The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Character with modern convenience
Stately 11-room colonial revival offers space and comfort
Built in 1870, this stately Colonial revival home has been fully restored and renovated, juxtaposing antique character with modern convenience.
Proximate to Yale, the house has been purchased by folks from the university the last three times it was sold, Susan Santoro, listing agent for Press Cuozzo Real Estate said, adding that her team has represented all three owners.
The third floor, with two bedrooms, a sitting room and a remodeled bath, has a private entrance and can be closed off from the rest of the interior.
A previous owner used the space as an office for her art therapy business, Santoro said. The current sellers used it for their two teenaged sons’ rooms.
“It’s also great for a nanny or an in-law suite, because you can get to it from inside,” she said.
In the intensive restoration and remodel, the floors were brought back to their original luster and the walls and ceilings were skin coated and plastered.
Each of the past three owners has added their own personal touch.
This current owner installed custom glass doors to the library, transforming it into a private space for working at home.
“It’s private yet he feels like he’s still part of the family unit,” Santoro said.
The first thing that catches the eye upon entry to the house through the front door is magnificent hand carved molding.
Smartly designed with a chef in mind, the kitchen has a large center-island, and a working triangle with high end appliances, including a Wolf gas range and a Subzero commercial fridge with a see-through glass door. There are two dishwashers – one in the kitchen and one in the wet bar – and a wine fridge with warming drawers and loads of cabinets.
During a party people would congregate between the dining room, kitchen and, assuming it’s a summertime celebration, “the backyard oasis,” she said.
Restored pillars flank the entry to the living room, which features a fireplace with a carved mantle.
In the dining room is “to die for” wainscoting with matching pocket doors, Santoro said.
The second floor master suite was remodeled by the previous owner, creating a walk-in closet and according to Santoro, “a master bath like you’ve never seen” with a jetted tub, a steam shower, a dressing area with a wall of built-ins and a makeup table.
There are also two cooling drawers for makeup that requires refrigeration and “your champagne,” Santoro said.
Off the master bedroom is a mahogany porch.
The spacious second bedroom has custom built-in bookshelves and a fireplace.
Sanoro said her favorite part of the house is the master bath. “I just love it.”
She also loves that the property has a private yard, a garage and room for four cars in the gated driveway.
“That’s unheard of in New Haven,” she said. “You could easily have a nice dinner party.”
The current owner installed a seven-foot cedar fence and completely landscaped the property, resulting in a beautiful private yard that’s “great for young children, parties or your own private barbecue,” Santoro said. “The comments I’ve always gotten when I’ve shown the house are that no one can believe it’s smack in the middle of the city and it’s so quiet.”
Kate Esposito, a Realtor on Santoro’s team, said her favorite part of the house was the office with the wall of built-ins, which, she feels is often overlooked.
“It’s the most stunning single family home you could buy in East Rock,” she said.
Teammate Alicia Mahan said she loves the kitchen and all the subtle but unnoticed features, such as the warming drawer and two dishwashers.