Five bedrooms with open-plan living
Perfectly private setting envelops house that’s been redesigned, expanded
Sited on 4.53 acres in Greenwich’s beautiful backcountry, the five-bedroom 6,064square-foot colonial at 17 Carrington Dr., Greenwich, is listed for $2.65 million. Drew Peterson of Coldwell Banker Realty’s Greenwich office is the listing Realtor.
Alan and Michelle Genn bought the property in August 2000.
“It was perfect for us, for our family, due to its seclusion … and opportunity to expand as necessary,” Alan Genn explained via email. “Having three bedrooms on the main level was an instant bonus, as our kids were small at the time, so they could be near us and each other. The safety and space were other factors, having relocated from a big inner city.”
The colonial home debuted on the spot in 1967, but it evolved over time.
A few years after settling into the home, the owners re-sculpted the landscaping, adding stone walls, patios and a pool to the grounds. Then they tackled a major renovation of the house, which expanded the main level, adding approximately 2,000 square feet of living space, and added a third level. While they were transforming the architecture, they also updated the interior design.
The living space now spans 6,064 square feet. A tour of the main level begins in the foyer and leads directly to the expansive open-plan living and dining rooms. Fireplaces are found in both the living room and the adjacent den. The kitchen is complemented by a breakfast room.
“Being raised, but still on the first floor, due to the typography, the kitchen has tremendous views of the pool and adjoining lake,” the homeowner attested. “It’s full of natural light and has two sliding doors opening onto the rear deck, giving it an insideoutside feel, which is perfect for entertaining. It is light and spacious and accessible to the rest of the home.”
In 2010, they added decking off the rear of the house and also created a charming and practical screened-in gazebo – a place to lounge and dine while enjoying protection from the sun’s harsh rays and seasonal insects.
“The house is a perfect place to entertain, and having a walk-out lower level with its own entrance and exit to the pool, with an additional three bedrooms, a bathroom and additional laundry is perfect for out-of-town guests or in-laws, or even older children who want separate [space].”
Three of the five bedrooms are also incorporated into the main level, including the primary bedroom, with an en suite bath, dressing room and loft space.
Upstairs, three rooms have been designated as a home office, sitting room and playroom.
Two additional bedrooms are on the garden level, where there’s also a billiards room, another home office, full bath, laundry and storage space. The billiards room opens out to an expansive terrace off the rear of the house.
Above the attached two-car garage, there’s additional bonus space, 24-by-24-feet, which could be leveraged as a family or media room.
Buyers with an interest in Greenwich’s equestrian amenities and community should know that the Greenwich Riding & Trails Association trails run just behind the property.
“We do have a rear gate, which makes it very easy to access them,” the seller said. “The house, I believe, is considered an equestrian property suitable for two horses.”
Backcountry proved the ideal region of Greenwich for his family, citing its peace and tranquility, but also noting that the property was within close reach to commuting routes, including the Merritt Parkway and I-95.
“It is just great to retreat home to your own space and land, where you feel safe, secure, and can do what you want, without distraction of neighbors and association rules,” the seller said. “The property abuts over 25 acres of wetlands and is a great place to take fall walks,” he suggested. “In winter, the views over the lake are beautiful. It’s truly bucolic. Raising a family here has been safe and a happy place. We have been truly blessed.”