Renaissance in store for historic Stony Batter Farm

CORNWALL — The recent sale of Stony Batter Farm, and the new owners’ stated intention to preserve the historic homestead on Whitcomb Hill, was good news in and of itself.Even better news has followed: New owners Hamilton South and Manuel Bellod, longtime weekenders from New York City, just purchased an adjoining 77 acres and two houses, and are essentially reassembling the original farm.The main residence there dates back to the late 18th century, but the farm has been there since the 1700s. The adjacent parcel includes the stables that were once an integral part of the farm.The initial sale, despite being well below asking price, was among the highest property sales in the Northwest Corner this year, selling for $2.325 million.“The buyers of the main property also purchased the adjoining parcel to combine them and make Stony Batter Farm whole once again,” according to a press release from Litchfield Hills Sotheby’s International Realty, which represented seller John Horn. “New York residents who had week-ended in Litchfield County for years, the buyers fully appreciate the beauty and serenity this very special property offers, and will surely be good custodians of the farm in its future.” The new owners were not available to elaborate on their plans, but South’s assistant said they are still contemplating what will likely be minor improvements to the well-maintained property. Updating electrical systems is one planned project. Whether or not the two parcels will be legally recombined has not yet been decided.

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Tuning up two passions under one roof

The Webb Family in the workshop. From left: Phyllis, Dale, Ben and Josh Webb, and project manager Hannah Schiffer.

Natalia Zukerman

Magic Fluke Ukulele Shop and True Wheels Bicycle Shop are not only under the same roof in a beautiful solar powered building on Route 7 in Sheffield, but they are also both run by the Webb family, telling a tale of familial passion, innovation and a steadfast commitment to sustainability.

In the late ‘90s, Dale Webb was working in engineering and product design at a corporate job. “I took up instrument manufacturing as a fun challenge,” said Dale. After an exhibit at The National Association of Music Merchants in Anaheim, California, in 1999, The Magic Fluke company was born. “We were casting finger boards and gluing these things together in our basement in New Hartford and it just took off,” Dale explained. “It was really a wild ride, it kind of had a life of its own.”

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Robert Cray’s soulful blues coming to Infinity Hall

Robert Cray

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Blues legend Robert Cray will be bringing his stinging, funky guitar and soulful singing to Infinity Hall Norfolk on Friday, March 29.

A five-time Grammy winner, Cray has been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and earned The Americana Music Awards Lifetime Achievement for Performance. He has played with blues and rock icons including Albert Collins, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, The Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Eric Clapton and many more.

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