This English Tudor residence in Newtown, Connecticut, known as “Hermitswood”,  has been artfully transformed into a refined country weekend home for a New York City family seeking tranquil suburban elegance.

Reimagining a Historic English Tudor for Modern Country Living

Set amid wooded acreage, the original early 1900’s house had accumulated decades of incremental changes. Additions made over time led to a disjointed floor plan, and both interior and exterior finishes had aged considerably. The clients, a couple with two young daughters, commissioned an extensive renovation and partial rebuild: roughly three-quarters of the resulting house was new or refreshed, a quarter was removed, and a substantial new wing was added. The goal: to honor the home’s Tudor heritage while creating a cohesive, functional house for weekend and summer living.

Exterior Transformation — Cedar Roof, Stone, Timber & New Wing

On the outside, the renovation begins with a new red cedar roof that references traditional Tudor steep-gabled roofs, giving the house renewed presence and weather-resilience. We added a new wing off the family side, housing a three-car garage below and an expansive guest suite above,  designed to integrate seamlessly into the existing structure. The exterior envelope was rebuilt with high-performance insulation, new exterior windows and doors, and updated siding, stucco, timbering, and stone veneer trim to echo the textured, layered façades typical of Tudor-style houses.

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were comprehensively replaced, modernizing infrastructure while preserving architectural integrity. Outside, the driveway, parking court, and terraces were reworked to better connect the home with its picturesque country setting, enhancing flow between interior and landscape.

Interior Revival — Transitional Tudor Style with Light, Space, and Character

Inside, the renovation strikes a balance between historical charm and contemporary living. The previously dark, compartmentalized spaces have been opened up, providing generous light, flow, and coherence. The kitchen, once cramped and outdated, was reconfigured and expanded, merging Tudor-inspired features with a clean, modern aesthetic.

Kitchen & Family Areas — Bold Materials and Thoughtful Design

The heart of the home is now a new kitchen created in collaboration with the owners and Deane. It embraces a bold blue and gold palette, with thick marble countertops, a large La Cornue range, and a cement tile floor. A wood–integrated cutting board and a cozy dining niche, complete with a leather banquette and windows overlooking the grounds, connect the kitchen to both family life and the landscape beyond.

Beyond the kitchen, the expanded family room becomes a centerpiece of the renovation. A soaring cathedral ceiling accented with gothic tracery evokes the historic character of Tudor interiors while contributing to a feeling of airiness and scale. From the second-floor sitting room a Juliet balcony looks down into the space, reinforcing vertical connection and spatial drama.

Balancing Tradition and Modern Comfort — Craftsmanship, Materials & Functionality

Throughout the house, trim, millwork, and finishes were thoughtfully upgraded to evoke elements of Tudor architecture, exposed timbering, textured stone veneer, and warm wood tones, while respecting modern expectations of comfort, efficiency, and layout.

The new addition and structural work give the house both stability and functionality, while insulation and new systems bring performance up to contemporary standards. Meanwhile, the careful selection of materials, cedar roof, stone and stucco exterior, robust windows and doors,  ensures weather resilience and long-term durability. The result is a home that marries tradition and practicality.

Harmonizing Landscape, Architecture & Lifestyle

Because the property is largely a wooded, country-scale site, the new wing, terraces, and courtyard were designed to integrate seamlessly with the open parts of the landscape, creating indoor/outdoor flow that suits summer weekends and family gatherings. The careful siting of windows and recessed terraces captures views, light, and privacy. This landscape-sensitive design enhances the sense of retreat and refuge, providing the family with a serene escape from city life.

A Renewed Tudor Retreat for Family Life and Leisure

What began as a worn and fragmented house has become a cohesive English Tudor country home, one that blends the romance and character of traditional architecture with the needs of a modern family: gathering, entertaining, daily living. The expanded kitchen, open family spaces, guest suite above the new garage wing, and reworked circulation make the house both elegant and practical.

This project exemplifies our commitment to luxury home renovation, custom residential architecture, and historic-style renovation, delivering homes that honor architectural heritage while offering modern comfort and performance.

If you are exploring a country home renovation, English Tudor restoration, or a custom architectural addition, view our related Renovation projects at https://www.hiltonarchitects.com/renovations.