Upscale luxury homes built during the depression, such as this Nantucket-style colonial, have an understandable appeal in today’s market. People who had the money to build a premium home, such as this one, in the early 1930s had their pick of skilled craftsmen eager for work.
“They got all the best skilled people and the best quality materials,” said Mollie Abend of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties.
She is the agent handling the sale of at 11 Chelsea Lane in West Hartford, and she noted that the craftsmanship and attention to detail in this home are still readily apparent wherever one looks.
“You have wonderful details, arched doorways, hardwood floors, a beautiful front-to-back living room with a paneled fireplace, and custom built-ins” she said.
Just as the original quality of materials and craftsmanship are obvious on a tour of this property, so too are the thoughtful and significant updates that have occurred over the years. As a result, “This home perfectly blends historical charm with modern sophistication,” Abend said.
That historical charm is obvious upon entering the home. The front foyer with its arched doorway and complementary arched portals to the central hall, living room and den, the hardwood flooring, crown molding, and wide baseboard trim only hint at what awaits a visitor in the rest of the home. Perhaps one of the most stunning details in the home is found in the central hall. Here a painstakingly crafted curved open stairway leads to the second floor landing and hallway.
11 Chelsea Lane in West Hartford
Just beyond the living room is the room that will undoubtedly be the center of activity for daily living and entertaining. “The home has a gourmet kitchen with abundant cabinet space and a large island with a honed quartz countertop,” Abend said. “There’s also a walk-in pantry for extra storage, and the kitchen has access to the post-and-beam pavilion and patio,” located in the backyard, she said.
Four people can sit comfortably at the kitchen’s island. It is the counters along the kitchen’s outer walls that have a built-in surface cooktop with a hood, the sink, built-in double ovens, a very large double refrigerator, and dishwasher. More built-in cabinets along the end wall include a desk for handling household duties, additional storage, and more counter work space. Keeping things bright after dark are recessed lights, pendant lighting over the island, and under cabinet lights for counter top tasks. In addition, the kitchen can accommodate casual meals with ease.
Beyond the kitchen is the dining room with views of the professionally landscaped grounds and immediate access to the pavilion. It is on a deck, which is slightly elevated above the bluestone patio. “The pavilion has lighting and is ideal for summertime entertaining,” Abend said. She also noted that the house and plantings in the yard make the backyard “very private.” It is perfect for family activities and get-togethers of all sizes.
11 Chelsea Lane West Hartford
Remaining on the first floor, “The original kitchen has been reimagined. It can function as an artist’s studio, a playroom, or an exercise area,” Abend said. In addition to added counter space and storage cabinets, this room has a sink. “Or it could be turned into a laundry room,” she suggested. A mudroom that provides access to the attached two-car garage and two half baths complete the first floor.
Upstairs, there are five bedrooms, a possible home office or sitting room attached to the primary suite, and four full baths. “The primary suite is very spacious,” Abend said. With the ancillary room, this area becomes a peaceful retreat within the home “The primary also has a spa-like bath with a dual vanity, soaking tub, and walk-in shower. And there is a huge custom walk-in closet, with all of the built-ins,” Abend said. There are four additional bedrooms. Two of these bedrooms have private baths while the other two share a Jack-and-Jill bathroom.
Among the careful and well thought out upgrades that have occurred over the years was a conversion to geothermal heating and air conditioning. Geothermal units deliver exceptional comfort and energy efficiency. This unit, which was upgraded in 2024, has five zones for even more efficiency. Also aiding in minimizing energy usage were the retrofitting of blown-in cellulose insulation in the original house and the installation of Andersen windows, which are large and able to flood the rooms with abundant natural light.
The location on Chelsea Lane is ideal. “This is not a ‘cut-through’ road,” said Abend, “It is just one block long.” This eliminates nearly all through traffic, adding to the peace and quiet for residents. In addition, Elizabeth Park is only a block away. Here there are the renowned rose gardens, picnic areas, walking paths, and recreational facilities. Throughout the year the park holds programs including outdoor concerts, gardening workshops, and tours, many of which are free. Dining at Elizabeth Park’s Pond House Cafe is also an easy walk away.
These attractions, plus downtown Hartford, West Hartford Center, and West Hartford’s Blue Back Square are all close by, as is Westfarms Mall. A wide range of restaurants is also nearby along with numerous professional services.
In addition, West Hartford has been rated to be among the top towns in the Northeast by several publications, with award winning schools undoubtedly playing a part in this recognition. This is, Abend said, an ideal home in a wonderful location.
Info:
Built: 1932
Price: $1,250,000
Style: Nantucket-Style Colonial
Rooms: 11
Bedrooms: 5
Baths: 4 full; 2 half
Square footage: 4,018
Acreage: 0.34
Mill rate: 44.78
Best Feature: The location. This home, with its flexible interior, is close to the businesses, restaurants, theaters, and museums in downtown Hartford. It is also close to West Hartford Center and it’s just an easy walk to Elizabeth Park.
Contact: Mollie Abend
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties
860-997-0313
mabend@bhhsne.com
