A sleepy Connecticut town has quietly eclipsed New York’s iconic Hamptons as the chic new destination for the East Coast elite.
Litchfield Hills offers all of the charm and none of the snobbery associated with its more well-known predecessor, according to the Financial Times.
This picturesque region has been dubbed the ‘new Hamptons’ thanks to its sophisticated yet unpretentious lifestyle.
In keeping with this more understated approach, you are more likely to find Subarus than super cars lining the streets.
Located in the northwest corner of Connecticut – just 90 miles from New York City – Litchfield Hills combines stunning natural beauty with a rich historical backdrop and a thriving arts scene.
The area’s undeniable appeal provides the same luxurious yet laid-back atmosphere that made the Hamptons famous, without the overwhelming exclusivity.
Spanning over 1,000 square miles, Litchfield Hills is a landscape of rolling hills, tranquil lakes and expansive country estates.
Long dirt driveways wind past secluded homes, many owned by cultural icons such as philanthropist Agnes Gund and fashion mogul Diane von Furstenberg.
‘It’s the best of two worlds,’ Anthony Champalimaud, a hotelier and investor who grew up in the area, told the Financial Times. ‘Historically significant and vibrant with contemporary culture.’
Litchfield Hills, Connecticut (pictured), has quietly eclipsed New York’s iconic Hamptons, offering all the East Coast charm without any of the snobbery
Spanning over 1,000 square miles, Litchfield Hills is a landscape of rolling hills, tranquil lakes and expansive country estates. Pictured: A lonely jetty at Lake Waramaug in Litchfield Hills, Connecticut
Litchfield Hills has long been a refuge for established New Yorkers who want to disconnect from the frenetic pace of the city, while still enjoying an environment rich in both history and artistic energy.
According to Champalimaud, people ‘don’t come here to peacock,’ referring to the region’s welcoming, no-frills atmosphere.
Founded in 1719, Litchfield is one of the oldest towns in Connecticut, with its charming town center serving as a picturesque focal point.
The historic district is centered around a leafy green, surrounded by red-brick colonial-era buildings and anchored by four main streets – North, South, East, and West – lined with stately Victorian and Colonial Revival mansions.
Unlike the Hamptons’ high-society exclusivity, Litchfield Hills offers a more down-to-earth feel where locals are friendly, unpretentious and genuinely welcoming.
For those who enjoy outdoor pursuits, the region is a playground for hiking, kayaking, cycling and simply soaking in the town’s historic beauty.
And best of all, visitors can enjoy it all without the overcrowding found in the Hamptons.
The New England enclave also offers a deep dive into America’s past, as the town’s colonial architecture and its ties to the Revolutionary War provide a glimpse into the early history of the United States.
The area’s undeniable appeal provides the same luxurious yet laid-back atmosphere that made the Hamptons famous – but without the overwhelming exclusivity. Pictured: Flowers bloom along Lichfield Hills’ Main Street
The Oliver Wolcott Library (pictured), named after a signatory of the Declaration of Independence, stands as one of Connecticut’s oldest libraries and a symbol of the area’s commitment to preserving its heritage
For those who enjoy outdoor pursuits, the region is a playground for hiking, kayaking, cycling and simply soaking in the town’s historic beauty
The Oliver Wolcott Library, named after a signatory of the Declaration of Independence, stands as one of Connecticut’s oldest libraries and a symbol of the area’s commitment to preserving its heritage.
In addition to its historical significance, Litchfield Hills is home to an eclectic mix of modernist architecture.
The works of renowned designers like Marcel Breuer and John Johansen can be found in some of the area’s schools, showcasing the region’s seamless blend of past and present.
In recent years however, Litchfield Hills has become an increasingly popular retreat for influential urban creatives and their families.
In 2017, the Champalimaud family opened the luxurious 37-room Troutbeck Inn in nearby Amenia, New York.
However their latest project – an exclusive 10-room boutique hotel based around a 19th-century Victorian mansion – has truly put Litchfield on the map.
For fans of fine dining, Litchfield Hills is home to a historical gem, the Lost Fox Inn, with buildings dating back to 1745.
The hotel’s restaurant, overseen by highly-regarded Hudson Valley chef CJ Barroso, offers a dining experience steeped in both history and flavor.
Lost Fox Inn owners Eliza Clark and Tim Trojian said they were drawn to Litchfield because it’s ‘like the glamorous sister of the Catskills – older, more refined, and just as beautiful.’
Not just a retreat for history lovers, Litchfield Hills is also home to a vibrant arts scene.
For fans of fine dining, Litchfield Hills is home to a historical gem, the Lost Fox Inn, with buildings dating back to 1745. Pictured: Locals dine at the Lost Fox Tavern and Restaurant
Today, the creative spirit continues to thrive through local galleries, festivals and performances, adding an artistic edge to the region’s tranquil environment. Pictured: Locals gather on the town’s green for a daytime event
The area’s natural beauty has long attracted painters, sculptors, and musicians.
It was once a hotspot for lavish parties thrown by award-winning sculptor Alexander Calder, where the likes of Arthur Miller and Marilyn Monroe were regular guests.
Today, the creative spirit continues to thrive through local galleries, festivals and performances, adding an artistic edge to the region’s tranquil environment.
Litchfield Hills remains a hidden gem for now, as its charm remains unspoiled by the large crowds often seen flocking to more well-known destinations.
But, with its perfect mix of luxury, nature, community and history, it’s only a matter of time before the region sees even more attention.
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Vicky Wang
