Historic Home of Famous Painter Listed in East Haddam

EAST HADDAM, CT — William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty recently announced that the firm has listed a historic Saltbox Colonial in East Haddam, once owned by famed American painter and illustrator W. Langdon Kihn.

Built in 1690, the renovated and expanded residence is considered one of the five oldest remaining homes in the state of Connecticut, according to a release. The property is listed with Essex agent team Jennifer and Jane Associates, comprising Jennifer Caulfield and Jane Macy Pfeffer, and offered at $695,000.

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W. Langdon Kihn was a successful portrait painter and illustrator, most known for his paintings of American Indians. In addition to portraits, he also illustrated a number of books throughout his career, including Indian Days in the Canadian Rockies by Marius Barbeau and Pocahontas and Her World by Francis Carpenter. In 1934, during his occupancy at the East Haddam home, Kihn painted the walls of an upstairs room, now known as “The Alice Room,” with illustrations from Alice in Wonderland.

The three-bedroom, two-bath Colonial was built in 1690 by Samuel Emmons, an original settler of the area, which was then known as “Little Haddam.” Initially serving as a tavern, the structure was not converted into a residence until the mid-to-late 1800's.

The interior features several original details including multiple working fireplaces, exposed hand hewn beams, original paneling and wide board floors. While historic qualities such as these still remain, recent expansions and renovations keep the home up-to-date with the latest luxuries and conveniences.

A family room addition with vaulted ceilings and a built-in entertainment center, a chef's kitchen, and remodeled baths along with a new central air system are just a few of the many completed improvements.

“This home embodies charm, warmth and period authenticity, flawlessly combined with modern amenities,” Caulfield and Pfeffer said in a release. “‘The Alice Room’ is simply spectacular, further contributing to the unique, matchless details within the residence. We are proud to represent a home with such a rich, storied past.”

Sited on nearly seven acres, the property additionally offers an in-ground pool with terraces, a pool house and pergola. There is also a recently completed four-bay carriage barn with guest quarters.

For more information on the property, located at 496 Town Street, please visit the firm’s website here.

Image courtesy Megan Montemarano