The Narrative
Heartsease: A Victorian Estate Reimagined for Modern Life
Where History, Art, and Life Flourish
There are houses, and then there are homes that hold entire worlds within their walls. Heartsease, a stately Victorian estate set on 5.25 acres, is one such place. For over a century, it has stood as both sanctuary and stage - its story woven into the lives of those fortunate enough to call it home.
The estate’s very name is a story in itself. “Heartsease” was chosen for the home after the delicate wildflower, a symbol of tranquility, joy, and belonging. Like its namesake, the property has always been a place where hearts feel at ease - a retreat where beauty and serenity shape daily life.
Originally built in the late 19th century, Heartsease embodies the grace and craftsmanship of its era: a symmetrical façade, a broad and welcoming front porch, and timeless architectural details. Through the years, each generation has left its touch while safeguarding its integrity. For the past 30 years, the home has belonged to a family of artists who embraced its spirit fully, infusing its rooms with warmth, creativity, music, and memory. They raised children and grandchildren here, celebrated life’s milestones across the grounds and gardens, and honored the home’s historic character while thoughtfully weaving in modern conveniences.
Step inside through the iconic red double doors and you’ll find a home that balances heritage with modern comfort, grandeur with intimacy. With four bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, and an elevator spanning three levels, the house offers both elegance and livability. High ceilings, period woodwork, and expansive windows embrace the natural light. Fireplaces anchor the formal and informal living spaces. A sunlit chef’s kitchen with custom cherry cabinetry and professional-grade appliances, a centralized connection for elegant entertaining and quiet family evenings alik,e as it opens to the living room, formal dining room, and great room with vaulted ceiling. Upstairs, serene bedrooms overlook gardens and woodlands, inviting a deep sense of retreat. Tucked throughout are quiet corners for reading, reflection, or conversation - each space telling its own story.
Additional highlights include a richly appointed wood-paneled office, offering an inspiring setting for study or work. The lower level extends the home’s versatility with a retractable projector screen for theater-style viewing, laundry and gardening rooms with sink, the original larder, and a wine cellar — all thoughtfully designed with built-in storage. A full bathroom on this level provides convenience, while doors open directly to the European-style breezeway with hanging swings. From here, enjoy a second access point to the fire pit patio and hot tub gazebo, seamlessly blending indoor comfort with outdoor leisure.
Beyond the main residence, the estate expands to include a detached studio and three-car garage, seamlessly connected by 1,200 square feet of decks and breezeways. For artists, entrepreneurs, or multigenerational families, this is space with limitless possibility.
The grounds are equally enchanting. Stunning gardens, some with plantings that echo the property’s earliest days, bloom in harmony along winding paths and beneath arched trellises, creating a private sanctuary. At the heart of it all, a graceful fountain lends a tranquil soundtrack, while a secluded pool, hot tub, and fire pit ensure the estate remains vibrant in every season - as welcoming today as it was in its earliest chapters.