and personal—places that welcome you home. “When a space comes together, it can be a powerful path to happiness. That’s the privilege of this work: helping people live beautifully, surrounded by comfort and meaning.”

—samanthagaledesign.com

Samantha Gale Designs Vintage Farmhouse Home, 18 Commons Drive, Litchfield, CT

Blending artistry with a deep respect for nature, Sonia Bodie Designs approaches each project with an integrative eye—seamlessly uniting interior and exterior spaces into environments that feel both timeless and alive. Founded on the belief that well-being is enriched through connection to the natural world, the studio creates poetic spaces rooted in place, history, and culture. From interior architecture to landscape design, Sonia Bodie specializes in crafting holistic environments that honor beauty and meaning, bringing a deeper sense of relevance to the places we call home, and reflecting the people who inhabit them.

How does your holistic approach to design—blending interiors with landscapes—shape the way you create spaces for your clients?
Every project is an opportunity to create harmony between interior and exterior spaces. Rather than treating them separately, we weave them together to create harmonious living environments that nurture a deeper connection to the natural world. Designing in this holistic manner, while developing an understanding of who will be living, working, and playing in those spaces, is fundamental to our design process, and fosters connection and awareness, enriching the lives of those that live there.

How does the character of a site or place influence your design process?
Our work is inspired by place. Each site holds its own inherent beauty and story—we see our role as listening to that story, revealing its character, and shaping a narrative in harmony with those who inhabit it. By honoring a site’s intrinsic nature, we create spaces that feel authentic and deeply connected to their surroundings.

What core values guide your design philosophy and the way you work with clients?
We see design as a true collaboration—a creative dialogue that invites openness and exploration. This approach leads to spaces that are meaningful, personal, and environmentally sensitive. For us, design is most powerful when it honors both people and place.

Who is your ideal client?
Most of our work is residential, with clients across southern New England and New York. Our ideal client shares a commitment to this region, an interest in stewardship, and has a curiosity about and appreciation for their surroundings. This allows design to unfold on a deeper level—to be integrated more authentically with place, and simultaneously more reflective of those that dwell there.

Can you share some of the projects you’re most excited about working on right now?
We’re currently working on several inspiring projects. One is a healing sanctuary designed to strengthen people’s connection to nature as part of the healing process. We’re shaping interior spaces and will soon begin the master plan, including outdoor gathering areas, walking trails, and contemplative spaces for quiet reflection.

Another project transforms a former horse property into a working haven for a floral designer. The plan includes a full paddock-sized cutting garden, strolling gardens, terraces, and intimate spaces surrounding a barn-turned-rustic floral studio and the farmhouse.

—soniabodiedesigns.com 

By Clementina Verge

From historic farmhouses and restored barns to elegant lakeside estates, Litchfield County’s residences tell stories of timeless charm. Nestled among rolling hills, they blend seamlessly with shimmering lakes, vibrant galleries, and artisan boutiques. For many, these retreats offer a beloved escape from city life: second homes providing space, beauty, and privacy. Yet many remain unoccupied for long stretches. Hearthstone & Co. was founded with those places—and their owners—in mind. 

As a boutique short-term rental management company, Hearthstone enables homeowners to share their exceptional properties on their own terms—while preserving the peace of mind that drew them here originally.

With tailored services and a highly selective guest network, Hearthstone helps second-home owners unlock their properties’ hidden potential, transforming any-duration time away into opportunity, and keeping homes vibrant in their absence.

“We’re not building a booking platform,” says co-founder Emma Zahansky, a Litchfield County native and real estate agent with William Raveis. “We’re building a brand—around elevated hospitality, luxury getaways, and trust.”

Hearthstone is the product of a skilled partnership: Zahansky brings deep local roots; co-founder Martin Ospina is a seasoned real estate investor. Together, they have managed over 3,000 short-term stays.

Over the past five years, they have identified a gap between traditional property management and vacation rental platforms—one that specifically serves the luxury homeowner.

The result is a private, invitation-only service where homeowners earn income without sacrificing control—and guests enjoy stays that feel anything but transactional.

“It’s a true concierge-style experience,” Zahansky says. “And because we’re local, we can offer the kind of personal attention and responsiveness that national services simply can’t replicate.”

Every listing is meticulously managed—from guest vetting to professional cleaning and 24/7 support. Homeowners never field late-night calls or coordinate with housekeepers. Instead, they partner with a team that knows their home intimately—and treats it as their own.

The rise of remote employment, flexible schedules, and a longing for meaningful escapes has reshaped the luxury travel landscape. Today’s guests want more than a hotel room—they seek a kitchen for slow breakfasts, a patio for sunset cocktails, and a yard where children can play. They want to feel like locals, if only for the weekend.

Few places cater to this travel rhythm quite like Litchfield County. With its bucolic beauty, understated sophistication, and proximity to New York and Boston, it offers the rare combination of accessibility and authenticity.

“We’re curating homes that already distinguish themselves,” Zahansky says, “whether through architecture, setting, amenities, or how beautifully they capture the essence of the area.”

For homeowners, Hearthstone offers a thoughtful approach to ownership—making seasonal or part-time residency more sustainable, without compromising the soul of the home.

“Owners enjoy their home on their terms,” Ospina says. “And when they’re away, they know it’s in the hands of people who care deeply about it.”

As Litchfield County continues to attract discerning travelers, Hearthstone stands poised as a new standard in luxury hospitality, grounded in trust, elevated by design, and inspired by the timeless appeal of home.—hearthstonestays.co

By Clinton Kelly

Scott and Heather Meeker of Denscot Pool and Spa were a little skeptical when I suggested we collaborate on a pool personality type quiz. “C’mon, it’ll be fun,” I promised. “I used to edit women’s magazines in the early aughts, back before I started doing TV. They used to call me the Quiz Master.” (I lied about the Quiz Master part, but that’s not important right now.) Get ready to plumb the depths of your psyche, folks!

 1. You’re stuck in a cabin with a DVD player and four discs. Which will you watch first? 

 A. 2001: A Space Odyssey

B. Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

C. Pollock

D. Pretty Woman
 

2. Your perfect vacation absolutely must include:

A. Breathtaking views because …Instagram

B. Cozy restaurants because …personal connection

C. Museums because …art gives me life

D. Family because …surprisingly, I don’t mind them

 3. You’re throwing a New Year’s party. The invite says:

A. Wear something fabulous!

B. Invite? Why send an invite to my four favorite people?

C. Wear something fun!

D. Bring the kids!

4. Your Saturday morning routine: 

A. Yoga, chai lattes, vision boarding

B. Blankets, books, eggs Benedict

C. Sketching, tinkering, rearranging the furniture

D. Grocery store, gas station, car wash 

If you chose:

Mostly A’s: You are a Vanishing Edge Pool
“These homeowners want the top of the line,” says Heather. “They’re willing to spend the extra money to make sure their backyard is picture perfect. They like people to come visit to see their pools, but they’re not necessarily party people.” Translation: Come over for Champagne, don’t bring your suit. 
 
Mostly B’s: You are a Cocktail (aka Plunge) Pool
Introvert much? “Cocktail pool people tend to have quieter lifestyles,” says Scott. “We usually build this type of pool at someone’s weekend retreat or getaway home.” Whether they’re retired, empty-nesters, or child-free by choice, these folks just want a quick dip with their few favorite friends—if not solo. “They’re not doing laps or lounging on a float for hours.” They’re also voted most likely to skinny dip! 

Mostly C’s: You are a Free-Form Pool
You go with the flow. That is, when you’re in control of the flow. “These pool owners are very creative types,” says Heather. Adds Scott: “It’s pretty rare for them to sign off on a design immediately. They have strong opinions!” You may want your pool to look like a pond, but deep down you’re scared of swimming alongside slimy things.

Mostly D’s: You are a Rectangle Pool
“This is definitely the most classic design,” says Scott. “And the owners are the most traditional customers.” If anyone’s going to host a party, it’s you. “They’re definitely family oriented,” confirms Heather. “They own the house where all the neighborhood kids gather after school.” You also get bonus points from the Meekers for your practicality. Turns out electric covers keep the kids and animals safer, as well as cut down on heating costs. I bet you’re feeling real superior right now …