Modern farmhouse redefines casual elegance
Today’s farmhouse style offers a unique appeal, providing the perfect balance between classic comfort and modern flair. The newly built modern farmhouse at 3 Pioneer Road in Westport’s Old Hill is a brilliant example of this popular trend. The sixbedroom home utilizes a variety of elements and design materials that combine liberal use of wood, glass, steel and stone that evoke feelings of warmth and comfort in a sophisticated setting.
The home was built by Schmiedeck Construction, renowned builders of ‘ haute couture homes’ and cuttingedge construction throughout Westport and Fairfield County.
“They are known for some of Westport’s most iconic architecture,” says Joni Usdan of the JoniHomes Group at Coldwell Banker. “They set the bar.”
The home’s open concept design affords approximately 9,500 square feet on three levels. Usdan explained that the builders utilized an extensive steel infrastructure to create such open expanses, but the home retains a warm aesthetic.
“Some modern spaces can be cold and stark,” Usdan remarks. “This is open, but very warm inside. It’s something that many people comment on the moment they enter the house.”
Usdan added that Schmiedeck’s choice of character woods and finishes is another characteristic that strikes an inviting chord with home buyers. The home uses wide- plank cerused character oak flooring that can be found throughout. The ceruse technique draws out the detail and character of the grain in a piece of wood. Interestingly, the process takes its name from a type of skin cream that was repurposed as a wood preservative.
Upon entering the foyer, the character oak flooring is matched with sliding barn doors that open to the living room with stone fireplace.
Off to the side, a floating steel and oak staircase accesses the upper level. The foyer is open to the family room which is accented with a fireplace and shiplap, and opens to the kitchen. Offering beauty in form as well as function, the kitchen boasts custom cabinetry, Caesarstone counters, a large island with seating, coffee bar, breakfast area and high- quality stainlesssteel appliances. A banquetsized dining room is perfect for more formal occasions, while two libraries offer ample privacy away from the main living areas.
From the kitchen, sliders access the expansive mahogany deck with stainless cable rail and outdoor fireplace. The deck overlooks the lush, 1.6- acre setting, with stone terraces and patios and a Gunite pool which will be added.
On the upper level, the master suite offers a tranquil escape among a cathedral ceiling, large sitting area with fireplace and luxurious dressing rooms with extensive custom millwork. The pampering master bath is equipped with quartzite counters, glass tiling, heated flooring, soaking tub and oversized steam shower. Four additional bedroom suites on this level are all generously proportioned.
The walkout lower level offers an ideal entertaining space with a floor to ceiling stone fireplace, walls of glass that open to a huge covered porch and built- in pool house and laundry. There is also a sixth bedroom suite with private entrance for au pair accommodations.