The Connecticut home shows what can happen when a skilled builder with an eye for detail and a perfectionist mindset goes about rebuilding an existing house for personal use. The results are impressive.
“This house stands out with its Pottery Barn-inspired charm. It’s a builder’s home and he created a beautiful living space where he could entertain and live with his family,” said Brigitte Richter, of the home at 5 Rocky Ridge Lane in Farmington.
She and Sonia Peck of the Richter and Peck Team at William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty are handling the sale.
5 Rocky Ridge Lane, Farmington
This Cape Cod style home was built in 1961. Then, in 2016, the builder and current homeowner bought the property and gutted the house. In the rebuilding process, the interior was completely redone, 1,700 square feet were added to create more space and options, the floor plan was opened, and mechanical systems and the home’s technology were brought into the 21st century. Look around this home, inside or out, and you would be hard pressed to find a surface or area that was not updated using quality materials and first-class craftsmanship.
From the outside, the home is undeniably charming. Its front porch protects and welcomes visitors while handsome stonework along the driveway, with built-in steps that lead to a front patio on the way to the front door, make a positive first impression.
Inside, “The heart of the home is the kitchen,” Peck said. Here, a nine-foot island has the sink and ample space for several chefs helpers, along with seating for four. Surrounding this island are counters with more work space and an array of stainless steel appliances. “The kitchen is open to the great room that is two stories high,” Richter said. “It is very dramatic.” A beautiful stone fireplace, surrounded by windows, serves as a focal point.
This open area also has ample space for a long table, which can handle formal dining for large gatherings. To the side, there is another dining area. “I’d describe it as a breakfast area, the perfect spot for a round table,” Peck said. It overlooks the professionally landscaped backyard and has ample windows to take in the view. The kitchen area is also served by a large pantry and has access to the first of two laundry rooms in the home, along with the mudroom and a door to the backyard.
5 Rocky Ridge Lane, Farmington
The first floor also has what Richter described as a formal sitting room. It is rich in the architectural detail that is seen throughout the home. There is shadow boxing below a chair rail, crown molding, and glistening hardwood floors. In addition, the first floor features a home office, with more shadow boxing and crown molding.
Finally, the first floor has a primary bedroom suite that is really a retreat, Richter said. “This is a good sized bedroom with a large walk-in closet,” she said. Attached is a luxurious primary suite bath. “It has been redone and remodeled with Carrara marble. There is a freestanding soaking tub and the shower is just enormous, with a rain shower head. It is beautiful.” A double sink vanity completes this bath.
This primary suite is directly connected to the home office. This room includes a large closet, making it a natural option for a fourth bedroom. It also has direct access to the primary suite, Richter explained. “That makes it equally well-suited as a nursery, sitting room, or office. The layout is very thoughtfully designed or, by closing the door to the primary suite hallway, the space easily functions as a private bedroom with its own access from the front hall.”
There are two sets of stairs to the second floor, one in the entry hall and the other in the great room. This second set of stairs leads to a landing that is large enough for a seating area. “You can read a book and enjoy a cup of coffee here,” said Peck, “while enjoying views of the backyard,” through windows at the second floor level in the great room.
Finally, on the first floor there is a sunroom. Located off the great room, it has a vaulted ceiling, floor-to-ceiling windows, and skylights. “It is just beautiful,” Richter said. It provides direct access to the Trex deck.
5 Rocky Ridge Lane, Farmington
On the second floor there are two bedrooms and a bath. “Both of these bedrooms are generously sized and have walk-in closets,” Richter said. “And they have nooks and spaces where you can put a desk, or have a play area for kids. They are very livable spaces.”
The lower level has a home theater that Peck described as, “…one of the best features of the house.” It is outfitted with the technology needed to enjoy a movie night.
The backyard holds two very attractive out buildings. “One is used as a gym, the other is an office,” Richter said. They are both heated, have electricity and are two more rooms you can use.
Adding to this home’s appeal is the professional landscaping with mature plantings that enhance privacy. Perhaps even more impressive is a long list of improvements the current owner has completed. These include a new furnace, central air conditioning, and water heater. There are new dormers and gutters, new siding, windows and roof. The home’s electrical and plumbing systems have also been addressed, the sheetrock is new, and the list goes on. This home is move-in ready.
Info:
Built: 1961
Price: $899,000
Style: Cape
Rooms: 10
Bedrooms: 4
Baths: 3 full
Square footage: 5,546
Acreage: 0.92
Mill rate: 25.45
Best Feature: The setting, according to Brigitte Richter, with its out buildings that create so many spaces to entertain and enjoy.
Contact: The Richter and Peck Team
William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty
Brigitte Richter 860-205-3833
brichter@wpsir.com
Sonia Peck 860-983-3032
speck@wpsir.com
