There’s no better time to start thinking about where you’ll be spending this summer, especially if you’re interested in relaxing-but-sophisticated Litchfield County. The northwest corner of Connecticut—90 minutes by car from Lower Manhattan—is known for its many wonderful properties, the vast majority of which are not available to rent.

But this charmer can be yours from July 1 through Labor Day.

It’s a recently renovated country estate that dates from the 1780s, with original wide chestnut floors and all the period detail preserved. Gathering spaces are large and gracious, with two living rooms, each with a fireplace, and a dining room looking out onto a backyard terrace, pool, stream, pond, and two red barns (one is the early 1800s original, and it’s on the Connecticut Historic Registry). There are five bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and central air conditioning in the main house, which sits alongside an 18th-century schoolhouse—renovated this past summer, it’s ideal for reading and gaming.

The property is 12-plus acres, with a recently updated heated gunite pool, Jacuzzi spa, and beautiful gardens. There is an enormity of wildlife—birds chirping in the maple, hemlock, and apple trees, and frogs croaking in the pond—so that you feel truly removed from city life. What’s more, excellent hiking trails can be found right across the street at the expansive Steep Rock nature preserve. The house is two minutes from the adorable town center of Washington Depot, home to terrific restaurants, the outstanding Hickory Stick bookshop, a cute coffee shop, and a Saturday farmer’s market. (You might recognize the town from “Gilmore Girls.”) You’ll also be close to Lake Waramaug and near many apple orchards and blueberry farms.

The house is available for $35,000 for July 1 through Labor Day, and the listing is here. Gael Hammer of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty can be reached at 860-480-2636 and gael@gaelhammer.com.

Sponsored by Gael Hammer.