Supplements: Ingeniously designed and meticulously built by A.I.A. architect Frank Garretson as his own rural residence, this one-of-a-kind home is the quintessential New England country retreat. Set on almost 16 acres abutting protected Nature Conservancy lands, the house evokes the charm and quirkiness of an antique farmhouse. At once bright, spacious and cozy, this rambling 3,000 square-foot colonial has 60 windows that flood the house with light and offer views of the gardens, woods and sunsets over the Taconic Hills. With a traditional shingle-and-clapboard exterior that blends into the landscape, the house embraces its site with nine exterior doors that offer access from nearly every first-floor room to the lawn and patio. The living and dining rooms are divided by a dramatic, two-sided Rumford fireplace, which is made of local marble, brick and granite. The period moldings and chair rails have been painted in bright colors to highlight their authentic character. The country cook's kitchen has a Viking range and a double porcelain sink, flowing into a dining area and sitting room with beautiful open views. The first floor also has a pantry, laundry room, screened-in porch along with two libraries that could be converted into a first-floor master suite. Wide-board floors throughout contribute to the integrity of the historical design. The upstairs features a long windowed corridor that overlooks the woods and mountains. The three bedrooms have unique architectural features. The master has a paneled vaulted ceiling, and a bath with separate tub and shower. The upstairs media room (or fourth bedroom) has a Rumford fireplace. The house abounds with nooks and crannies, a secret back staircase, and a small conservatory off the dining room. There is also a detached two-car garage with a whimsical, functioning chicken coop. A house full of surprising hand-crafted details, it's exceptionally logical, practical and comfortable. Situated on a country road in Sheffield a short drive to the Twin Lakes, it offers a pastoral life just 15 minutes from the Main Streets of Great Barrington, MA, and Salisbury, CT.