A historic farmhouse in Bethlehem, CT, with a pond and pool, for $699,000

Connecticut is full of charming, picturesque towns that could serve as stand-ins for "Gilmore Girls's" Stars Hollow, and the town of Bethlehem, in Litchfield County, is no exception. For one thing, it happens to be located right next to Washington, the town that inspired Stars Hollow in the first place. But Bethlehem's got lots of charm of its own, like a town green that's listed on the National Register of Historic Places and dates back to colonial times.

Other highlights include a Congregational church, which was built in 1790; the former town office building, which is now a museum; and the Bellamy-Ferriday House and Garden, which was once home to 18th-century evangelical pastor Joseph Bellamy and is now a museum. For outdoorsy folks, Black Rock State Park in nearby Waterbury is a great spot for hiking, camping, and swimming, and the popular Nonnewaug Falls trail sits on the border of Bethlehem and Woodbury, offering up waterfall views. Local eateries like Olivia on Main and Nick's Country Kitchen round out Bethlehem's rural New England town feel. 

There are also some lovely houses here, many of which offer lots of space and acreage at prices well below what you'd find in Manhattan. Consider, for instance, the five-bedroom, two-bath historic farmhouse at 10 Wood Creek Rd., now on the market for $699,000. The house was built in 1840 and sits on seven acres, a portion of which includes Bird Pond. It opens with a front porch lined with elegant pillars.

The dining room has antique floors and floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the porch.

Separated from the dining room with a pocket door, the living room has a handsome fireplace and detailing on the ceiling.

The family room has antique floorboards, exposed beams, and a section with a built-in bookcase that you could use as a small library.

The tile-floored kitchen has been outfitted with granite counters, high-end appliances, a pantry, and a farmhouse sink. French doors (not pictured) open to the pond.

Here's one of the baths, complete with a glass-door shower.

The master bedroom has a view of the pond, a cathedral ceiling and a wall of closets.

Here are two other bedrooms.

The current owners seem to be using this space as an exercise room. The listing notes it could be another bedroom.

And there's a small space for a study as well.

Here's another, much larger-looking bath.

Outdoor space includes a pool with a bocce court and a vintage ice house that is now a pool house.

There's also a two-stall horse barn that the current owners appear to be using as a game room.

Here is a view of the pond.

The house is just under a two-hour drive from Manhattan.

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