Property Week

Stunning contemporary Cape Cod home nestled in the rolling hills of Norfolk

You could build this home anywhere, and it would be impressive. But on this 15acre site, in the rolling hills of Norfolk in Litchfield County, this contemporary Cape Cod home is simply stunning.

Credit the views, but don’t overlook that much of this home’s appeal is the result of careful upgrades and modifications made by the current owners, Diane and Bruce Benedetto. They purchased the home four years ago, and after living in it for a year, concluded that its full potential would only be realized with some extensive remodeling.

“We were fortunate to find this house,” Diane Benedetto said. “But it did need work. The first thing [needing upgrading] was the kitchen. It was the size of a butler’s pantry, with no views.”

Now, after remodeling, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Not only is it larger, but the removal of a wall that separated it from the combined livingdining room adds to its spacious feel. Thanks to these changes, the chef can now interact

with guests while enjoying a spectacular view of Sugar Hill through a large window over the sink. The kitchen’s appeal has been further enhanced by custom cabinetry from Pennsylvania’s Amish country, and a large center island with a honed

granite top that matches the granite used on the counters. A stone backsplash using a subway running bond pattern provides an attractive

contrast to these counters, while built-in appliances complete the kitchen. These include a five-burner gas cooktop with a wall-mounted pot filler, double ovens – “I love never running out of oven space,” Diane said – a built-in refrigerator, and a microwave. The Benedettos have entertained up to 50 people in the home, with the kitchen serving as a center of activity. “We always seem to come back to the kitchen,” Diane said.

One factor that has made this remodel a success is the trim. The original builder used custom beaded millwork that the Benedettos

managed to replicate. It is a small detail that adds visual interest while maintaining consistency throughout the home.

The combined living and dining room is large, but not overwhelming. Three features stand out, in addition to the views through the enlarged arched windows. The flooring used extensively throughout the home, including in the living and dining areas, consists of exceptionally wide pine boards. “Pine is soft, but it has worn very well,” Bruce said. Also of note are a raised hearth gas fueled fireplace and the ceiling that soars 15 feet above the floor.

The front entry provides a direct view to the kitchen, living room, and an open stairway to the second floor. A hall on one side accesses the attached two-car garage and leads to a den, a full bath with room for full-size laundry appliances, and two bedrooms, including the primary suite.

This suite features more spectacular views, direct access to one of two rear patios, a tray ceiling, large walk-in closet, and a bathroom fit for a spa. Here, a cherry wood dual sink vanity, whirlpool tub, and a separate shower are highlights. This bath is also accessible from a second first floor bedroom that can be reached from the hall. It currently serves as a home office. This design makes the option for one-floor living a practical reality.

The stairs to the second floor reach a hallway that is compact, yet feels spacious. Partial credit for this must be given to a cupola that provides natural light, even on an overcast day. There are three more bedrooms on the second floor, including one with a gas fireplace, all served by a full bath. The fifth bedroom is relatively new and uses space that was once unfinished. It is large, fully insulated and is heated and cooled by a split climate control system that is independent of the home’s heating and cooling systems. When the room is not needed, the Benedettos close the door and turn off the climate control to save energy. The second floor also accesses additional storage space in the attic, and under the eves.

The home is on a sloped lot, which gives the lower level possibilities that have been fully exploited to create a finished recreation room with light from large windows and level, walkout access to a rear patio. This lower level also has the home’s fourth full bath and access to a large area that is ideal for a workshop, storage, and housing the home’s mechanical systems, which include a Weil-McLain boiler. A nine-foot basement ceiling is another unusual feature. “It makes a big difference,” said Jennifer Roller, who is handling the

sale.

Outside, the landscaping shows attention to detail, with two patios, manicured plantings, and a hot tub. “We use the hot tub all year,” Diane said. “In the winter, we shovel a path to it.” Also of possible importance to a new buyer, “The [15-acre] lot can be subdivided,” Diane said, “and there is an additional frontage road.”

With many beautiful historic homes in the area, it is actually rare to find a home this new for sale in Norfolk, Roller said. Adding to its appeal, this home is just across the street from Dennis Hill State Park and down the road from such cultural attractions as the Yale Music Shed. The town also is home to Infinity Music Hall, Tobey Pond, hiking trails, golfing

and skiing. The home, the views, and the many nearby attractions make this property unique.