Twentieth Century New England Charm

by Susan Jensen Smith on July 5, 2009

We live near the Farmington River, just next to a quaint little town called Collinsville.  There is a wide bend in the river that serves as a beautiful backdrop to the eclectic culture of this little town.  It’s a busy little town with lots of kayaking, cycling, arts, antiques and lots of history.  In fact, it was listed as one of “America’s 10 Coolest Small Towns” in the September 2007 issue of Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel Magazine.

Most of the buildings in town were built to house and support employees of The Collins Company, which produced high quality axes from 1826-1966.
Collins Company

Collins Company

Today, about 26 of the original 50+ factory buildings remain and are leased by a variety of tenants (including the very cool Coolspotters), and the storefronts and homes in Collinsville have retain their early Twentieth Century charm.

There are three homes in particular I just love – they are full of character, but mostly they have a great VIEW – they overlook the dramatic bend in the river!
Home 1

Home 2

Home 3

Check out the views from those homes!

riverbendview

riverbend2

kayakers

The former rail line has been converted to a walking and biking trail which connects to several area towns and goes right through Collinsville.  The Collinsville Kayak Company is situated right at the river’s bend.  This is a very popular kayaking, walking and cycling area.  There is always something going on!

collinsvillekayak

bench

So next time you’re in Connecticut be sure to stop by this charming little town!

(But for now, be sure to stop by Hooked on Fridays  and The Inspired Room for a blog parties!)

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{ 1 trackback }

Hooked on Personalized Canvas Art
July 15, 2009 at 8:49 am

{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }

Fifi Flowers July 6, 2009 at 10:13 am

What a beautiful place… that first photo is GORGEOUS!
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Susan July 6, 2009 at 10:25 am

Thanks Fifi! I’m lovin’ my new camera! I have lots of pics of other period homes in the town, will post those sometime as well.

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Jane July 10, 2009 at 9:15 am

So beautiful! I really love New England. Thanks for sharing your photographs!
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Susan July 10, 2009 at 9:29 am

Thanks Jane. Although I wasn’t lovin’ New England yesterday when it only reached 65 degrees! lol

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steadymom July 10, 2009 at 10:19 am

We’re in CT, too – on the coast! I know, wasn’t the weather yesterday the pits! I had to go exchange my capris for jeans.

But New England has some of the most beautiful houses I’ve seen anywhere, you’re right!

Jamie
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Susan July 10, 2009 at 10:25 am

Hi Jamie – nice to meet you! Yes, beautiful homes and crazy weather! Today rocks, though!

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Jane July 10, 2009 at 10:58 am

What a beautiful place and such charming homes! Thanks for the inspiration.

Jane

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teresa July 10, 2009 at 11:39 am

I love sweet little towns like that- Thanks for the tour.
Beautiful.
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Marcela & Clara July 10, 2009 at 12:25 pm

Never being to the area so thank you so much for the fantastic tour! Breathtaking!
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kristi July 10, 2009 at 2:51 pm

Oh, I adore the yellow one! How amazing to see the beautiful homes and their views….so fabulous!
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Claudia @ DipityRoad July 10, 2009 at 3:26 pm

Oh you are so right– what a fantastic view.

I particularly love the yellow home — always thought that would be the perfect color for a cottage. (not that these are small) :) but just the feeling is wonderful.

TTFN~~ Claudia ♥
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angie July 10, 2009 at 3:31 pm

love the pictures

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Amanda @ Serenity Now July 10, 2009 at 3:45 pm

Oh, wow! How could you not be hooked on New England charm after seeing those fabulous photos? Visiting from Julia’s party. :)
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Meredith July 10, 2009 at 5:33 pm

Gorgeous, gorgeous photos. The style of residential architecture in the States is quite different from Australia. I also love the factories by the river. Meredith.
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Janmary, N Ireland July 11, 2009 at 3:24 pm

Thanks for sharing a little of your world.

Stunning houses and beautiful area.

We made it to New England before kids, but never to Connecticut.

Hi from a little corner of my world – northern Ireland :)
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Alycia Wicker July 20, 2009 at 12:08 pm

Beautiful… I would love to move there. It looks so peaceful.
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