Hartford Courant (Sunday)

Property Week of the

Avon home with undeniable curb appeal and attention to detail inside and out

- By James Alexander

Using few words to describe the home at 221 Northingto­n Drive in Avon is a challenge, but Scott Glenney, who is handling the sale, manages to capture its essence. “This is a home that has understate­d elegance. It is inviting and livable,” he said.

Glenney went on to note that the floor plan in this David Stoner-built home, “…works exceptiona­lly well. It has a great layout.” David Stoner is known for having built beautiful, high quality homes in the area during his lifetime.

And yet, for all the virtues of this home, from its undeniable curb appeal to the attention to detail inside and out, Glenney believes that a significan­t part of its charm is the neighborho­od. “It’s a vibrant, friendly neighborho­od, with many people who are ready to say ‘hello’ while they walk, jog, or walk their dogs,” he said.

The large lot also comes in for praise. “It’s level, which is a rarity in this neighborho­od,” Glenney said.

An artfully curved bluestone sidewalk that goes from the driveway to the covered entry at the front door greets visitors arriving at the house, and that driveway, which serves a fourcar garage, offers a surprising amount of space for guest parking. Enter through the front door and you will be in the central foyer, which is open to the main stairs, the second floor hallway and, on the first floor, the living room and dining room. Just beyond are the family room and kitchen. It is a layout that, as Glenney put it, “works well.”

The living room’s hardwood flooring and one of three gas fireplaces in the home add warmth, while crown molding adds a touch of elegance. Nearly invisible built-in speakers serve the central multi-room audio system.

Adjoining the living room is the study. Here, natural wood tones highlight the built-in bookcases and storage units, as well as the crown molding. The view from this study takes in the bluestone patio with its in-ground, heated and self-cleaning Gunite pool and spa. Beyond is a large open backyard bordered by mature woods, which are in protected open space.

As for the dining room that is to the left of the entry hall, attention to detail is obvious wherever you look. From the crown molding to the chair rail that caps a shadow boxing detail, this dining room is ready for elegant dining.

The heart of the home, however, is undoubtedl­y the large eat-in kitchen. Its central island would be ideal for an after school snack, a gathering point for family and guests, or for laying out a large buffet when entertaini­ng.

Glenney noted that this island is in line with current trends in kitchen design, since it has a large flat granite work surface, which matches the kitchen counters, with no space lost to a cooktop or sink. The gas cooktop is in the L-shaped counter, which also has a built-in refrigerat­or, double ovens, and dishwasher.

The kitchen and entry hall also access the family room. Here another gas fireplace serves as a focal point, and Glenney is quick to point out another virtue. “The room is bumped out so that it gives you views from three sides, to the backyard, patio, pool and the woods” he said.

The open second floor hall overlooks the entry and leads to five bedrooms, including the spacious prime suite. Here, the third gas fireplace is found, while an alcove leads to a large walk-in closet and a private bathroom with a dual sink vanity, jetted tub, and passage to an area with a shower and the commode.

Two other bedrooms that face the front of the home share a Jack-and-Jill bathroom while another bedroom that faces the backyard has direct access to another full bath that is also accessible from the hallway to serve a fifth, and exceptiona­lly large, bedroom. This area also has a back stairway that leads to a first floor back hall that connects to the kitchen, garage and a half bath. This would be ideal for intergener­ational living. The second floor also has a closet for a full-size washer and dryer.

Below grade, there is a large and beautifull­y finished recreation room. It features a wet bar, and alcoves for a pool table, a home theater and a large gathering spot. It is served by a full bath.

Beyond this finished area are rooms for mechanical systems and ample space for storage and a workshop along with a stairway to the garage. “This gives service people direct access to mechanical systems with no need for them to go through the house,” Glenney said.

Adding to a sense of space and enjoyment in this home are nine-foot ceilings on the first and second floors, large windows that let in ample light, and an extensive use of recessed lighting for overcast days and nights, all of which can brighten the mood.

Glenney notes that the home has undergone extensive preparatio­n for sale. Work includes repainting just about all rooms and new carpeting for the bedrooms.

Other features that add to this home’s appeal are a central vacuum and wiring upgrades that make the home generator ready.

Just as exceptiona­l as the home is its location, which is close to restaurant­s, shopping, entertainm­ent and recreation­al opportunit­ies, and UConn Health. Move-in ready, it is a home that stands out. For a better look, go to 221northin­gtondrive.com.

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