Dean’s Ridge Colonial Reproduction
COMBINES HISTORICAL ELEMENTS WITH MODERN CONVENIENCES
Often asked the history of their home by neighbors and passersby, and whether or not it is the original home on the former farmland of the now developed Dean’s Ridge neighborhood in East Lyme, the current owners at 21 Jeremy Drive purposefully selected to design and plan a reproduction of a 1790’s Colonial Saltbox with amenities to suit their modern-day growing family.
It took research in Colonial architecture, a love for a bygone era, and the necessity of contemporary conveniences to propel this beautiful 3,500 squarefoot, four bedroom, three full bath home on a generous 1.38-acre lot to fruition in 1988 – an absolute success.
With help from a design by Mckie Roth Design, and modifications made by a local architect, the front of the home, and many of its specific and historical exterior design elements perfectly replicate a classic period Colonial. Smooth side clapboard stained in a solid, Colonial-hued stain flanks the authentic front entrance accessorized by reproduction exterior lighting from old Deerfield Massachusetts, and the custom wood shingling on the roof adds a touch not likely seen in other modern neighborhoods. Traditional gardening elements like native mature foliage, a Colonial kitchen cutting garden and the absence of foundation plantings add to the historical appeal, while custom garage and barn-style shed doors with wrought iron strap hinges complete the overall look.
The back of the home, the owners tell me, was specifically designed with today’s lifestyle in mind, and offers French doors and skylight styling, delivering maximum natural light. And a passive solar orientation of the main living areas, namely the kitchen, family room and three season garden room provide heating and cooling efficiency year round.
Another interesting design modification combining the past with the present is the chimney. Centered in genuine fashion and comprised of hand-picked, repurposed brick to create the right façade, the design did not accommodate the homeowners’ desire for the convenience of a center hall as well. Thus, they asked the architect to design a center hall slightly left with a wrap-around staircase, and cantilevered the chimney front to back to get it to pass through the peak of the roof – a win win.
Unique features on the interior continue the old v. new appeal. Historical features like custom interior shutters in place of fabric window treatments, true divided light windows, custom ripped bead moldings and casings from General Woodcraft, raised panel details in the formal dining room, and bleached driftwood and native bluestone slate floors.
For today’s families, the aforementioned three-season garden room with slate floor and interchangeable windows/ screens, Verdian marble in the first floor bath, second floor laundry, ABC imported wool carpeting in the family room and up the stairs, an en suite master bedroom with Jacuzzi spa tub, ample closet space, custom built-ins, recessed lighting and a generously sized music room/study offer the best of both worlds.
The layout is appropriately open without being cavernous, and has a great flow both inside and to the outside patio for the ultimate in entertaining. And, as an added bonus, the unfinished area above the two-car garage offers separate access with the capability to expand with minimal effort.
Past and present and into the future, this Dean’s Ridge Colonial has something for everyone, including a community pool.
Tour the open house today from 1-3pm. Directions: Dean Road to Willow Drive, #21 Jeremy straight ahead at the stop sign. Turn slightly left to enter driveway.
For additional information, please contact the Fountain-Timmons Team of Prudential Connecticut Realty, East Lyme at 860-803-0968 or email Fountaintimmons@prudentialct.com.
This home is listed at $575,000.