Photo by Lester Smith
Following his ceremonial ribbon cutting, project manager Ray Wilcox explains how the Friends of the Farm at Hilltop had rehabilitated the first of two restorable houses next to the big barn at Hilltop Farm. From the left: Richard Binns (former Friends board member), Representative Tami Zawistowski, Jack Cown (one of the volunteer workers), Wilcox, First Selectman Melissa Mack, Selectman (and former Friends board member) Joanne Sullivan.
The transformation of the Herdsman’s Residence at Hilltop Farm has been nothing short of amazing. Over the past two years the 103 year-old home has been completely restored with the aid of a CT Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant that the Town of Suffield applied for in 2014.
The grant funded restoration, not renovation, so the project, managed by Friends of the Farm at Hilltop, Inc. Vice President Ray Wilcox, focused on bringing the home back to its original 1913 glory.
Work began with a new roof and repairs to the chimney and the original clapboard siding. A fresh coat of paint in September 2015 made the outside of the home look like new. In 2016 work shifted to the interior.
Layer upon layer of wallpaper was removed. Plaster walls and ceilings were repaired or replaced, wood floors were refinished, woodwork was cleaned and restored, double hung window sash weights were replaced with modern spring balances, all 23 windows (157 individual panes) were reglazed, and replacement storm windows were installed.
Aged electric, water, gas, and sewer systems were replaced, and the original steam radiators were sanded and painted. The kitchen got new cabinets, modern appliances, and shiny stainless steel farm-style sink. Fixtures were replaced in both the full bath and half baths.
The 4-bedroom farmhouse will be a wonderful home for some lucky family. It will be rented beginning in January to provide regular income to help make Hilltop Farm self-sustaining. To learn more about the rental specifics, please call 860-758-0668.