Property of the Week
Unique Devonwood home blends traditional and contemporary style
Based purely on its location, this home at 10 Blenheim Terrace in Farmington would be hard to resist. Surrounded by large, mature trees, it is nestled in a private corner of Devonwood, one of Farmington’s most desirable and attractive communities.
“Desirable and attractive” also describes the home. “It is light, bright, and unique,” said Christy Muller of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty. Melding appealing design elements found in traditional and contemporary houses, this is a home that has “a wonderful flow. It is ideal for entertaining large parties,” Muller said, adding that it is also perfect for daily living.
In many ways, the inviting two-story entry foyer with its gleaming marble floor sets the tone. At its end is an open-tread contemporary stairway that leads to the second floor, or the finished lower level.
“The stairway grabs your attention when you walk in,” said Muller. “And, when you stand at the top, you can see all the way down to the lower level.” It makes a lasting impression.
The foyer also offers direct access to the living room, which extends from the front to the rear of the home. Its visual highlights include a propaneburning fireplace with a marble surround and hearth, and two alcoves set off by columns.
The living room easily accommodates a piano, which prompted the current owners to turn the front alcove into a music area. The rear alcove includes built in bookcases and views of the surrounding woods. Hardwood floors flow through the room and are a feature found in much of the home.
A hallway from the foyer leads to the kitchen, but
not before it passes a wet bar and a large and inviting family room. Here, ample windows bring the outdoors in, with a two-story wood-burning brick fireplace and a vaulted ceiling sheathed in rich wood planking adding warmth. A sunroom that is ideal for plants is just off the family room. It features a tile floor, skylights, and large windows.
Beyond the family room is the kitchen, where there
is ample room for a large table and chairs with room left over for several chefs.
“It’s a big kitchen and I love it,” said one of the owners. Her husband added that he enjoys working at the kitchen table, with its view of the woods. In the winter, he lights the kitchen’s propane fireplace
for a touch of warmth.
The kitchen has direct access to the three-car garage, a large laundry room with a sink, two pantry closets, one of two half baths on the first floor, and a mudroom entry. The kitchen’s back wall features
a built-in desk with a granite work surface, while a door just beyond leads to the formal dining room. It is large, bright and airy, has a high tray ceiling and two sets of French doors facing the family room and entry hall.
Downstairs much of the walkout lower level is finished. The first stop is a spa with a sauna, a full
bath, and ample room for seating. equipment, or whatever else the next owners might wish. French doors lead to a bluestone patio, one of three patios on the property, and direct access to an in-ground pool.
Wine connoisseurs will be drawn to the wine cellar, which Muller estimates has room for at least 500 bottles. In addition, there is also a large unfinished storage-workshop area with windows affording views of the woods at the rear of the home.
The second floor includes four bedrooms and three full baths. The primary suite is the highlight. It is large, with a cathedral ceiling adding to the feeling of spaciousness. Two walk-in closets, one cedar lined, and a spa-like bath with a large jetted soaking tub, two vanities with sinks, a separate shower, and a small room for the commode complete the suite.
Walk down the second floor hall to reach the other three bedrooms and take in impressive views of the entry foyer and family room below. Two of these bedrooms share a Jack-and-Jill bath while the fourth bedroom has a full bath that is also accessible from the hall. All the bedrooms are roomy, with ample closet space.
The appeal of Devonwood is enhanced by its ability to make residents feel as if they are in a 500-acre nature preserve, with opportunities for walking, running and biking. Yet it is close to the center of Farmington, the University of Connecticut Health Center, golfing at the Tunxis Country Club, and I-84. Nearby, numerous events throughout the summer are held at the Farmington Polo Grounds while Winding Trails, at Devonwood’s Farmington Avenue entrance, has offered children’s camps in the summer, along with swimming, sailing, trail biking and, in the winter, skating and cross country skiing. Asked for a final thought on this home, Muller said, “It has a wonderful traditional [traffic] flow, but with contemporary style.” Showings will start on
June 24, 2022.