From basements to luxurious lower levels
Transforming bonus space into rooms that enable homeowners to live their best lives
Gone are the days when dark and neglected basements are relegated to the mere task of storage. Today, lower levels extend the living areas of a home, with practical rooms that complement the floor plans above and at-hand amenities for posh entertaining and active lifestyles.
At 417 Field Point Road, Greenwich, the fully utilized lower level affords what listing agent Martha Jeffrey refers to as “total family functionality.” Jeffrey, an agent with Sotheby’s International Realty in Greenwich, represents the seller of the six-bedroom colonial on the Belle Haven peninsula.
The lower level is equal parts utility and recreation. For example, there’s a mudroom just off the heated two-car garage, outfitted for optimal organization of outerwear, shoes and other gear. The mudroom is conveniently positioned adjacent to a lower-level laundry. One of the home’s six bedrooms is incorporated into the lower level; tucked away, with a full bath and a walk-in closet, it’s guest-worthy. Plus, there’s a mirrored gym, “for those Peloton workouts, and a super, tiled pool cabana with a bathroom and changing room, a sauna, and a drink fridge for hot summer days,” she noted. The asking price for 417 Field Point Road is $8.3 million.
Floor plans with built-in flexibility
The stone Georgian at 895 Lake Ave., Greenwich, was newly built in 2014 and recognized with a HOBI award. Jennifer Leahy of Douglas Elliman Real Estate’s Greenwich brokerage is the listing agent for the elegant residence she notes is still “like new.” The house has seven bedrooms, nine
baths, and more than 11,600 square feet of living space – not including the finished lower level.
“The lower level is fantastic,” Leahy said. “It is an open-concept living space, with high ceilings and natural light. There is a family room and dining area, a pool changing room and bathrooms, a gym and a wine cellar.”
The lower-level layout allows for some customization, should the next residents have different needs or a fresh vision.
“There is a ton of flexible space in the lower level. There is plenty of room for a home theater, a large playroom, additional office and work-from-home space, and even a billiards or gaming room.
The potential is unlimited here!” 895 Lake Ave. is currently listed for $9.25 million.
One of the amenities in the lower level at 601 Lake Ave., Greenwich, is the home’s wine cellar. “It’s an amazing wine cellar for wine collectors,” according to listing agent Gloria Falcon of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. “The owners have a great selection of wine and a wine tasting table that they enjoy with friends. Also, it’s super convenient to have a fully equipped gym right at the comfort of your home.” Plus, there’s recreational and gaming space and a private guest suite with its own entrance.
“Someone could choose to have
a home theater, a billiards room, or another home office. The possibilities are endless. … Everyone has their own space when at home with friends,” Falcon added. 601 Lake Ave. is currently listed for $7.75 million.
The eternally charming stone manor at 9 Chieftans Road, Greenwich, has an abundance of lower level space that can be interpreted and used in a variety of ways, according to listing agent Julie Church, a Realtor with Houlihan Lawrence in Greenwich.
“The lower level has so many amenities, which is especially beneficial during COVID times,” Church said. “The new owners have the opportunity to watch a
movie in the home theater, relax in the sauna, or work out in the gym. There is so much extra space for kids to run around in the main area, which is perfect for the wintertime.”
“There is lots of flexibility with the space in the lower level,” Church added. “The main area is a huge, open room, which currently has a pool table, an area to watch TV, a game table, and a large exercising mat right outside the gym. There is still room to add even more, such as a pingpong table or foosball table. The new owners can make this space into whatever they need, without having to change the gym, home theater or wine cellar.”