Majestically sited on just over two carefully landscaped acres at at 41 Mountain Road in Farmington that border the Hill-Stead Museum, it is within walking distance to Miss Porter’s School and historic Farmington Village. Yet it is secluded and private, thanks to a generous setback from the road and a border of mature trees. The property also features direct access to the walking trails at the Hill-Stead Museum.

“This home is one-of-a-kind in the area,” said Caitlyn Cleary of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty. She is handling the sale with Diane Barry. “It abuts the Hill-Stead Museum property, and was originally part of that estate.” However, “In the 1950s, they sold off two parcels,” one of which was used to build what Cleary described as this “…very stately Georgian Colonial home. Prepare to fall in love.”

Visitors will be impressed by the long private approach and graceful circular drive. A fieldstone walkway lined with boxwoods connects the driveway to the front door, which leads to a classic entry vestibule framed with sidelights. It features a open stairway to the upper level. The focal point, however, is the arched doorway to the formal living room, which spans the rear of the home. The foyer has French doors leading to the kitchen and, on the other side, the library and powder room.

“Gazing from the formal living room to the front door, the arched opening is complemented by a charming curved built-in on the side of the wood burning fireplace, which has a custom mantle. The architectural detail is phenomenal,” Cleary said. This built-in features enclosed storage and open shelves; ideal for displaying fine objects and books. Custom molding adds to the elegance of the living room, which has a large opening to the formal dining room.

Despite this wide passageway, Cleary noted that the home’s layout, “…feels more like a traditional floor plan, with designated rooms. However, the back of the home, which overlooks sprawling lawns, stone walls, and a perennial garden, flows beautifully to accommodate large gatherings.”

The dining room opens to the kitchen, which will undoubtedly serve as the “heart of the home” for daily living and entertaining. Cleary described the focal point as a grand center island, which is expansive, features a granite work surface, dual kitchen sinks, and room to seat four people comfortably. Additional kitchen highlights include a Lacanche Cluny stove. “It’s high end, imported from France, and has double ovens,” Cleary said. One oven features gas cooking, the other is electric. Five gas-fueled burners sit above the range.

“The epicurean’s kitchen has everything you desire,” Cleary added. “The range has a custom hood and a pot filler. There is a Sub-Zero refrigerator with a custom panel, a Wolf wine cooler and convection microwave, double Bosch dishwashers, and a wet bar. It is all very high end, including the Visual Comfort lighting fixtures. The Colby and Martin custom cabinetry was handsomely distressed by an artisan in Collinsville. So, while everything is updated, the design choices go very well with the aesthetics of a charming antique home.”

Adding to the kitchen’s appeal is the light filled sitting area. This occupies what was originally a breezeway connection to the attached garage. The current owners enclosed it, added a steel I-beam, French country style fireplace, and opened the space to the kitchen. “The attractive fireplace mantle is a custom antique piece, hand selected and refurbished by the owners,” Cleary said. “The result is fabulous space with many potential uses.”

The library is exceptional. “The custom mahogany paneling was hand picked by the owner from an antique shop in Woodbury. The floorboards are wide Kingswood, pre-1773, which speak to the classic charm of the home. It is fantastic,” Cleary said. In addition to the handsome paneling and crown molding, the library features custom built-ins and the home’s third fireplace.

The primary bedroom was remodeled within the last two years. “It is not only on the main level, but it is also tucked away in a private wing,” Cleary said. The space is accented with French doors leading to a private bluestone patio, which is also accessible using French doors in the living room.

“The primary bedroom has a vaulted ceiling and a classic Visual Comfort chandelier casting a warm glow in the center of the room. Faux grass cloth wallpaper and a feature wall of Thibaut ‘Asian Scenic’ in blue and cream lines the walls of the spa bath. Carrera marble trims the bath’s dual vanity, floor, and shower. Radiant heat in the floor warms the bath, and the lower walls have picture frame custom molding. It is very stylish and thoughtfully designed,” Cleary said.

The second floor is well appointed with four bedrooms. Two are ensuite and two share a bath. “The generous size rooms are well proportioned and offer hardwood floors, dual walk-in closets, and custom built-ins. All the baths were recently updated,” Cleary noted.

Only three families have lived in the home, with the first being the builder’s family. The current homeowner has lived in the home for 38 years and has been associated with the interior design business for 20 years. This has given them access to custom furniture, fabrics and materials that have enhanced the home, which “… offers exquisite custom millwork, antique finishes and the perfect blend of efficient, modern amenities. No detail was overlooked,” Cleary said.

Info:

Built: 1958

Price: 1,599,000

Style: Georgian Colonial

Rooms: 10

Bedrooms: 5

Baths: 4 full; 2 half

Square footage: 4,242

Acreage: 2.06

Mill rate: 25.45

Best Feature: This move-in ready home has the elegance, comfort and style to meet the needs of multi-generational living. Exceptional design choices eliminate the need to spend time and money on design updates.

Contact:  Diane Barry and Caitlyn Cleary

William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty

Diane Barry:  (860) 614-1569

Caitlyn Cleary: (860) 798-1589

dbarry@wpsir.com, ccleary@wpsir.com

When you first drive up to the home “You see a charming colonial in a lovely part of Bloomfield,” said Mollie Abend of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England. She is handling its sale.

The location at 1 Stone Hill Road in Bloomfield is exceptional. Stone Hill Road is a cul-de-sac that abuts Penwood State Park. Set on almost 800 acres, these beautiful woodlands offer hiking trails with breathtaking views of the Farmington Valley. Come spring, colorful wildflowers will add to the scenery when they bloom throughout the park.

“We’ve lived here for 35 years and loved it. The location is the best kept secret in Bloomfield and Greater Hartford,” said Janis Milroy, the current owner. “It’s only a five minute walk to the trails in the park. Hike to the top and you can look down on Simsbury and Bloomfield,” she added.

As for the home, it is unique. “When you walk in you notice beautifully refinished hardwood floors and the original African zebrawood trim throughout. It is lovely. You’ll also note all the light that pours in from multiple doors and windows,” Abend said.

Then, visitors will notice the floor plan. “This is not a typical center hall colonial,” said Abend. As a result, “The main floor offers a lot of optional spaces.” This is a home with rooms that can be used in many different ways to suit a wide range of needs and desires. The den, for example, would also make an excellent home office, or since it can be seen from the kitchen, it could be used as a playroom.

Even the home’s main entrance may offer a surprise. It faces Stone Hill Road and is protected from the elements by a large porch. The side entrance, which faces Duncaster, is the door that is most often used. It is close to the oversized detached two-car garage.

“The kitchen is large, very sunny and quite functional,” Abend said. Based on its size, “It would allow for a center island or an eating area.” The kitchen also has generous counter and cabinet space along with immediate access to the dining room, which is just a few steps away. The beautiful hardwood floors add to the kitchen’s visual appeal while a small nook in its east wall would be perfect for a breakfast table that could capture views of the morning sun.

The living room is also spacious, has a fireplace with a wood-burning stove, which will be included in the sale, and two sets of French doors leading to a sunroom. This sunroom is large, has tile flooring and a wall of windows facing south. From the sunroom, residents can access the large level yard or use a third set of French doors to enter the dining room. “The flow of the house is really charming when you are entertaining,” Abend said. A half bath and ample closet space, with a double closet accessible from the den or the library, complete the first floor.

Upstairs, there are three bedrooms, including a main suite that includes a large walk-in closet and a private bath. It has a dual sink vanity, a Jacuzzi tub and a separate shower.

The other two bedrooms are spacious, have large closets, and are served by a second full bath. One of these bedrooms, however, has an unusual feature. From this room, “If you walk out through an atrium door you step on to a private rooftop terrace,” Abend said.

“The terrace is over the sunroom and has an electrically powered awning, which is lovely if you want to enjoy the terrace in the rain, or be protected from the sunlight. And the view is wonderful. The lot is level, but there are trees surrounding it, and they have a private gazebo and gardens in the backyard. You see that from the terrace, and you see stone walls surrounding the property, as well as the charming homes in the neighborhood,” she added. Laminate flooring is used throughout the second floor.

The lower level is also fully finished. Included on this level are a rec room, a separate game room with outside access, an office, and a large laundry room with space for a full-size washer and dryer, a laundry sink, and ample room for folding and ironing. The lower level also has two mechanical rooms and good closet space in the game room, rec room, and office.

Solar panels are on the roof next to the rooftop terrace and on the garage roof. These are owned, not leased, and they produce electricity “that takes a big chunk out of electricity expense,” Milroy said.

Stonewalls add charm, with the one facing Duncaster Road having been refurbished. During that process, the mason found an old horseshoe. Milroy mounted it at the back door and says it will stay with the house to bring good luck to the next owner.

The location is also worth noting. In addition to its proximity to a state park, it is close to businesses and services in Bloomfield, West Hartford, and Simsbury. Bradley International Airport is only 20 minutes away, according to Milroy. “I’ve made that trip many times,” she said.

Asked to sum up this property, Abend said, “The flexibility of the floor plan allows for so many different uses and options. And the screened gazebo is perfect for warm weather entertaining. Overall, it is a simply charming house.”

Info:

Built: 1986

Price: $485,000

Style: Colonial

Rooms: 11

Bedrooms: 3

Baths: 2 full; 1 half

Square footage: 3,282

Acreage: 0.94

Mill rate: 36.78

Best Feature: The location, which is very convenient and very private. This adds to the charm of this unique colonial.

Contact:  Mollie Abend

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England

860-997-0313

mabend@bhhsne.com

The combination of a brick exterior for the first floor and a classic white stucco and half timber treatment for the second floor serves to raise expectations for what awaits inside of the home at Asylum Avenue and North Quaker Lane in West Hartford. It also allows this house to stand out in an exceptional neighborhood of beautiful homes.

The flagstone walkway to the front entrance only enhances what guests anticipate will be found beyond the front door. Here, visitors are greeted by a warm and welcoming entry hall, with an open stairway to the second floor and a view through an arched passageway of the living room. Hardwood floors, that have been carefully maintained and are used throughout the home, add warmth and beauty.

“The living room is large. It goes the entire length of the home,” said Tony Buccheri of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England, who is handling the sale.  He noted that the size of the living room, which includes a beautiful wood-burning fireplace surrounded by wide, carefully crafted trim work and a mantle, makes numerous furniture layouts possible. At the far end, French doors lead to a smaller room that currently serves as a home office,

Another arched opening, also at the far end of the living room, features more beautifully crafted trim that follows perfectly the flowing curve at the top of this passageway. It leads to a large open dining room and kitchen. “It’s one great space, perfect for gatherings,” Buccheri said. “Here, it feels like a newly built home inside, with the open concept, but it still maintains its charm with the French doors and archways.

“The scale of the kitchen is not fully reflected in the photos,” he added. “It’s a large kitchen, with a tremendous amount of cabinet and counter space and a huge island. It’s an open concept [floor plan in this part of the house] with all the modern amenities, yet the home is very classical. It has been significantly updated without losing its charm.”

Evidence of these updates is everywhere to be seen. Yet these improvements meld with the style of the home while adding functionality and meeting contemporary expectations. Examples include significant lighting upgrades, including recessed and, in the kitchen, pendant lighting fixtures. Remaining in the kitchen, quartz counters and the tile backsplash glisten, while the island features ample additional room for meal preparation or school projects, along with seating for up to five people. In addition, the kitchen has ample space for a large refrigerator, a range with a hood, dishwasher, built-in microwave, and wine chiller.

The sense of space is enhanced by the kitchen’s seamless connection to the formal dining area. These two rooms occupy nearly the entire south side of the home, with the dining area offering additional flexibility thanks to French doors that lead to a covered porch and level side yard. A half bath and access to the attached two-car garage complete the first floor.

The second floor includes four bedrooms and two recently remodeled bathrooms. One of these updated baths serves the primary suite while the other is off the second floor hall. The primary suite is large and comfortable. It easily accommodates a king size bed and a wide range of furnishings. The other three bedrooms are also roomy, with one featuring a reading nook that can be closed off by more French doors. This area could serve as a second home office.

“The second floor also has a laundry,” Buccheri said. “That is another modern convenience.” It is a 21st century upgrade that blends perfectly with the early 20th century charm that sets this home apart.

The third floor offers more finished living space. “You go up the stairs and you are greeted by a large living area,” Buccheri said. “it’s a great feature of the home. It could be a study, a library, or a rec room. It’s just a nice, big extra space. When you open the door, you have to say, ‘wow, this is a lot of livable space.’ In addition, the third floor has the plumbing connections that would be needed for a third bathroom.” When he says this room is large, he is not exaggerating. It occupies the entire footprint of the house.

Other factors to consider include the careful maintenance and additional tasteful upgrades that this home has had. These include a new roof and new windows. Central air conditioning has also been added for summertime comfort. Other enhancements date back to its early history, including crystal door knobs and crown molding, both of which add a touch of elegance.

Then, there is this home’s location. Elizabeth Park is within walking distance, and the center of West Hartford, Blue Back Square, and numerous shopping areas, professional offices, exceptional restaurants, and recreational opportunities are within minutes of the home. The same is true of downtown Hartford, Avon, and Bloomfield. Mass transit options are also close by, making this home even more convenient.

“This is a wonderfully charming home,” Buccheri said. Its curb appeal is undeniable, while its interior is spacious and inviting. The open kitchen, which flows seamlessly into the formal dining area, is as ideal for entertaining large gatherings as it is for daily living. It is a home that represents an exceptional value.

Info:

Built: 1929

Price: $799,000

Style: Tudor

Rooms: 8

Bedrooms: 4

Baths: 2 full; 1 half

Square footage: 2,707

Acreage: 0.26

Mill rate: 42.35

Best Feature: This is a classic Tudor, loaded with charm. Yet, thanks to tasteful upgrades, it is also able to meet contemporary needs and expectations.

Contact:  Tony Buccheri

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties

860-983-0748

tbuccheri@bhhsne.com

Thanks to its large lot and substantial setback from Bolton Road, it feels secluded and private. It is also noticeably quiet, thanks to the surrounding woods.

Despite this feeling of privacy, however, the home 436 Bolton Road in Vernon is just 10 minutes from large shopping areas in several towns, including Vernon. The I-84 interchanges for traffic heading east and west are just a few minutes away, and it’s only 25 minutes to Bradley International Airport. This is a home that delivers privacy without isolating residents.

As for the home itself, it has been meticulously maintained over the years and features an open floor plan, ample room on three levels, and a large deck and backyard. Combined, these elements make it ideal for daily living and entertaining. It is clearly able to handle large gatherings without overwhelming smaller parties.

The entry hall is welcoming, and features an open stairway to the second floor, a sightline to the family room, and easy access to the living room on the right. Crown molding is used throughout much of the home, including the entry hall, adding an elegant touch. The flooring in the entry is tile, however, hardwood flooring, in excellent condition, is used through most of the first floor and on the second floor landing.

The living room is large, yet it would still serve nicely for smaller gatherings. Its focal point will inevitably be the brick fireplace that is surrounded by wide, attractive millwork that includes a mantle. At the end of the living room, French doors, with transom windows above, lead to the formal dining room. A second French door allows for easy access to the kitchen, which is open to the family room.

Most visitors, however, will reach this large kitchen-family room area by heading straight toward the rear of the home from the front door. This reveals a large area for gathering with family and friends. It also affords impressive views through large windows in sidelights and doors that go to the rear deck, back yard, and the in-ground swimming pool.

At one end of the family room are built-in bookshelves and lower cabinets. At the other end, the family room is open to a large eat-in galley kitchen. People in both areas can enjoy the fireplace, which it turns out is the same fireplace serving the living room. It is open on both sides and it currently uses a gas log. However, this could be easily removed for a wood fire. The masonry surrounding the fireplace even includes a cove for storing firewood.

The galley kitchen is wide enough to allow a chef and helpers to work without bumping into each other. The granite counters on the outer wall feature the sink, with impressive views of the backyard, and a four-burner gas cooktop. The other side includes more granite counter space, a large refrigerator, and double electric wall ovens.

The ample cabinet space in the kitchen is augmented by a large pantry. The kitchen also accesses a tiled mudroom with a half bath, a door to the attached two-car garage, and another door to the 1,100 square foot Trex deck at the rear of the home. This deck extends nearly the length of the house and includes a shaded pavilion, a large screened-in three-season covered porch with lighting and a ceiling fan, and access to the pool, with its separate pool house.

To the left of the front entry is a hall leading to two first floor bedrooms and a full bath. A pocket door provides additional separation for this bedroom hallway.

The front bedroom on the first floor is nicely sized while the second bedroom on this floor, at the rear of the home, is larger, has a view through large windows of the pool, and access to the rear deck. Two closets, one a walk-in with a great deal of space, also grace this bedroom, while the shared bath has a large shower and attractive tile. The second floor has two more bedrooms and another full bath, with shallow alcoves in the bedrooms following the gambrel roofline adding space and visual interest.

The lower level takes advantage of the sloping lot to include a large window in a nicely finished room. Here, an alcove serves as a cozy spot to read a book. A large laundry room with ample storage is also in this area. Separated from this finished space is a large storage room with the home’s mechanicals and a separate workshop. Here, a second set of stairs goes to the garage.

The property has a large storage building and beautiful stone walls. As for the home, its meticulous care includes the recent installation of a Buderus boiler for the multi-zone heating system and a top-of-the-line air conditioning system. The electrical service is generator ready, simplifying the task of adding this feature if the next owner wishes to install a backup power source.

In addition to the forest and hiking trails at the rear of the home, the woods on the left are in a Vernon land trust. This property is also within walking distance to Valley Falls Park and a Rails to Trails conversion that goes through Vernon. Perhaps most impressive of all, however, is the exceptional quality of workmanship and attention to detail that is obvious throughout this home.

Info Box:

Built: 1966

Price: $599,900

Style: Dutch Colonial

Rooms: 8

Bedrooms: 4

Baths: 2 full; 1 half

Square footage: 2,607

Acreage: 2.76

Mill rate: 33.39

Best Feature: The backyard and pool area. Combined with the open floor plan, it opens countless possibilities for entertaining and daily living.

Contact:  Melania Hasiuk

William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty

860-817-1366

mhasiuk@wpsir.com

As Brigitte Richter of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, who is handling the sale in Hunter’s Run at 4 Gatewood in Avon with Sonia Peck, put it, “The home at 4 Gatewood is a townhouse with three levels of really beautiful finished living space. What sets this home apart is that it offers three full bedroom suites, each on its own level. This flexible layout is ideal for a family, hosting guests, or even multigenerational living, ensuring everyone has their own private space.”

The first floor features an open floor plan. “The formal living room is undoubtedly the highlight, thanks to its dramatic height that extends to the top of the second floor, vaulted ceiling, large windows with valley views, and an opening to the loft on the second level,” Sonia Peck explains. Hardwood flooring, used through much of the first floor, adds visual warmth, while the two story high living room windows and skylights brighten the area. A gas fireplace surrounded by beautifully crafted millwork serves as a focal point.

The formal dining room is open to the kitchen and living room with its space defined by two columns and a lowered recessed ceiling with crown molding and wainscoting.

Adjacent to the dining room is the kitchen with a separate casual dining space. A raised counter that doubles as a breakfast bar separates the two rooms without isolating the chef. This kitchen features granite counters, a tiled backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and a center work space that allows helpers to work without interfering with the chef. A glass door off the casual eating area not only lets in light and takes in the valley views, it also opens to a large deck, perfect for outdoor entertaining.

“The kitchen is well done. The most beautiful part of it is the natural light that comes in through the big arched windows,” said Sonia Peck. “Everything flows very seamlessly. There aren’t any dead ends,” added Brigitte Richter. A separate laundry room, half bath, and access to the attached two-car garage complete the public areas of the first floor.

The other first floor highlight is the primary suite. As Richter put it, “The primary suite is generously sized with a large bedroom, walk-in closet, a hallway, and a beautiful bathroom with a soaking tub, double vanities, granite counters and a beautiful walk-in shower.” The primary bedroom suite has its own hallway which separates it from the rest of the living space on this level. This home makes single floor living exceedingly easy.

“Go up the stairs [to the second floor] and you enter a loft area that overlooks the living room on one side. Or you can look back and see the entrance area. It’s nice and open. You can use this area as a little living room and watch TV up there. And from the loft you have access to the second bedroom suite, which also has beautiful valley views. It has a full attached bath and a nice sized walk-in closet,” Richter said.

Peck then noted that, “An office is on the other side of the open loft. The office has beautiful custom built-ins, a ton of bookshelves and cabinets and a skylight. And it has a walk-in storage area adjacent to it. The amount of storage this unit has is really incredible.”

“The lower level has been beautifully finished with crown molding,” Richter shared. “It features a cozy living room area with a gas fireplace framed by custom built-ins, as well as an open space currently set up as a game room with a pool table. There’s also a bedroom with a walk-in closet and an adjacent full bath. This level offers great versatility, whether as a rec room or a separate living space.”

“You can walk right out to the backyard from this level, and there’s ample storage space as well,” Peck noted. “Thanks to the sloped lot, the walkout leads to another generous deck, which is covered by the first-floor deck”

For prospective buyers interested in maintenance-free living, Peck had more good news. “The condo association takes care of everything, from lawn mowing and snow removal to spring and fall cleanups. It’s truly easy living.” Richter added, “The homeowners association also covers the roof, siding, and deck maintenance, making it even more convenient.”

Other amenities available to owners are a clubhouse, tennis courts, pickleball courts, an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, a gym, a community room and a card room. “They also host many social events,” Peck mentioned. “It’s a wonderful community for all ages. It truly offers something for everyone.”

The location has to be considered ideal. It is on the east side of Avon, near the West Hartford line, which means the business districts and shopping centers in Avon, Simsbury and West Hartford are all around the corner. In addition, a golf course, health club, numerous services including medical facilities, and schools are nearby.

Ultimately, “We categorize this unit as a house because the dimensions and the scale of everything are so generous. You feel like you are in a home, not a condo,” Richter said.

Info:

Built: 2003

Price: $675,000

Style: Contemporary

Rooms: 8

Bedrooms: 3

Baths: 3 full; 1 half

Square footage: Levels 1&2: 2,623; Lower Level: 950; Total: 3,573

Mill rate: 29.66

Best Feature: This townhouse, with three fully finished levels of living space, feels like a single family home.

Contact:  Brigitte Richter or Sonia Peck

William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty

rpteam@wpsir.com

860-205-3833 or 860-983-3032

That is what makes this planned home at 15 Parsons Way in Avon exceptional.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to build your dream home,” said Cathy McCahill of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty.

Construction on this approximately 3,500 square foot country colonial farmhouse has not yet started, meaning that the buyer “will be able to influence many aspects of the design, including the floor plan, kitchen layout, primary suite amenities, and architectural details, such as the wood species for flooring, kitchen cabinet design, and counter material. And this is just the beginning,”

McCahill said of the design options. “The builder, Brook View Developers, LLC, does not do cookie-cutter homes. They do custom work.”

The builder plans on constructing a classic colonial farm house on this four-plus acre plot of land on Parsons Way. This is a style that has been a favorite for years and continues to be in high demand today. “Country farm house colonials sell very quickly,” McCahill said.

The exterior of the home planned for this location has front-facing gables with precisely aligned roof angles and a large wraparound front porch supported by columns that please and intrigue the eye. The interior, however, awaits the buyer’s touches.

“An open floor plan is in the initial design and it will be stunning,” McCahill said. “It will be an entertainer’s dream. The beautiful chef’s kitchen will be open to a breakfast area and family room. It will be perfect for hosting holiday events.” The sense of space that comes from an open floor plan will be enhanced by high nine-foot ceilings, while generously sized windows will ensure plenty of natural light.

In addition to being able to design the perfect kitchen, and select the appliances with the performance and style to fit their wants and needs, elsewhere in the home, “People can also do what they want. If they want coffered ceilings, we’ll do it. If they want a den or home office with French doors, we can do that too. Matt [referring to Matthew Reale of Brook View Developers] is a custom builder. He uses the best craftsmen in the area and he takes the time to do things right,” McCahill said.

As initially planned, there will be a home office on the first floor. Then, there are additional details to be determined. A buyer could opt for oak flooring on the first floor with three coats of oil-based polyurethane. “We often use 3 ¼ inch wide boards, but we can also use wider boards and different wood species, if the buyer would like, such as 5-inch oak character grade, 6-inch boards, or hickory, to name a few,” McCahill said. Other options include a primary suite on the first or second floor, design modifications that can accommodate intergenerational living, and features that can deliver a spa-like experience in the primary bedroom’s bath.

This primary bedroom suite is slated to have ample space, a very large walk-in closet, and a luxury bathroom. Its features will include a large tiled walk-in shower and dual sinks set off by a vaulted ceiling. Three additional bedrooms and a second full bath are also planned for the second floor.

The builder specializes in delivering homes with dry basements, which means the lower level can be easily upgraded. Popular options include a rec room, hobby area, home theater, or a gym. A second set of stairs, from the three-car garage to the basement, can be selected by the buyer.

Adding to this home’s appeal is the location. “It’s a four-acre lot on Parsons Way, which is a beautiful cul-de-sac,” McCahill said. “And it’s on the east side of Avon. It is literally on the West Hartford line, so it is ultra convenient to go to the Avon town center, all the restaurants in West Hartford, and walking and bicycle trails down the road. Renbrook School is also down the road,” she added.

McCahill believes that, “There’s going to be a gorgeous sunset view. If you cleared this land, which sits on a knoll, I think you will have a beautiful view to the west, It’s in a million dollar neighborhood currently with five beautiful homes.”

Adding to this home’s appeal will be its energy efficiency and “low, or no maintenance exterior,” as McCahill described it. “The home will have state-of-the-art heating and cooling systems and ample insulation, so the energy cost should be very reasonable,” McCahill said. Low maintenance clapboard siding will deliver a traditional New England look.

Rarely do home buyers get to specify exactly what they want in their next home. It is rarer yet for this option to be available on a home that is to be located on a lovely private four-plus-acre lot on Avon Mountain that is close to a wide range of retail establishments, restaurants, and services, including high quality medical facilities. Bradley International Airport is also just a short drive away, using back roads. “This is one of the last opportunities for a buyer to be able to have exactly what they want in this area,” McCahill said. “The buyer will enjoy a fine home in a neighborhood of fine homes.”

Info Box:

Built: New construction

Price: $1,250,000

Style: Country Colonial Farm House

Rooms: 9, or per plan

Bedrooms: 4, or per plan

Baths: 2 full; 1 half

Square footage: ca. 3,500

Acreage: 4.01

Mill rate: 29.66

Best Feature: Creating a beautiful home that is just the way the buyer wants it, with no compromises.

Contact:  Cathy McCahill or Svetlana Chkolnik

William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty

860-480-6760

cmccahill@wpsir.com

The gable roofs facing the road at 3 Lilac Terrace in West Hartford, the stonework around the front door, and the landscaping and plantings in the front yard, are both welcoming and aesthetically pleasing. They reflect a high level of planning and care that is found throughout the home. It is, however, the interior, with its five-bedrooms, that will be most impressive.

The entry hall, with its maintained hardwood flooring, partially open stairway to the second floor, and crown molding, which is used throughout much of the first floor, all add a touch of contemporary elegance. It is, however, what awaits at the end of this entry hallway that will be most dramatic and exciting. For here an open floor plan, encompassing the kitchen, dining area and living room, comes into view. The result is a feeling of space that enhances both daily activities and entertaining.

“Open floor plans are a concept people today love,” said Jared Jordan of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties. He is handling the sale.

For either entertaining or daily activities, it is the kitchen, with its ample counter space and large island, that will be the center of activity. The counter that runs along the outer walls of the kitchen includes the sink, dishwasher, microwave, and gas range, with ample storage space to be found in both lower and upper cabinets. As for the island, it seats four people comfortably and has more storage space. A large walk-in pantry, at the end of the counter next to the refrigerator offers even more space for kitchen supplies, utensils, and staple items. A combination of pendant and recessed lighting provides ample illumination after dark, while an interior barn door, on rollers, closes off a mudroom that accesses the attached two-car garage and stairs to the cellar.

The kitchen is open to the dining area, which is defined by an attractive chandelier and, just around the corner, to the living room, with its fireplace. The dining area also accesses a deck at the rear of the home, making it ideal for outdoor entertaining during nice weather. In addition, the first floor has a home office and a half bath. This office area could be repurposed as a den or playroom. Throughout the first floor, the hardwood flooring flows uninterrupted from room to room.

The second floor has three of the home’s five bedrooms and a good sized laundry room. The highlight has to be the primary suite, which is large enough to comfortably accommodate a king size bed and a sofa and chairs. “This bedroom is a good size, it is really big,” Jordan said. A passageway to the primary suite’s bath passes by the doors to two walk-in closets.

The primary bathroom, which Jordan said is also quite large, features dual vanities, each with a sink, a large glass enclosed tiled shower and a soaking tub. The commode has its own room and there is a large linen closet.

The two additional second floor bedrooms are spacious and are served by a full bath. One of the bedrooms has a walk-in closet, there is another linen closet accessed from the hallway, and the laundry room has its own sink.

The third floor holds the fourth and fifth bedrooms. Both are comfortably sized, have dual closets and are served by the home’s third full bath, which has a bathtub. A skylight in this bath lets in plenty of natural light. The third floor landing also accesses a linen closet.

The basement has the home’s mechanical systems and a hatchway, for outside access. For servicing basement systems, which includes central air conditioning, workers can enter through the garage and directly access the cellar stairs without having to traipse through the house, or use the hatchway.

“The basement is unfinished, but it was built to be anything the owner wants it to be,” Jordan said. “It includes rough plumbing for a bath,” he added. That means any number of options exist, including adding a rec room, hobby area, home theater, or game room. In addition to basement storage, the garage has storage space.

This home is in the recently completed Gledhill Estates development. Its location at the end of a cul-de-sac ensures minimal traffic and maximum privacy. That it is nestled just off Mountain Road near the intersection with Albany Avenue means that it is close to West Hartford’s major shopping and commercial areas, including Blue Back Square, West Hartford Center, and Bishops Corner. I-84 is close by and Bradley International Airport is just a short drive away. A wide range of restaurants catering to fine or casual dining are nearby. West Hartford is also noted for its municipal services and fine school system as well as its proximity to the UConn Medical Center.

Adding to this property’s appeal is the home owner’s association, which takes care of the yard work, including grass cutting and snow removal. That means extended absences by the owners should not be a problem. Long winter vacations to warmer areas can be taken without worrying about snow removal, while longer summer getaways won’t involve arranging for a grass cutting service.

“The house sits on about a fifth of an acre,” Jordan said. In addition, it is near hiking trails and other recreational opportunities. Consider it an ideal house in an ideal location, Jordan added.

Info:

Built: 2018

Price: $749,000

Style: Colonial

Rooms: 9

Bedrooms: 5

Baths: 3 full; 1 half

Square footage: 3,285

Mill rate: 42.35

Best Feature: Open floor plan with the deck off the back in this newly built home is perfect for contemporary lifestyles.

Contact:  Jared Jordan

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties

860-305-8040

jaredjordan@bhhsne.com

“This home is impressive. It’s spectacular. You have balconies on every level and views overlooking Hartford,” he said.

Later, he described the home, which is in the highly desirable Balfour neighborhood, at 162 Balfour Drive in West Hartford, as “stunning.” Although it is listed as a colonial, it goes beyond many of the traditional design elements associated with this architectural style, the better to serve the needs of contemporary buyers.

“This is a great home for entertaining,” Jordan said. It is spacious, with high ceilings that add to a feeling of openness. Enhancing this impression is the open floor plan. “Once you enter the home you can throughout the first floor,” he said.

Immediately upon entering, a visitor cannot help but notice the high quality of the construction and the exceptional levels of attention paid to the trim and millwork. From glistening hardwood floors to crown molding, this home stands out. It is impressive, yet it is also warm and inviting.

The kitchen is ready to serve as the center of activity for both entertaining and day-to-day living. It is large and equipped to handle a wide range of culinary activities, from preparing a light snack to creating a gourmet meal for a large party.

“The kitchen has custom cherry wood cabinets, high-end Viking appliances, the countertops are granite, the backsplash is marble, and it has a stone floor,” Jordan said. It combines high levels of beauty with undeniable practicality. And, if the ample counter space proves to be insufficient, there is a large island with a second sink that is ideal for preparing vegetables. This island also offers comfortable seating for up to six people.

The kitchen is open to the family and dining rooms. In the family room a large stone fireplace with a raised hearth, one of two fireplaces in the home, and a ceiling treatment with recessed lighting, boxed beams and a natural wood accent running the length of the room, are visual highlights.

The dining room ceiling rises to the top of the second floor, which adds to the feeling of space, while large windows, a feature throughout the home, let in ample natural light. Adding to the dining room’s visual appeal, the second floor hall is open on two sides to the dining room below.

As for the living room, it can accommodate a grand piano in one area with ample room left over for seating arrangements that can cater to small groups or large parties. A full wet bar at one end is also included, as is space for a billiard table.

Jordan is quick to point out that the first floor also has a circular reading area with a round glass floor segment that looks down into the wine cellar, which can be considered a work of art. It is climate controlled, features beautiful stone work to frame the wine storage areas, and has space for 2,500 bottles. Two half baths complete the first floor.

The second floor holds four of the home’s five bedrooms, including a beautiful primary suite. It is large, accesses a private balcony with an impressive view, and has two large walk-in closets with built-in storage cabinets, drawers and racks. It is, however, the large bath that may be considered the highlight of the suite. It has a large circular soaking tub, separate shower, dual sink vanity, and beautiful tile work. Adding to winter comfort, the floor has radiant heating, a feature also used on the first floor.

Three additional bedrooms are on the second floor. One has a private bath and a walk-in closet. The other two bedrooms share a Jack-and-Jill bath. All of the bedrooms are nicely sized and feature good closet space. An oversized recreation room is included on this floor along with the home’s laundry.

The third floor features a large open room and a full bath. A barrel ceiling at one end accesses the highest balcony. As Jordan noted, the higher you go in the home, the better the views.

In the lower level, there is an impressively finished eight seat home theater. In addition, there is a full bath and access to the wine cellar. This lower floor is actually at ground level.

The home comes with a three-car garage and ample parking in an area that is best described as a courtyard with a surface made up of pavers. Beyond that is an indoor sports court, large enough for basketball practice and other games and recreational activities. It can be reached from the house, without going outside, and for wintertime comfort, it, too, features radiant floor heating.

The backyard is ideal for family activities. A heated in-ground gunite swimming pool has an adjacent heated spa, for the ultimate in relaxation. Beyond that is an outdoor fireplace.

The Balfour Drive location is ideal. While the neighborhood is peaceful and quiet, it is close to Blue Back Square, West Hartford Center, and restaurants and shops that cater to a wide range of tastes. The UConn Medical Center is also nearby, as are downtown Hartford and the centers of Farmington and Avon. Hiking and biking trails are also close.

With its ability to combine luxury living, an ideal location, and a highly appealing exterior and interior design, this home has to be considered unique.

Info :

Built: 2010

Price: $2,387,000

Style: Colonial

Rooms: 12

Bedrooms: 4

Baths: 6 full; 2 half

Square footage: 11,543

Acreage: 1.27

tax rate: 42.35 mills

Best Feature: This is a great home for entertaining, with an open floor plan that allows all the elements to “flow together,” as Jared Jordan put it.

Contact:  Jared Jordan

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties

860-305-8040

jaredjordan@bhhsne.com

With beautiful views of the lake and Pine Island, this waterfront property has combined a resort-like setting with a spacious home that is as perfectly suited for daily living as it is for entertaining.

It’s on Candlewood Lake in Brookfield, Connecticut.

“This home is really one-of-a-kind,” said Kevin Eagan of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services New England Properties, who is handling the sale. “It’s stunning. It has high-end finishes throughout and beautiful water views.”

Custom double front doors welcome visitors while an open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and large windows that look out on captivating waterfront views from just about any room, make this home unique. Facing west, the expanse of windows makes it possible to enjoy spectacular sunsets throughout the year from most rooms in the house.

From the front entry, visitors get just a hint of the gorgeous views that can be seen from the rear of the home. This entry hall provides a direct path to the living room, where a large stone fireplace with its beautifully crafted masonry chimney provides a focal point that complements the view of the lake. It also defines the living room and dining area in this open floor plan. To the left of this entry hall are the state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen and the formal dining area, which has direct access to a deck.

While the kitchen is at the front of the home, it still manages to take advantage of the exceptional views of the lake through large floor-to-ceiling windows in the dining area. Give credit to the open floor plan. The kitchen is also partially open to the entry hall, dining room and living room, which gives it an added sense of space. Exposed beams, the chimney’s handsome stone masonry work, and a vaulted ceiling with a generous array of recessed lighting add to the interior’s visual appeal.

The kitchen, which is new, proves to be ideal for meal preparation and entertaining.  The quartz counters along the outer walls provide ample space for meal preparation and baking. There is also a generous allotment of space between the parallel counter tops. A wide peninsula with a contemporary waterfall end treatment offers additional space for meal preparation as well as seating for up to three people. Premium high-end appliances include a built-in cooktop unit and wall oven.

The living room can easily handle intimate parties or larger gatherings. The stone fireplace, one of two in the home, would normally be the focal point, were it not for the scenery visible through this room’s large lakefront windows. Cherry flooring, used throughout most of the first floor, adds beauty and warmth.

A large 50-foot deck, accessed from the dining room and with unfettered views of the lake and Pine Island, encourages outdoor gatherings during pleasant weather. Safety glass inserts in this deck’s railing system take the place of balusters so as not to impede the view from inside the home or the deck. These also give the home a sleek modern appearance.

The home’s three bedrooms are located on the first floor. The primary suite has a large window that faces the lake and Pine Island, while a vaulted ceiling, alcove for a dresser, two closets, and a beautiful bath with a dual sink vanity, large glass enclosed shower, and a separate soaking tub, complete this suite. Its first floor location makes this home ideal for buyers seeking one-floor living. Two other first floor bedrooms share a second full bath.

The lower level is fully finished. The slope of the lot allows this area of the home full access to yard and lake. Large windows and glass doors that lead to a bluestone patio located under the first floor deck admit ample light while providing more chances to take in the beautiful surrounding lakeside scenery.

The highlight of the lower level has to be the large rec room. It features the home’s second fireplace, a fully functioning wet bar, and patio access. Completing this lower level are a sitting room, a room that could serve as a home office, and a full bath. This lower level has a stone floor that is heated for comfort when the weather turns cold. It also has the home’s laundry, storage space, and the home’s mechanical systems.

“The yard has multiple levels,” Eagan said.”Level one has the stone patio, an outdoor shower, and a storage shed. Level two is a seating area and level three goes down to the lake and the dock that comes with the house.” These tiered levels feature stone retaining walls and a lakeside fire pit.

As Eagan noted, the home uses high-end finishes throughout the interior and on the exterior, which was designed with low maintenance in mind. The home also features central air conditioning, a whole house generator, new metal roof, automatic awnings, and window shades. It is close to Routes 6, 202, and 7, but “It’s in a really private area. Still, it is just 90 minutes from New York City, and it is close to restaurants, shopping, the marina, and services,” he said.

Ultimately, however, Eagan believes that the views from this home, and the care and attention to detail in finishing the interior and exterior — “no expense was spared,” he said — are its most appealing qualities. It is definitely a unique property.

Info:

Built: 2009

Price: $2,950,000

Style: Contemporary

Rooms: 9

Bedrooms: 3

Baths: 3

Square footage: 2,943

Acreage: 0.22

Mill rate: 27.90

Best Feature: The waterfront location with its incomparable views.

Contact:  Kevin Eagan

860-416-3333

kevineagan@bhhsne.com

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties

It is an architectural style that is just as beautiful and impressive today as it was when this nation was founded. For proof, look no further than the Wilcox House. This classic colonial on East Street in Middletown predates the U.S. Constitution.

As noted by Sacha Armstrong-Crockett, the William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty agent handling the sale, “This extraordinary home has a rich history.”

Dating to 1786, it has served as a farmer’s house, an exceptional and historic Air BNB destination, and even done duty as a Christmas movie set. More recently, it has been home for a master gardener and wedding florist.

Beautiful fenced-in gardens with numerous perennials, impressive landscaping, and a field of wild flowers on this nearly three acre lot bear witness to just some of the efforts that the current owners have expended on the grounds in caring for and improving this home. As for the home itself, they have managed updates that deliver contemporary levels of comfort and efficiency while retaining this home’s colonial charm and character.

As was common for center chimney colonials from the late 18th century, this home has a central front entry. Upon stepping inside, guests will immediately be impressed by the wide wood flooring, the six-panel doors, and the millwork. A glance to the left reveals the formal living room with beautiful raised panel wall treatments below a chair rail, and a large fireplace, one of six in the home. Above the chair rail this living room features lovely William Morris wall coverings, which are used throughout the home. This living room can comfortably accommodate larger parties, yet it also suits more intimate gatherings. To the right of the central entry, which has one of two stairways to the second floor, is a first floor bedroom.

Beyond the living room is a large open family room and dining area. The focal point here is another large fireplace, while the flooring, consisting of wide king’s wood planks, also commands attention. In addition, this area accesses a full bath with ample room for a washer and dryer, and the back stairs to the second floor.

To the rear, in the home’s ell, is the eat-in kitchen, a bonus room, a full bath, and access to a screened-in porch. The kitchen is a standout. The work area has a brick floor in a herringbone pattern with wide king’s wood flooring in the rest of the kitchen. Ample counter space is augmented by an island while new stainless steel appliances, including a Zline range, make meal preparation a pleasure.

The bonus room has yet another fireplace with a wood burning stove and exposed posts and ceiling beams. On one side the bonus room accesses the driveway and, on the other side, the three-season screened-in porch with its slate floor and beautiful views of the manicured gardens and surrounding property. A second first-floor full bath completes this area.

The four bedrooms on the second floor, two with fireplaces, are served by the home’s third full bath. These rooms are roomy and feature exceptional views of the property from large windows.

“The current owners have invested more than $200,000 in recent improvements, including interior and exterior painting, bathroom remodeling, and a newer heating and air conditioning system,” Sacha Armstrong-Crockett said. That upgrade included switching the heating system fuel from oil to gas.

Outside, the driveway includes parking for up to eight cars and a separate three car garage combined with a spacious artist’s workshop. This garage and workshop-studio combination also has a walk-in cooler room.

Beyond the house are beautifully landscaped grounds. Outdoor amenities include a gunite in-ground pool and spa surrounded by a large patio, and a separate gathering area with seating for eight surrounding a fire pit on a pea stone surface. It is fenced off and surrounded by plantings. A barn located at the rear of the yard is perfect for holding events or for additional work space.

In addition to the fresh paint, the house features 40-year red cedar roof shingles, copper gutters, and soundproof Indow windows, which are noted for their ability to help keep a home warm in winter, cool in summer, and quiet throughout the year.

This home’s location can be considered ideal. While it is on a suburban street, its large lot and mature trees gives it a country feel. Yet it is close to Routes 9 and I-91, a wide variety of services, exceptional restaurants, cultural and recreational opportunities, and Wesleyan University. Its location also makes for an easy commute to Hartford or New Haven, and it is just two hours from New York City.

“This is more than just a home. It’s a lifestyle and a sanctuary,” said Armstrong-Crockett. “The home captures the essence of the “cottagecore” movement, in which folks from out of state moved here during the pandemic in pursuit of a simpler life.

“It’s a home perfect for those craving a connection to nature, an escape from the hustle, while still remaining close to a thriving and colorful downtown as well as the art and culture Wesleyan University offers the community. This home is for a broad list of buyers; it’s great for multi generational living with great space for a chef, an artist, an event planner, or gardener!”

Info:

Built: 1786

Price: $910,000

Style: Center Chimney Colonial

Rooms: 9

Bedrooms: 5

Baths: 3

Square footage: 3,010

Acreage: 2.87

Mill rate: 30.1

Best Feature: This home has been thoughtfully updated in a way that has respected its rich history without limiting its ability to deliver all the modern comforts.

Contact:  Sacha Armstrong-Crockett

William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty

860-538-7778

sacrockett@wpsir.com

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