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

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 …

Photographs by Matt Kisiday

Olson Twombly is a husband-and-husband design firm rooted in both Litchfield County and Nantucket, with clients nationwide. Known for a warm, layered, and eclectic approach, their work blends antiques, textiles, vintage finds, and modern elements. Their philosophy centers on creating timeless spaces that reflect each client’s individuality and story.

What inspires your work?
We’re inspired by travel—particularly throughout Europe and North America—as well as New England history, our homes on Nantucket and in Litchfield County, and the artisans, textile designers, and furniture makers we’ve been fortunate to collaborate with. Ultimately, the architecture, the location, and the client together inform our approach on every project.

Who is your ideal client?
Our ideal clients are homeowners with families who want their spaces to grow as their families do. They’re thoughtful, engaged, and open to a collaborative process that ensures their own personalities and tastes shine through in the finished design.

How would you describe your design philosophy or aesthetic?
Warm, layered, and eclectic. We have a deep appreciation for antiques, textiles, vintage and mid-century pieces, and modern architecture. We also design custom furniture to suit specific projects. Above all, our work is client-driven rather than dictated by a singular aesthetic.

What sets your business apart from others in the field?
Our backgrounds extend beyond interiors to include retail, clothing, furniture, and jewelry design. These experiences give us a broader creative lens, and allow us to approach interiors with a unique perspective.

Can you share a recent project that you’re especially proud of?
We recently completed our own home in the Connecticut River valley, which was a deeply personal project. It was both a challenge and a joy to bring our vision to life and then, ultimately, to pass it on to its next chapter.

How do you incorporate innovation, sustainability, or craftsmanship into your process?
We love mixing vintage pieces with modern design. This approach not only supports sustainability, but also allows us to highlight the work of craftspeople and artisans. We also create custom furnishings to reflect each client’s personal aesthetic.

What’s the most rewarding part of your work?
Seeing a project come to fruition and witnessing the joy on our clients’ faces. Some of the most meaningful moments are running into clients months or years later and hearing how our work has positively impacted their daily lives.

What trends are you seeing in design right now, and how are you responding to them?
We prefer to transcend trends, focusing instead on timeless elegance and classic design that endures.

What advice would you give someone considering hiring a designer?
Start early and embrace the process. Great design requires time, thought, and collaboration.

What’s next for your business?
We’re completing a spectacular penthouse with ocean views in Miami and a family home in San Francisco. —olsontwombly.com.

At Washington Supply, design isn’t just about beauty—it’s about balance. The Kitchen and Bath Design team at Washington Supply focuses on creating spaces that are as functional as they are stylish, offering thoughtful design solutions that enhance everyday living without sacrificing comfort or cost.

Their clients range from architects and builders to designers and homeowners, all of whom appreciate the personalized approach and depth of expertise the team brings to each project. “Our goal is always to create spaces that are aesthetically pleasing, functional, and reasonably priced,” the team shares. “It’s not just about following trends—it’s about crafting spaces that work for the people who live in them.”

What sets Washington Supply apart is its comprehensive approach. As a fully operational building center, the business offers more than just cabinetry design. With deep experience in cabinetry, designer hardware, millwork, plumbing fixtures, paint, and outdoor living products, clients can find everything they need for a project under one roof. This holistic setup allows the design team to collaborate seamlessly with other divisions, ensuring that each project is cohesive from concept to completion.

A recent favorite project, they note, involved transforming an outdated kitchen into a modern, light-filled space that combined clean design with everyday practicality. “Taking an old, tired space and turning it into something beautiful and functional—that’s always the most rewarding part of what we do,” they explain.

As for current trends, the team is seeing a growing demand for modern, minimalist looks—clean lines, uncluttered layouts, and subtle sophistication. Another emerging favorite is the use of multi-finished hardware, where contrasting materials and tones add depth and character to even the simplest designs.Washington Supply stays ahead by continually updating its offerings to reflect these shifts while maintaining timeless design principles that ensure lasting appeal.

Looking ahead, Washington Supply is expanding its design showroom to include architectural hardware and millwork, alongside its existing displays of cabinetry, countertops, and cabinet hardware.This expansion will further strengthen the company’s ability to serve clients at every stage of a project—from inspiration to installation.

For anyone considering a design project, Washington Supply’s advice is simple: Work with professionals who listen, who understand your lifestyle, and who have the expertise to bring your vision to life. —washingtonsupply.com 2 Calhoun St., Washington Depot 860-868-7395

Lee Steiner has me fantasizing about spending a few million dollars to build a house from scratch. I’m not saying I will, but I am very inspired to do so. You know, the way Chris Hemsworth inspires me to have his body, but then I eat an entire carrot cake.

We meet on a quintessential late-September morning at a blasted-out hilltop in Kent, one of two sites he’s shaping along the same private road. Standing beside a poured foundation with mountains of displaced earth around us, the 56-year-old paints a vivid picture of what’s yet to come for his clients: main house, garage, breezeway, westward views, gym, infinity pool. Lee’s so detailed, I can’t help but picture myself living here happily ever after. 

And then Lee ruins my fantasy by talking about things that make my head hurt. Gradients, frost lines, drainage, elevations, stuff that would confuse Russell Crowe’s character in A Beautiful Mind. I try to nod along like I’m some sort of off-duty environmental engineer, but the tiny black flies aren’t exactly helping me look intelligent. They dive-bomb my corneas, seemingly intent upon entering my cranium. I swat them away as Lee and his chinstrap-bearded sons, Riley and Zach, regard my flailing with faint smirks.

“I walk onto raw land, and it’s a puzzle,” Lee says. “Everything’s already there; we just have to figure out the best use of it.”

As puzzles go, it does seem like a pretty fun one, situating a beautiful home in a beautiful part of the world. Maybe it’s even more exciting than completing Wordle in two moves. Maybe. I ask Lee if he ever turns off the part of his brain that calculates slope and soil. His sons laugh, and Lee tells me about a recent vacation in St. Martin. “We got this little condo right on the beach. I wake up early, around 5, and the seaweed’s terrible. There’s a guy out there on a backhoe. The way he’s doing this, I know it’ll take him all day! I also know Sharisse is going to want to go to the beach when she gets up. So I walk over to the guy and say, ‘Can I get in that? I know how to run it.’ He lets me. I finish the job in an hour.”

Later I speak with Sharisse by phone. She’s Lee’s wife, the fourth and final piece of Ground Breakers, the Steiners’ family business. (At 26 and 24, Riley and Zach are already partners, having operated heavy machinery since pre-puberty.) Sharisse handles project management and real estate deals mostly, having been a Realtor since high school. I ask her if her husband is as obsessive as he seems. “Oh, yeah. He’s always like that—when it comes to work,” she says. “He thrives on it. When it comes to excavating and building, he can juggle a hundred things at once.”

Does that extend to home life? “Let’s just say …household chores are not his forte.”

I leave the job site thoroughly impressed by the vision and the know-how, but mostly the family dynamic. While, personally, I can’t imagine spending that much time with anyone I’m related to genetically or legally, the Steiners really seem to enjoy it. And I’m happy for them. As I drive home I wonder whether I should cash out the ol’ 401(K) and build something from the ground up. I’ll make my decision tonight. Right after carrot cake. ——groundbreakersct.com

Agnes Gund (August 13, 1938 – September 18, 2025) was a distinguished art patron, a philanthropist, and an advocate, whose presence extended beyond New York into Litchfield County. In 1996, she purchased a 252-acre property in South Kent (known as Iron Mountain Farm), anchoring her connection to the region. Born in Cleveland into a family of wealth and civic engagement, she attended Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, Connecticut, and later earned a master’s in art history from Harvard. 

Her influence on the art world is profound. She served on MoMA’s International Council from 1967, joined its board in 1976, and was president of the board from 1991 to 2002. During and after her presidency, she helped guide MoMA’s $858 million expansion and its formal affiliation with PS1. She went on as president emerita and life trustee. 

Gund founded Studio in a School in 1977 in response to cuts to arts education public schools. In 2017, she sold Roy Lichtenstein’s Masterpiece to seed the Art for Justice Fund, committing $100 million to support criminal justice reform through art and advocacy. At her South Kent home, she integrated sculptures by Ellsworth Kelly, Richard Serra and others across the landscape. 

Agnes Gund’s life reflects the intersection of art, education, social justice, and place. Her legacy resonates in major cultural institutions across the country—and at home, here in Litchfield County.