Michael Halpern brings Southern California cool to a Litchfield County classic Image Gallery
When Michael Halpern found a neglected 1800s farmhouse in the Merryall section of New Milford, he fell in love with the home’s location and the way it was sited with a magnificent view of protected farmland belonging to the Weantinoge Heritage Land Trust.
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1/13photography by John GruenVintage French Art Nouveau-style wallpaper covers one complete wall of the master bedroom. Halpern designed the butcher-block bamboo night table made by Tom Colgrove.photography by John GruenVintage French Art Nouveau-style wallpaper covers one complete wall of the master bedroom. Halpern designed the butcher-block bamboo night table made by Tom Colgrove.
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2/13photography by John GruenOriginal chestnut floors and beams are in perfect condition.
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3/13photography by John GruenBy removing walls, a unique living space has been created with three working fireplaces at the core. Halpern refused to sell the green leather armchair (found at California’s Rose Bowl Flea Market) to Diane Keaton, who saw it in his California home.photography by John GruenBy removing walls, a unique living space has been created with three working fireplaces at the core. Halpern refused to sell the green leather armchair (found at California’s Rose Bowl Flea Market) to Diane Keaton, who saw it in his California home.
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4/13photography by John GruenIn the porch, the base of a vintage ottoman/table was found at the Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market; its cushion was custom made in orange vinyl.photography by John GruenIn the porch, the base of a vintage ottoman/table was found at the Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market; its cushion was custom made in orange vinyl.
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5/13photography by John GruenThe oil portrait above the fireplace is of Halpern’s mother.
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6/13photography by John GruenOriginal kitchen cabinets were painted Benjamin Moore’s Grape Green, which pops against the white Corian counter. The collage is by Halpern’s longtime friend Connecticut artist Peter Wooster.photography by John GruenOriginal kitchen cabinets were painted Benjamin Moore’s Grape Green, which pops against the white Corian counter. The collage is by Halpern’s longtime friend Connecticut artist Peter Wooster.
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7/13photography by John GruenA Hive Modern lighting fixture hangs over an Eero Saarinen table and chairs.photography by John GruenA Hive Modern lighting fixture hangs over an Eero Saarinen table and chairs.
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8/13photography by John Gruenhis comfortable room sports a vintage Bertoia armchair, pillows in vintage Marimekko fabric and a day-glo print by an unknown artist.photography by John Gruenhis comfortable room sports a vintage Bertoia armchair, pillows in vintage Marimekko fabric and a day-glo print by an unknown artist.
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9/13photography by John GruenDavid Hockney poster of a diver, created for the 1972 Munich Olympics, rests against a bathroom wall.photography by John GruenDavid Hockney poster of a diver, created for the 1972 Munich Olympics, rests against a bathroom wall.
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10/13photography by John GruenCabbage roses in a vintage Dorothy Draper wallpaper design through Carleton Varney brighten the second floor landing. The log sculpture is made entirely of masking tape and shopping bag handles.photography by John GruenCabbage roses in a vintage Dorothy Draper wallpaper design through Carleton Varney brighten the second floor landing. The log sculpture is made entirely of masking tape and shopping bag handles.
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11/13photography by John GruenA patio off the kitchen and dining room offers views of the neighboring land trust property.photography by John GruenA patio off the kitchen and dining room offers views of the neighboring land trust property.
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12/13photography by John GruenHalpern loves to stretch out and read on the Robert Currie–designed sofa.
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13/13photography by John GruenHalpern enjoys visiting New Milford’s Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market.
This article appears in the May 2013 issue of CTC&G (Connecticut Cottages & Gardens).
