Motion picture perfect
Easton home was used as setting for two French films
From its extraordinary beginnings as an intended monastery, to its spectacular setting which twice attracted a French movie producer, the distinctive residence on Easton’s Abbey Road is indeed one- of- a- kind.
Owner Ann Marie Purcell explains the property’s unusual origins which began when an orthodox church planned to build an abbey at the top of the street.
“They dredged a three- acre pond with an island in the middle but then construction halted,” she explained. Eventually, the property was divided into ten lots that became Abbey Road Estates.
“They spent three years building this house and the attention to detail is second to none, with incredible structural integrity and millwork,” Purcell added.
The home also drew the attention of French filmmaker Jonathan Bucari to serve as the location for the filming of two motion pictures, “The Sacrificial Lamb,” in 2011 and “the Elephant in the Room,” coming out this spring.
The Purcells were thrilled that the property was selected for the filming and can attest that the new homeowners will delight in seeing their home on screen.
Custom built in 2002, this sixbedroom, seven- bath colonial offers 5,458 square feet of luxurious living space, featuring exquisite inlaid hardwoods, intricate custom trim work and elaborate moldings throughout. It is situated on three level acres with views of the pond.
“People will love not only the quality of the home but the location and lifestyle,” Julie Vanderblue stated. “It offers so much privacy while being just minutes from every convenience you will ever need.”
The grand foyer offers a view to the bluestone patio and is flanked by the living room with an elegant, carved wood and marble fireplace and the expansive dining room. A wet bar/ butler’s pantry is located between the dining room and kitchen.
The kitchen boasts a casual dining area overlooking the yard, Brazilian river bed granite counters, central island, custom cabinetry and top- of- the- line appliances. One of the owner’s favorite spaces is the family room, with floor- to- ceiling stone fireplace and three stories of windows offering ringside seats for stargazing, winter snow falls, and colorful seasonal transitions. In the warmer months, French doors open to the bluestone patio.
A first- floor study is ideal as a private office with custom cherry built- ins.
The upper level has two wings, one for the master suite, the other for children or guests. A treasured retreat, the master wing is complete with a dressing room, custom walk- in closet, private commode room and luxurious master bath with jetted tub, marble stall shower and window seat overlooking the grounds. Off the dressing room is an en suite bedroom used as a gym.
The finished third level with full bath offers unlimited possibilities for a sixth bedroom, nanny suite, homeschooling space or playroom.
The beautifully landscaped grounds feature specimen trees and layered perennial plantings for year- round seasonal color and a beautiful backdrop for outdoor entertaining.
“I wake up and look out at the pond and just breathe in the calmness. Whether fishing, kayaking or skating, the pond has brought the whole family so much joy,” she continued.
“Our property goes deep into the woods and every year the boys would have a camp out for their birthdays. Their friends would come to our house for sledding, building snow forts, hiking from the back yard to the Aspetuck trail, paintball in the woods, skateboarding or riding bikes on the cul- de- sac, it was a dream childhood for the boys.”
“There’s plenty of room to have your own garden,” Lori Auerbach added.” But if you don’t have a green thumb, there are so many fabulous farms in Easton, people can enjoy organic and fresh without the work.”