Acreage and amenities/R2
Resort living in bucolic backcountry — year-round or as a special retreat
The private, backcountry association of Conyers Farm is the setting for this week’s Hot Property – a sevenbedroom, 14,000-square-foot colonial that debuted in 1995 and remains classic, elegant and timeless. The owner of 74 Upper Cross Road recently listed the home for sale, with Compass Connecticut Realtors Yashmin Lloyd and Karen Colella as the listing agents for the $ 7.45 million property.
Several years ago, Lloyd’s and Colella’s client, the seller, became enamored with the Conyers Farm home and envisioned it as a retreat for his family and an “escape” from the fast pace of New York City life.
A tour of the home begins in the breathtaking front-to-back entrance, with a curved staircase ascending up to the second level. A small office sits to the right of the entryway, and the formal rooms – the living and dining rooms – are found just off foyer to the left. The floor plan also carves out space a larger home office on this level, as well as a mudroom off one of two garages and a firstfloor laundry.
The chef’s kitchen is complemented by both a butler’s pantry and a solarium-designed breakfast room.
“The kitchen is great for everything from preparing a large holiday meal, with multiple people cooking at once, to whipping up breakfast on a school morning, with the children eating at the island,” the seller suggested. “There are two ovens, two dishwashers, a huge sink and ample counter space, which make prep to cleanup very easy.
“Garage access to the kitchen makes putting away the groceries convenient, as well,” he added.
The family room was a favorite room for gathering with the family and friends who came to visit. “The high ceilings and vintage – yet modern – exposed wooden beams create a great ambiance,” the seller said.
Five of the home’s seven bedrooms are on the second level, including the primary suite, comprising a bedroom, separate sitting room, spa bath and walk-in closet.
On the third level, two additional bedrooms share a full bath. The house also has a fully finished lower level, with a wealth of amenities, including an in-home gym, theater and wine cellar.
“The amenities are great in pandemic time and normal times,” the seller attested. “Summers by the pool, or just a family movie night are always accessible. These spaces are also great for entertaining. The family has fantastic memories of cooking at the outdoor kitchen, while the children played in the pool, as well as uncorking a perfectly aged vintage of wine from the cellar, to entertain in the living room or main kitchen.”
At 16.68 acres, this is one of the largest parcels available in Conyers Farm, the seller pointed out. His family appreciated the expansive front and back lawns – acreage for recreation and for privacy.
“Greenwich is a beautiful, historic area,” the homeowner said. “An easy commute to New York City is an obvious plus of living in the area. [We were] particular fond of nearby Rye Brook. There are amazing restaurants in Rye Brook and Greenwich. Owning a house in Greenwich provides access to nature in New York State and the beaches and beauty of Connecticut.”
“As we are seeing a greater demand for privacy, space and at-home luxury amenities, a property like 74 Upper Cross is a perfect fit for many of today’s buyers,” according to listing agent Lloyds. “While this home is only 15 minutes to downtown Greenwich, you have the privacy of more than 10 acres. With a home theater, fully equipped gym and beautiful in-ground pool, this home can be enjoyed during all seasons.”