At first glance, Litchfield, Connecticut, is a town that time forgot. Its quiet streets are lined with Colonial, Cape Cod and "saltbox-style" architecture and plenty of quaint New England charm. Historic, yet well-preserved homes are set back admist an abundance of trees that turn brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow in the autumn months.

Located in central Litchfield County, the town of Litchfield is just a 90-minute drive away from New York City and a two-hour drive away from Boston. Approximately 8,000 residents call Litchfield home. It represents a calm respite that allows relatively easy access to two of the country's most busiest metropolitan centers. Although it's a small-town environment, Litchfield has attracted significant numbers of local artisans, including painters, sculptors and musicians. The town has developed a reputation for its enthusiasm with respect to the fine arts. Numerous art galleries, as well as commercial and performing artists, have taken up residence here. At any given time of the year, you'll find an abundance of art exhibits and live performances that exceed the number you'd expect from a town of this size.

Each August, the Litchfield Jazz Festival attracts visitors from far and wide to the Litchfield Hills. Here, in a country field, a roster of internationally renowned jazz artists play underneath a tent. Listeners park themselves underneath the shade of the tent or enjoy a picnic in on the lawn during this three-day celebration of music. Many of these performers are alumni of the prestigious Litchfield Jazz Festival Summer Music School, ranked among the nation's best. The school's faculty hail from the top ranks of performing and teaching circles. Students travel from throughout the United States and overseas to work with and learn from the most respected names in jazz.

In addition to its picturesque beauty, Litchfield is known for its antique shops. In fact, within greater Litchfield County (comprised of five small towns, including Litchfield), you'll find one of the country's most concentrated populations of antiques dealers. For a comprehensive list of local antiques dealers, head to . History-lovers will enjoy a visit to the Tapping Reeve House and Law School, the first law school in the United States. Established in 1774, Tapping Reeve House and Law School is preserved by the Litchfield Historical Society. Its graduates include John Calhoun and 130 members of the United States Congress. Visitors can tour the house, which contains period furnishings.

The nearby town of Washington, also situated within Litchfield County, plays host each Christmas to the Holiday Tour of Homes, a much-loved annual tradition during which an eclectic mix of historic, contemporary and designer homes are decked out in their seasonal best. A preview party precedes the event, and includes live music and a holiday feast.

Litchfield is also a recreation-lover's dream. For inspiration, look no further than The White Memorial Conservation Center, an environmental education center and nature museum, located on 4,000 acres of woodlands, field, waterways and boating facilities, hiking trails and campgrounds. The Foundation has also allocated areas where nature enthusiasts can hold outdoor gatherings.

Homes in Litchfield are expensive, ranging anywhere from the $200,000s to $1.5 million and above. What you usually get for your investment is an architecturally unique home, often a country or waterfront property, and a piece of history -- something lacking in many of today's modern, planned communities with cookie-cutter layouts and paper-thin walls. Many homes include sizeable parcels of land and scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

While it's possible to find plenty of attractive homes in the upper $100,000s, many of them contain just two-bedrooms, which may or may not suit your needs. A rambling, historic home containing four bedrooms is likely to run you somewhere in the $400,000-plus range, depending on the number of amenities included and the parcel of land on which it sits.

Not all residents have chosen the historic route; in fact, for all its quaint New England charm, Litchfield has plenty of newer, contemporary-style homes, which fit into the landscape just as well. These homes often capitalize on their surrounding environment, incorporating lots of glass, wooden beams and other architectural features that bring nature indoors.

Litchfield may be the town that time forgot, but visitors haven't forgotten. Its quaint, peaceful environment and lovingly preserved homes lure history lovers back. While home prices are high, residents consider it a small price to pay for a piece of history -- and a front-row seat to the spectacular beauty of all four seasons.

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Published: November 15, 1999

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