From actors to artists to musicians, Connecticut has long drawn residents who love the arts. You may not have known that Mary Travers, of the famous 1960s folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, also called the Nutmeg State home for a large portion of her life. Now, her delightful longtime Redding, Connecticut home is being sold by one of her daughters and it’s asking $949,000.
The listing reads, “Mary found peace, tranquility and inspiration in this historic 1730 farmhouse, where she lived from 1966 until her death in 2009.” It seems she purchased it at the height of the band’s popularity, with their most renowned hits ‘Puff the Magic Dragon’ released in 1963 and ‘Leaving on a Jet Plane’ released in 1967.
It’s easy to imagine a creative soul such as Mary Travers relishing in the home’s antique aura and beguiling landscape. Tall, thick trees surround the 2,323-square-foot main house and 1,058-square-foot guest cottage, which boasts one bedroom, a kitchen, sitting room, and full bathroom across two levels.
These guest accommodations are currently rented out, which could continue to be a nice source of income for the next owner. There’s also an adorable “little house” where a new owner can get cozy and read by the fireplace or sing and write music.
Meanwhile, the four-bedroom main house charms with vaulted and beamed ceilings, a vast amount of natural and painted wood elements, two original fireplaces, and delicate wallpapers. The spirit of the home has clearly remained in tact and been cared for lovingly, making one wonder how many 18th-century period details fill its spaces.
Passing through the French doors, a wisteria-covered patio, secret gardens, a pool all await on the grounds. You’ll also notice gorgeous perennial flowers and other flora surrounding walkways, stone walls, and open lawns across the roughly two-acre property. Mary was an avid gardener.
If this Redding property priced at under $1 million captivates you, Laura Ancona of Sotheby’s International Realty holds the rare listing. The agent shares, “This home is one of the most enchanting properties I have ever represented. Everything is special, because Mary paid so much attention to detail both inside and out.”