Onward!
Well, it’s official. Two weeks from today, we will have sold our beautiful 1767 Connecticut country house in Newtown to a lovely couple from New Jersey, and moving to a newer (1820) Connecticut country house on the Connecticut River in Lyme!
This big change started when Murph and I came to the clear realization that we needed to downsize. In making this tough decision, we decided to think outside-the-box, and perhaps consider another region of our beautiful state. We knew we wanted the next country house to have historical integrity, and to hopefully be in a familiar area where we would set down new roots. We’ve been visiting the shoreline area of Essex and Lyme for as long as we’ve been a couple, so part of our hearts definitely live there. I grew up in Fairfield, and lived most of my married life in Newtown. Living in Fairfield County for most of my life – I know this county’s backroads like the back of my hand!
Newtown has been an amazing place to live. Our son, Conor, grew up here and has made lifelong friendships…so have we. I will miss our beloved home and gardens, where we have lived for 18 years. But I will miss the dear friends we have made here even more (I’m crying as I write this.) We will miss the sweet family of hummingbirds that return every year, and the unbelievable fragrance of the mature Viburnum shrub/tree by the back stone walk that always blooms in time for Mother’s Day.
As sad as I am in leaving, I am excited about our new chapter! Change is hard…but change is also good. It brings out a renewed energy and creativity.
I’m looking forward to sharing this new adventure with you in June! (P.S. All NMCH candles & Hunt Club will be closed from 5/19-mid June.)
Thank you so very much for all your love and support…it means more to me than you’ll ever know. See you in June!
Love, Nora xo
Congratulations Nora! Wishing the three of you much love on the next leg of your journey!
Sending you and your husband best wishes for the next chapter of your lives … I left my home in Dunstable, Massachusetts (a tiny farm town) just south of the New Hampshire border 18 years ago… It was the home that we raised our daughter and our son and lived there for 24 years … I have found the journey wonderful and rewarding … We too downsized and are now the envy of our friends and neighbors! because it is more like a cottage and very easy to maintain… It was difficult for me to accept change … but I have learned from my children that life can be very exciting when you learn to let go! I look forward to hearing from you in June Nora.
Diana Cosgrove
Best wishes for a seamless move. It is always hard to leave a beloved home, but life evolves and change is, indeed, inevitable. So glad you’re heading to a familiar area where you can continue to make new memories. We’ll all be here awaiting your return as spring’s new beginning gives way to summer growth just around the corner.
Congratulations on your new home & adventure. Three years ago we sold our 1867 stone house & moved to Bayfield on Lake Huron & built our sweet Cape style home . Lots of lovely memories came with us its been fun wishing you the same. Cheers Donna
We are so glad that you will be keeping Connecticut as your home…in your Country House!
Just wanted to wish you the very best in this new chapter. In a way you’re mirroring the times, and reminding us that change is the norm and whether you plan for it or it’s thrust upon you, your ability to adapt will see you through. But you also have that magic – that special creative alchemy – and this will help you to thrive. Your legion of friends and fans cannot wait to see the results of those efforts and it’s reassuring to imagine you and your family exploring – and expressing – all of the possibilities of your new home.
Wishing you all good things, Nora! ❤️
You are brave…I couldn’t do it…all of my dogs and cats are buried on our acreage, our ashes will be spread here…house is too big, stairs are a problem but my heart is here. Best wishes for moving foreward.
Best wishes for a smooth transition. Change is good, however, I’m struggling with that…my house is far too big for me and I’m having a harder time taking care of it. I’ve toyed with idea of moving, but I can’t leave my garden. I hope to someday have the strength to make a change. Remember, home is where your heart is. ❤️
I hope your next adventure means a new book! Best wishes for all good things ahead! I look forward to reading about them!
Nora, thank you for the sweet promise to take us along on your next adventure. It certainly has been a privilege to be a virtual guest in your Newtown home and garden . . . Much as I know I will adore your next nest and historic Lyme, sure am going to miss CCH. Understand your tears. Best wishes with the move.
Please stay well . . . keep safe.
Congratulations and best wishes on your new adventure.
May your transition to a new season of your lives be eased by the joy of new adventures.
Thank you for the anticipation of being included.
Diney on Camano Island
All blessings for your new chapter! How exciting!!
So glad you are still making CT your home! There are so many different regions and facets of each one.
Your new neighborhood is filled with the history of living on the CT River – all new places to visit and neighbors to greet!
And what a challenge to change over your entire artistic – media signature. I’m sure you have good assistance in dealing with all that! Looking forward to all things new and adventurous!
Be well Nora!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home (s) with everyone!! Its so inspiring to see. Absolutely beautiful!!!
As mentioned today Nora, Watson and I will certainly feel the void as we walk past your beautiful home every day. No matter what the season it always was such an inspiration — even from just the outside. Wishing you and Murph all the best. I know the new home will be simply stunning once you place your indelible mark on it (actually it’s already pretty stunning).
Be well,
Victoria
Best wishes on your new adventure! Your creativity and love of beautiful things will give you a renewed energy that will be sure to give you much happiness and just plain fun! Can’t wait to see what your next chapter has in store for us…your loyal readers (a book I hope!) Take care and stay safe!
Just beautiful! It looks pretty big but it is great . Congratulations on your new move.
I wish you the best and will miss your home ! It’s so beautiful and enchanting. Can’t wait to see your new home! I will look forward to your new adventures and posts! Take care! Claudia Walsh
Best wishes on your new adventure! Our beautiful state has so many lovely areas. Looking forward to following along!
God-speed Nora and Rick!, Every designer loves a new challenge! Im sure you are excited!!
can’t wait to see it! xomary
Hope your move is smooth and excited to learn more about this lovely home. Blessings!
Wishing you the best on your next journey in life. I totally enjoy your design and your Blog. Thank you for allowing us to follow you!
I’ve followed your journey, Nora. Thanks for sharing your lovely home.
I have one child, a son Conor’s age, so we are kindred spirits. I ? Your Ethan Allen/ Ralph Lauren hybrid style, as it mirrors my own. I live in a repro saltbox in Dover NH, settled 1623, so you preach to my choir. Best wishes as you journey on, please continue to share your style, warmth and grace. We need the diversion and joy. Be well. Safe travels.
Congratulations. We did a move after 35 years in the home where we raised our 2 sons. We love our new home and it’s been fun making our nest our own. I look forward to your posts on your new home and will follow along. You always inspire me.
Love the New Home and its beautiful location. After studying the many photos of your original Country House, its quite clear how you were drawn to this gem. I look forward to the joys and challenges that await you as you share them with your loving fans.
God bless you in this wonderful new home.
Judy Bockius
Good luck as you move in today
I hope you take lots of “before” photos so we can see how you work your decorating magic!
Although we do not live in historic houses but in new homes on Florida’s Treasure Coast i have long admired your home and surround myself with things from the past. I’ve always had a little bit or a whole lot of country in my style. Coastal Country actually. 3 years ago we left our beloved county and childhood + 47 years of marriage home and friends. It was tough to take on a new challenge and new area but I’m so very glad we did. May God bless your move and I’ll enjoy following your “unfolding” of a new home and life.
Our Family renovated your old poverty hollow home before you guys purchased her 🙂 Moorehousefamily.com is our website! So love seeing this home! We loved our time there and so glad you did as well! Now a fun new family gets to cherish her for years! An oldie but a goodie