Property Week

1 Bedford Court, Farmington

It is hard to overstate the appeal of this classic brick home located at 1 Bedford Court in the much sought-after Farmington neighborhood of Devonwood. Outside the professionally landscaped grounds with mature plantings and large trees set the tone by being impressive and inviting. Indeed, that could easily describe the home itself, impressive, inviting and, according to the owner, Sarah Pfinsgraff, “…easy to live in. I was sold on the floor plan and the quality of the build on my first visit.”

The interior is open. While in the entry foyer the grand front stairway captures the eye first, followed by a sightline to the back of the house with views of the large yard and woods. Yet, this home also offers quiet alcoves and home office space.

Immediately to the right of the entry is one such space, a handsome library. Highlights include built-in cherry bookcases and cabinetry, crown molding, and an alcove that could easily accommodate a second family member working from home. If this proves a little too crowded, there are options for a second office upstairs. Bolstering this library’s appeal is its connection to the family room through a passageway that includes a wet bar. It is perfect for entertaining in either room.

The family room is large and has great views of the backyard. “One aspect of this home, that is unusual for Devonwood, is that it has a large, level, and cleared lot,” said Christy Muller, with William Pitt Sotheby’s, who is handling the sale.

“This is where the neighborhood children play soccer,” Pfinsgraff said of the backyard. A pool would easily fit, if the next owners wish to add one, without infringing excessively on playing space, Muller added.

The family room has one of three wood-burning fireplaces in the home. It is also bathed in light, thanks to large windows. Adding to its sense of space are 10-foot ceilings.

French doors can separate the family room from a large and amazing eat-in chef’s kitchen. The counters are granite. The large center island has room for seating, a surface cooktop, and a vegetable prep sink. Stainless steel appliances that come with the home include a Sub-Zero refrigerator, microwave oven, dual built-in ovens, separate cooktops, and a dishwasher. The focal point of the kitchen, however, is a brick wall with another wood burning fireplace, more space for meal prep and a second, smaller surface cooktop.

“The kitchen is open to the family room, but it can also be closed off if you prefer,” Muller said. Even with the French doors closed, the sightlines remain.

At the front of the home on the left is the formal living room, which is open to the dining room. The living room has another wood-burning fireplace and displays the immense attention to detail that is present throughout the home. Chair rail moldings highlight shadow boxing below, while dentil crown molding, used in other areas of the home, and a raised panel over the fireplace, add a distinctive touch.

Throughout the first floor, there are eye-catching ceiling light fixtures, including one that is unique in the mudroom, which connects the kitchen to the four-car garage, separate front and rear entries, the back stairs to the second floor, and a utility room with a second washing machine for emergency cleanups. While waxed oak flooring, darkened with provincial stain, is used through most of the first floor, the mudroom has a tile floor. It also has seven cubbies that can accommodate coats and boots. “We did not realize how much we needed these,” Pfinsgraff said of the cubbies, “until we got them.” The first floor also has two half baths.

The highlight of the second floor is a spacious primary suite with a dramatic tray ceiling, large walkin closet, and a lavishly done bath with a jetted tub, dual showerhead shower stall and a separate room for the commode. There are two sinks in separate vanities, with one allowing for seating for those final makeup touches. Also attached to this primary suite is a second room that can double as an office or a nursery.

Down the hall there are four more bedrooms. The two in the front of the home have a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, as do the two bedrooms across the hall.

At the end of this hall is a large room that could be a children’s play area or a spacious office. It is adjacent to another full bathroom.

Across from this room is a private suite. It has a space for a bedroom, a large room that is now used for exercise, and a full bath. This suite is ideal for an au pair or for intergenerational living. The second floor also has a full laundry, complete with a unique drip-drying corner with a floor drain to handle the water.

As for location, this home is close to the center of Farmington, the University of Connecticut Health Center, golfing at the Tunxis Country Club and I-84. The Farmington Polo Grounds holds numerous events throughout the summer while Winding Trails, at Devonwood’s Farmington Avenue entrance, offers children’s camps in the summer, along with swimming, sailing, trail biking and, in the winter, skating and cross country skiing. With 500 acres, Devonwood has ample opportunities for walking, running and biking.

It is, however, the friendliness of the neighborhood that is top-of-mind for Pfinsgraff. She has, she said, made lasting friendships here.