Hartford home has spectacular views
Without a doubt, the homes along Prospect Avenue between Asylum and Albany Avenues are located in one of Hartford’s most desirable and prestigious neighborhoods. Sited on large parcels of land, they are stately, beautiful and, in the case of this home at 1160 Prospect Avenue, historic.
Built in 1921, it is located on what owner Kellie Burke noted is the highest point in Hartford. The resulting views of the Hartford skyline and the hills of Manchester across the Connecticut River are breathtaking.
To make the most of this site, this house breaks some rules. It foregoes the grand front lawn in favor of offering spectacular grounds at the rear. “Because of the way the house is sited on the property,” Burke said, “they wanted to create an oasis in the rear yard.”
The landscape architect succeeded. “It’s an in-town estate with tennis courts and a pool,” she said. Also of note are a koi pond and a covered terrace that offers ample seating for outdoor parties and those spectacular views.
“It was all built on tiers, which was a way to create landscapes and elevations that you would see in Italy. It’s a grand effect,” Burke said. The design also ensures high levels of privacy, whether on the terrace, or at the pool or tennis courts.
Guests at the front door have no clue as to what awaits at the rear of the home, though that changes quickly once the front door is open. “Normally, the grand staircase would be the main feature [that people see first when entering]. Here, they wanted the main feature to be the views and the terraces,” Burke said.
On first seeing this home, Burke, who is an awardwinning interior designer and owner of Kellie Burke Interiors, immediately saw the possibilities. Here there is an unmistakable sense of space, yet there is also a feeling of intimacy.
While the stairway to the second floor is not the centerpiece of the entry hall, it is nonetheless grand. But before heading upstairs, a tour of the first floor is in order. fashion kitchen with rooms for the staff. So we took those rooms and the second floor out and vaulted the ceiling.” The result is an inviting kitchen that has room for large parties and has garnered a prestigious award from a homebuilders association. It features high-end appliances and a large center island that would be the focal point, were it not for the views. “When I entertain, people want to be in the kitchen,” said Burke. Jack Kemper’s “… wonderful design makes it feel like it has been here forever.” A mudroom, attached to the kitchen, leads to the two-car garage and stairs to an upstairs suite that could be used for intergenerational living or an au pair.
Adjacent to the kitchen and featuring more views to the east is the formal dining room. It shows the attention to detail and the impressive millwork that is found throughout the home.
Just beyond is the grand room, with “grand” the operative word. It features a large fireplace, oak lined walls, crown molding with dentil detailing and more impressive views to the east. On the west wall is a small stage. “We do a lot of entertaining here,” said Burke.
As for that primary suite, it is comfortable and spacious, with more spectacular views across Hartford. It also features a recently remodeled and award-winning bath that includes a dual sink vanity, steam shower, soaking tub, dressing table, a room for the commode, and a coffee and beverage center.
Then, there are the primary suite closets. “We have a shoe closet, a winter storage area or summer closet, depending on the season, and a walk-in closet area with an en-suite bathroom” Burke said. It could serve as yet another bedroom or a nursery for a younger family.
The rest of the second floor has more bedrooms; one with a private recently updated bathroom, and a study area that offers what Burke called “the best views of Hartford.” It served as a family room for the previous owners. Toward the end of the hall is a laundry room and another bedroom with a private bath. The house design ensures that every room has a beautiful view, Burke noted.
The third floor has a study that served as a zoom classroom during the pandemic, two bedrooms with a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, a gym, walk-in cedar closet and additional storage. “It’s a livable home,” Burke, who has updated it for modern lifestyles while respecting its history.
“The home is an in-town estate,” said John Lepore, who is the agent handling the sale. Within walking distance of Elizabeth Park, “It is one of the nicest estates in greater Hartford,” he said.