Welcome to Project Windjammer's!

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Project Windjammer's 4 years old, July 30, 2024!

We started negotiations on this property in October 2017. The original deal fell through due to fraudulent lender and then in October of 2019 my realtor friend, Micheal J. Pappa had finally found another lender, so we came back to this gem and started new negotiations. After months of going back and forth it was set to finally close and then COVID really reared its ugly head and the deal was haulted. Another 4 months of agonizing negotiations continued. Finally the week of July 19th, the deal was in place and I received the signed contracts on July 19th which was the anniversary of my dad's passing. I knew he was my angel at that moment, along with many others that must have been looking over us. The closing was July 30, 2020.

The History...

The property consists of a main house circa 1724, addition early 1900's, and the ruins of a stone house. This is all sitting on 6.79 acres on the Kelseytown Reservoir. The property was in need of total rehab. The house was apparently empty for over 20 years. The overgrowth was unbelievable, but I could see through it somehow. I have no idea why no one else wanted it. Does it need 20 years of clean up and work, YES. Can you buy a property like this in general, NO.

We knew this had history, but had only known that is was originally a hunting lodge. When I met the neighbor who owns the other original house on the property, she told me that the history also included it being an Art Colony and that the mysteriously burned stone house was Pierre Houpert's Distillerie! The story I got from some family and other sources is that the A&P delivery manager could not understand why so much sugar was being delivered here. He reported it to the feds, but before they got here, the building was burned down. And that is the way it has been since. When I first drove down the long winding driveway, the grass and overgrowth was 4 ft high. As you got further down, the stone structure and house emerged out of the ground... covered in vines, broken windows but, still gracefully keeping watch over its precious land. I was mesmerized and the thought of trying to save it was born. You could barely see the house or the water of the reservoir in the background. Once I got it in my hands, I vowed to bring life back, save what I could and protect it from harm ever again. The views are now breathtaking, the serenity and peace is calming and mesmerizing.

The family still distills this famous Vodka in Canada. Please visit these 2 websites for my info on how to purchase it!
Tower Hill Rd - http://www.towerhillroad.com/
Houpert & Frere Vodka - http://www.houpertfrere.com/

The Present...

This past 3 years, the non stop work has continued and the main house is 98% finished with the renovations, carefully trying to blend the old with the new. Much of the original structure was gone, but I was able to restore what I think were some of the original beams. The original chimney with 4 working fireplaces and the original stone foundation still remain. There is still a long way to go, but what has been accomplished through my contractors and many friends is heartwarming. On the land we have cleared the perimeter of the house from overgrowth, (you literally could barely see the house), cleared a good amount of the overgrowth in the driveway as you could not even drive a vehicle down and have been working on clearing down to the reservoir to expose the beautiful views. In the stone house we have cleaned out much of the debris trying to prepare for it's rehab. I had to rip off the 2nd floor off of the main house and rebuild it with dormers and window walls to mirror the right side with beautiful views of the property. We have also been finding some very awesome treasures as we are going; the original well, an old walkway to a side door, some very cool glasses and much much more!

We have started the long awaited work on the stonehouse...

This incredible structure has been awaiting a new life since 1926. We were able to get some funding to start the work, but sadly the loan has failed and we are back to square one looking for financing. So far we have been able to do almost all of the masonry repairs, framed the building for 2 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, a kitchenette and a living room / dining room. This building also has cathedral ceilings and a beautiful stairway showcasing the beautiful stonework inside. Picture gallery to follow!

The Future...

This spectacular piece of property is in Clinton, CT. The perfect setting for a Bed & Breakfast and a Farm Tourism Venue.

It's potential as a B&B is very appealing:
Aside from staying at this historical gem, the sunrises and sunsets, trails through the property and down to the water, people will be able to bring their horses to ride the trails across the street. There are many many nearby tourist attractions all in less than an hour travel. Please see our Nearby Attractions page for all kinds of things to do.

Farm Tourism Venue:
Town zoning will allow very cool events. Some are: "Movie Camp Night", "Fiddle Off" Events, "A Pumpkin Hunt", Canning Demos & Coffee Clatch, Bonfire Jams, Sunday Brunch & Trail Ride, flower and plant stand (honor system), IDEAL planting workshops - Native American style, such as the corn, bean, & pumpkin trio. Flower garden tips for the Northeast, educational workshops including blacksmithing, woodworking, wilderness walks, birding for all and much more.

For Investors - Potential Partners

I am looking for someone to provide me with a first mortgage as an investor at a fair rate between 7% & 8% or as my second choice would potentially consider a partner. For more information contact me directly. Kim Williams 203-623-8223

Why Windjammers?

My horse Royal's name was registered as "Royal Windjammer". He actually passed away at the estate we lived in on the other side of the reservoir. I somehow think that he and Tyson and Ellie who we lost there have taken up residence here to protect it from anyone else but us acquiring it. It has been my long time dream to do something in his memory... hence Windjammer's.

Our Wish List

There are some things we need, will need or would like to make this place as pretty as possible. Right now we are concentrating on the property and gardens. Here are some things we would love to acquire:
1 - Financial Backer
2 - Gator
3 - Perennials; Peonies, Iris, Dahlias, Hostas, Big Blue Leaf Hostas - most of these were my favorites from my mom's and dad's gardens
4 - Bushes; A few Azaleas and Rhododendrons
5 - Flowering Trees; Pink Dogwood, Plum Tree, Pear Tree, Wild Crab, Apple, Weeping Cherry - most of these I had in my Guilford house
6 - Benches for seating areas on the property

Team Windjammer's... Would You Like to Help?

"If any one is considering whether or not to contribute time or money to this project I want to share that I am 'all in' believing that Kim can make this happen and I will contribute what I can to help mostly time and labor. Have seen her accomplish a lot. She possesses great core values. She is honest, sincere, self starter, hard worker, passionate, etc. She is the real deal. If it fails it won't be from lack of effort on her part. She also brings to the table lifelong friendships with professionals and tradesmen of all kinds who are also passionate about what they do. I pray this happens l would enjoy helping and being part of something meaningful and I will be proud to do it!"
Michael Murphy, Team Windjammer's
(This was what our late roommate wrote in the very beginning. Tragically he passed in January 2021. We are completely heartbroken)

Now that we are hopefully looking at COVID in the rear view mirror, we are moving forward with the next projects. We know this is a horrible time for donations and we are more focused on getting interest on the project. So filling out the forms for How To Help, Donations Give Back Program and Committee requests are more important to us at the moment.

So, let's create something to look forward to together! We need your expertise, skill set, and commitment to make this project be a success and are trying to attract interest and other potential investors in this awesome project. Please go through the pages and see all we are doing! Donation Give Backs! Fun Committees and eventually more! See who has donated or joined a committee!

Please visit the links on the site to see more of what we are doing. And if interested please fill out our HOW TO HELP form.

Thank you for all your help and support!! and PLEASE PLEASE SHARE!

Windjammer's Project Committees

There is so much we will need help with. We have thought of some very fun ideas and since this is going to be a community based effort we are thrilled to have the help and ideas to make this the Coolest Place!

Which committees might you like to be on?

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Our Team:

This is the team of people we have gathered together so far to be a part of this very special project. If you have a specialty that you can teach in a class or a workshop are you have a love of historic properties, animals, education, you can join!

Kim Williams - Windjammer's Project Manager, Owner KBW Designs website & design 2000 to present. Project Manager for 2 properties; 1 in Norwalk, CT and the other in Guilford, CT 2016.

John Vergati - Traveling Italian Chef who will offer Cooking Classes and Farm to Table Dinners.

Lynn Wayne - Photographer specializing in portrait, animal and nature photography

Mariaelena Annicelli - Horse and homeowner, baker, will offer classes to children for horse care and candle making

Mission:

1 - To bring the beauty and serenity of this property to others to enjoy
2 - To support the growing Agritourism learning and events movement in the state
3 - To provide homes for up to 2 rescue / retirement horses

Our Needs:

We are seeking funding to back this project. If you are an animal lover and can help please contact Kim Williams (203) 623-8223 or contact us through the Contact Us Form.

1 - Financial: Any help to further this project is greatly appreciated
2 - Help with rehab of main house and stone house
3 - Need farm equipment
4 - General clean up around property
5 - Fencing
6 - Create trails throughout property for riding, hikes, birding and enjoyment
7 - Horse shoe pits
8 - Picnic table and several seating areas around property
9 - Private stone patio over looking formal gardens in back of house

If you can help with any donation, items we can use to sell or give away or any kind of financial donation we will be very very grateful. If you even know someone who might be able to help, that would also be terrific. We want to promote what it was in its distant past as a fun and educational place and build a home to as many animals and help as many others as we can.



Thank you very very much... Kim, Tito, Rob, Diamond, Chloe, Ariel, Stretch, Rocky, Mitch & Marty!

In Memory of Royal Windjammer, Regal, Tyson and Ellie

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In Memory of "Regal" and "Royal"

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Please see more information on our HOW TO HELP form!