Property Week

Luxurious, sophisticated, and inviting log home nestled on over 60 acres

For those who doubt that a log home can be simultaneously comfortable, luxurious, sophisticated, and inviting, a tour of this log home at 150 Gillette Road in New Hartford will be an eye opener. This home exceeds expectations in so many ways it may be difficult to keep track.

Start with the location. The approach on public roads goes through beautiful mature forests and farmland. Then, when arriving at the private gated drive, there is more mature forest to travel through before ending up at the manicured two-acre home site. The land that is part of this offering totals 62.5 acres, of which 60 acres have been designated forestland, which reduces taxes significantly. This designation, however, does not infringe on the owner’s ability to enjoy the land or the private walking trails.

Then there is the home, with its open floor plan. Just to the right of the front door entry area is a step-down living room. It is large, with a soaring 24-foot high ceiling, yet it remains warm and inviting. The natural wood walls, a hallmark of a log home, and natural wood ceilings, give it a rustic feel, while the mahogany flooring adds a touch of sophistication. Here, there is room for a grand piano, a large sectional sofa, and a wall with built-in bookcases and space for two comfortable reading chairs.

It was at this point, while standing in the living room, that one additional advantage of a log home became instantly obvious. Even during a heat wave, with the outdoor thermometer heading for near triple-digit temperatures, the interior temperature remained perfectly comfortable, without the need for air conditioning.

While most people think about R-values for insulation in a typical home, log homes rely on thermal mass to moderate temperatures throughout the year. In this case, not only do the logs used in the walls make a substantial contribution to the building’s thermal mass, but a massive and beautiful stone fireplace and chimney – real estate agent Jennifer Roller calls it a restaurant style fireplace with its five-foot firebox and raised hearth – adds even more thermal mass to the living area. The result is a cool interior during a heat wave and when the snow flies, a cozy feeling of warmth that is easily maintained by the home’s heating system.

Walk toward the rear of the home and you will be greeted by a large eat-in kitchen. Highlights include granite counters, beautiful red birch cabinets, and a large island, which features an overhang to accommodate snacking. The island also has a small vegetable prep sink in one corner, which augments the main sink. The floor here is tiled, though wide ash planks are used throughout the rest of the first and second floors, with the exception of the living room and tiled bathrooms.

Looking at the flooring and the natural wood surfaces that are used throughout, Roller said, “The quality is just exceptional. I really enjoy showing this home. It is so beautiful.”

A large opening in the wall between the kitchen and the living room allows the cook to interact with guests. However, the height of this opening, combined with the sunken living room floor, keeps kitchen activities out of sight for people in the living room.

The dining room occupies the remaining part of the back portion of the home’s first floor. Here, there is room for a table that seats 10, with space left over. Both the kitchen and dining room open to a wraparound deck that offers a hot tub for relaxing while taking in views of the woods beyond the manicured and fenced in backyard. Completing the first floor is a “gentlemen’s room” just off the dining room It comes with a wet bar, half bath and space for a pool table.

An open stairway leads to the three bedrooms on the second floor. These are accessed using a balcony that skirts the living room’s inner walls, providing dramatic views to the space below.

The highlight of these bedrooms is the spacious master suite. Its custom master bath features a glass block shower and dual sink vanity. This suite also has a walk-in closet and a door that leads to a second bedroom. Both of these bedrooms have a commanding view of the backyard, with its in-ground pool, cabana, horseshoe pits, and tall, mature trees. The third bedroom overlooks the front yard.

Each of these two non-master bedrooms have large closets and access to a full bath, which, along with the baths in the master suite and in the nearly fully finished walkout basement, has the added luxury of radiant floor heating.

In addition to that full bath, the basement has a home office, laundry room, a fully equipped gym, and a recreational room. “I’d say this lower area is 90 percent finished,” Roller said.

This level also accesses a three-car garage with the vehicle bay on the end equipped with a 10-foot high overhead door. The 14-foot high garage ceiling means that an auto enthusiast could install a lift, while this last bay would also accommodate a small RV.

“This home is far from the mainstream and delightful,” Roller said. “But, it’s not too far away.

Stores and restaurants are nearby,” as are numerous services. And, as an added benefit for the next buyer, the seller is willing to sell the home fully furnished, if the buyer wishes, making this unique home and property move-in ready.