The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Serene retreat in Woodbridge
Surrounding woods add privacy to 3-acre property
Casual elegance, warmth and character abound in this spectacular expanded cape, ideally located in central Woodbridge. The home enjoys a serene and tranquil setting with mature trees surrounding the perimeter of the expansive 3-acre property which envelops the home in privacy, creating the feeling of a private retreat, yet close to New Haven and all major transportation arteries.
“Even before you step inside, the grounds captivate you with beautiful stone walls and amazing perennial gardens planted and cultivated by the homeowner over a 30year period,” listing agent Karen Bogdanoff said.
Once inside, the stunning woodwork, exposed beams, Italian imported tile, and custom pegged oak flooring awaken the senses. The eye is immediately drawn through the foyer to the wall of windows that bathe the home in light and warmth.
Originally built in 1948, the home has undergone extensive renovations and expansion. As the homeowner states, “as our family grew, so did our home.” The home caters to comfortable modern living throughout its 4,802 square feet.
“What is striking is the aesthetic coherence of the additions,” Boddanoff observes. “The flow of this home is effortless, and a credit to the owner’s vision as well as the talent of the local architects and builders that guided them. All the additions are architecturally interesting and incorporate skylights, cathedral ceilings, French and sliding doors, oversized windows, uplighting, walls of glass and liberal use of wood and red brick is intended to bring the outdoors in.”
A welcoming foyer leads into the bright and open living room graced with wide-plank pegged oak flooring, beamed ceiling, floorto-ceiling stone fireplace and tall banks of windows. The wonderful open floor plan creates the perfect ambiance for relaxing and entertaining as the living room steps down into the adjoining sunroom. An architectural masterpiece, this space is a true “wow factor” that overlooks the expansive yard with skylights and walls of windows that brings in the beauty of natural surroundings.
Yale-trained architect Andrew Robinson modeled this addition on Cape Dutch style architecture. The owner was born in Cape Town, South Africa, where this traditional style of construction dates back to the 1600s.
Custom woodwork and trim highlights the formal dining room, along with a floor-to-ceiling paned window that overlooks the bluestone patio and pocket doors that open to the kitchen.
The open concept kitchen is finished in a neutral palette and quartz countertops. Next to the breakfast area, sliding glass doors
open to the bluestone patio. The kitchen flows into a spacious family room with beamed ceiling, casual dining area and sliders to the patio.
“This is a fabulous house for entertaining, whether it is an intimate group around the fireplace, or a large crowd in the summer,”
says the owner. “The easy flow throughout all living areas and out to the patio creates a huge, interconnected space.”
Owners will also appreciate the convenience of a grand first-floor master suite. A wonderful escape at day’s end, the master suite is nicely appointed with a sitting room, vaulted ceiling, built-in entertainment center, window seat, sliders to the patio and a large dressing area with an abundance of closets and built-in storage. The master bath boasts a marble bath with a steam shower, whirlpool tub and double vanity.
The second floor features three generously proportioned bedrooms and two full baths. A guest suite with full bath, sitting area and skylight is located above the oversized garage and has its own private entrance, which the owner’s used for in-law accommodations.
A public open house is planned from 2 to 3:30 p.m. today.
Listing agent: