Property Week
Classic, Updated Colonial Stands Out in Hartford’s Historic West End
Steeped in Hartford history is a rare 11-room colonial for sale in the West End of Hartford. Built in 1915, this home has been completely restored and renovated but retains its vintage charm.
Once the epitome of grace and class, the home at 106 Oxford St., is still a showstopper, blending elegance from its heyday with modern conveniences of today.
Within the 4,042-square-foot home spread out on three separate levels, there are seven bedrooms, four full and one half bathroom and a sunroom which runs from the front to the back. “This home is in beautiful condition,” says Jay Madigan, the home’s listing agent, adding that the character of the home itself “is its best feature.”
Modern-day updates blend beautifully with the home’s original details embellished with hardwood floors throughout, two staircases, ceiling medallions, high ceilings, wood beams, some period lighting and hardware, and solid wood doors and pocket doors. The majority of the home features upgraded Pella windows. The extensive millwork and crown moldings add a touch of historic appeal around the home.
Enter the front door through a portico which has enough space to be used as a mudroom. The highlight of the welcoming foyer is a lovely wooden ornate staircase. Take the staircase to the second-level balcony and look out onto the main level. At the top of the stairs is a decorative stained-glass window.
The centerpiece of the 15-by-25-foot living room is a wood-burning fireplace with a wood stove insert that is completely encased by solid wood and a decorative mantel. The stylish space features arched built-in shelves and wooden beams on the ceiling.
The kitchen has been updated and is a chef’s dream. It includes an island with storage, white cabinetry, a Viking stove with a contemporary range hood above, stainless appliances, a ceiling fan, a tile backsplash, a comfortable eating area and an adjoining butler’s pantry. The pantry presents a wonderful prep space, highlighted by counters, cabinetry with glass doors, a sink, a dishwasher and a desk-coffee bar that has
been built into the counters.
The heated sunroom with a dark red terracotta floor is accessible from both the living and dining rooms through glass doors. The 31-by-12-foot year-round space is the perfect spot to relax, dine, entertain, read a good book or even get creative with an art project.
“It is sun-filled and goes from the front of the house to the back,” Madigan says. Use the sunroom’s glass doors to walk directly onto the covered patio, an outdoor retreat. All of the rooms on the first floor are accessible to a powder room.
The bedrooms are generous sized, some offering en suites, additional seating areas, ceiling fans and builtin shelving. The large master suite on the second level has two separate closets. Three more bedrooms on this floor share a full bath.
On the backside of the home, use another staircase to access the third level where you will find three more bedrooms (one is an en suite), another full bathroom and sizable storage areas. The bedrooms can be transformed into an art studio, an office, a play room for kids, a home gym or an entertainment center.
The home is equipped with modern high-efficiency gas heating, upgraded about five years ago, and a newer hot water system. A separate three-zone central air system services all three floors. Additional amenities include a security system, a whole-house generator hookup, and public water and sewer. All of the bathrooms have been renovated and feature tile accents.
The basement, though unfinished, houses a laundry area, storage, a workshop and a wine room designed with built-ins to display some 25 bottles. A detached two-bay garage with additional overhead storage is located in the backyard.
The exterior of the home is beige stucco and is tied together by an asphalt roof. Large flagstone pavers extend from the road to the front door. The tree-lined yard with established perennials and shrubbery requires little maintenance. The backyard is private.
The owners say they have enjoyed the period of this classic residence and the neighborhood. Each home in Hartford’s West End is unique, stylish and full of character.
A great selling point, the realtor adds, is the home’s convenient location off Farmington Avenue. Oxford Street is only minutes to theaters, museums, entertainment, sporting events, dozens of restaurants, shops, cultural activities, outdoor summer concerts and Elizabeth Park.
“It is a very, very attractive neighborhood,” Madigan adds.
While private showings of the home are underway, the realtor encourages potential buyers to partake in an open house today, March 24, from noon to 2 p.m. For additional property details, photos, a virtual tour and floor plans of the home, it is well worth visiting http:// jaymadigan.bhhsneproperties.com.
Karen A. Avitabile is a freelance writer based in Plantsville.