For a certain segment of the home-seeking population, houses with converted barns on the property are the ne plus ultra of North Fork real estate. Coveted by creatives, they tend to go for over a million and are snapped up almost as soon as they hit the market. Which is why this newly-listed home with a restored barn in the back garden is such an amazing find. And as one of the first residences in Cutchogue, the house is a veritable piece of history. Built by one Austin Benjamin Tuthill in the spring of 1848, it was originally a white-painted single-story structure with green shutters that was raised to two stories in 1880. Local records show that the property originally held numerous barns, a milk house, and pig pens. In the spring, the farmstead’s cows produced milk that had the distinct flavor of the wild garlic on which they grazed.
The Numbers: Located at 865 New Suffolk Road, the 2-story, 2293-square-foot home was built in1848. It has 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, and sits on .50 of an acre. Listed at $699,000 with Jerry Cibulski at Century 21 Albertson Realty.
Why We Love It: The rural setting. Both the main house and the barn are surrounded by old growth trees, including big pines and other evergreens. The rear windows and decks of both structures look out over fields and the back garden.
The Convenient New Suffolk Road Location: The property is a short bike road from the beach and a five minute walk to public transportation and downtown Cutchogue. “Because of where the house is situated, if you’re coming from New York City and you don’t have a car, you can hop off the Jitney and walk home,” says listing agent Cibulski.
The Period Details: Original wood banisters on the tall staircase; wide plank floors; the birthing-cum-sewing room, and potting shed attached to a free-standing garage that has original swing doors all speak of the past.
The Modern Amenities: The double-sided fireplace in the kitchen is the sort of understated luxury we’d like to see more of. The kitchen also features floor-to-ceiling cabinets and a step-down breakfast room that gives on to the patio–perfect for entertaining. The large en suite bathroom in the master bedroom has a sunken tub and a glass-enclosed shower.
The Barn: The serene loft-like space has fashionably weathered walls and features eight foot by eight foot windows that highlight the exposed rafters. The building is equipped with a legal wood stove.
The Vision Thing: “This is one of those properties that artists and writers dream about finding,” says Cibulski. “The main house has a wonderful layout with great ‘flow’ for summer entertaining and the barn would make a fantastic studio space or home office or hideaway for teens.”
