In many ways, the home at represents what is possible when an incredibly beautiful location is combined with architectural excellence. “As you approach, it is quite majestic,” said Marla Byrnes of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England, who was speaking of the home and the surrounding land.
She is also handling the sale. “From the front you see a beautiful brick colonial and behind it, the sky,” she said.
That is the result of its high elevation, which produces unfettered views to the west. From the land and from within the home at 217 Deercliff Road in Avon, you can literally see for miles. These views are breathtaking.
So, too, is the home. Set back from Deercliff Road, it is invisible from the street. However, guests who take the private drive will quickly be greeted by the sight of a substantial custom-designed brick colonial with sandstone trim, copper gutters, a slate roof, and a cobblestone circular drive in front of the house. These give but a hint of the attention to detail that will be found inside the home.
The walkway from the circular driveway leads to the main entry, which is protected by a portico supported by four columns. Just beyond the front door there is an entry foyer that is open to the living room and soars dramatically to the top of the second floor. It is lighted by a beautiful chandelier and wall sconces, while gleaming hardwood floors add warmth.
These details, however, will probably be eclipsed by the view from the living room windows that are two stories high and overlook the valley to the west. Doors in this bank of windows lead to a terrace that can also be reached from the kitchen, family room, and primary bedroom suite.
“The terrace has a hot tub,” Byrnes said. “Imagine sitting in the hot tub and looking at that vista. It would be magical.”
The living room features a fireplace, one of seven in the home, and ample space for large gatherings. Yet it also would easily accommodate more intimate parties. A second floor hallway bridge that is open to the living room and entry foyer below helps define these two areas as it floats above this space.
To the right of the entry is the formal dining room. The attention to detail found here is most impressive. The fireplace is surrounded by fluted columns and shelving for fine china. The arches these columns form as they rise become part of the crown molding. Raised panels add visual interest below a chair rail while dual chandeliers provide light.
On the other side of the entry foyer is the library. “Enter and you feel as if you have walked into a castle in England,” said Byrnes. “It is just beautiful. The millwork is extraordinary, and of course, the fireplace adds to the charm.” The library’s coffered ceiling is the crowning touch.
The eat-in kitchen and a butler’s pantry are easily reached from the dining room. The kitchen is large enough to allow several chefs to work without interference. An island, with a second full size sink, adds additional work space and seats four. A faucet for filling large pots is above the built-in cooktop, while built-in ovens can handle baking and broiling.
“The kitchen has views at every turn,” Byrnes noted, who then laughed as she added, “Doing the dishes there would be quite a treat.”
Better yet, let the dishwasher handle this task while enjoying the views from the adjacent family room. It has a fireplace, an attractive ceiling treatment, and spellbinding views through its large windows.
The primary suite completes the first floor. It is spacious, has a fireplace, more impressive trim work, and two walk-in closets. Its large bath includes a sauna, dual-sink vanity, large soaking tub, shower, and a separate room for the commode and bidet. A sitting room that accesses the rear terrace is also part of this suite. In addition, the first floor has two half baths, a mudroom that leads to the attached four-car garage, a laundry room, and back stairs.
The main stairs to the second floor are just off the entry foyer and lead to four bedrooms, each with a private bath. The two bedrooms facing the valley have what Byrnes described as Juliet balconies with spectacular views. There is also a generously sized bonus room currently used as a gym.
The third floor has a home theater and a cigar lounge. “It has state-of-the-art air filtration. I’ve walked in and you would never know anyone had smoked cigars there,” Byrnes said.
The lower level is unfinished, though it does have a high ceiling, dual hearth fireplace, and a small room that could become a wine cellar. “It holds tremendous possibilities,” Byrnes said. The home also has a two-car garage with a whole house generator in a separate building.
In summing up this property, Byrnes said, “This is a custom-built home. All the materials, the millwork, and the quality of all of the trim are well beyond what one is accustomed to seeing in a typical house.”
She then added, “The first owners and my clients [the second owners] have been extraordinary stewards in caring for this home. As a result, it looks and feels new. There is no sign of wear. So, the next owner will be getting quality at a price that would not allow its duplication today.”
Info Box:
Built: 2004
Price: $3,100,000
Style: Colonial
Rooms: 15
Bedrooms: 5
Baths: 5 full; 2 half
Square footage: 9,599
Acreage: 4.88
Mill rate: 35.39
Best Feature: The views; to the outside through large windows and within the home of the incredible attention to detail that is evident in the finishes in every room.
Contact: Marla Byrnes
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England
970 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06107
860-212-4501
marlabyrnes@bhhsne.com
