Property Week

Mid-Century Modern Home with Breathtaking Views for Miles

While early examples of Mid-Century Modern homes can be traced back nearly 100 years, broad acceptance of this style, with major contributions by some of the 20th century’s most influential architects, did not take place until the end of World War

II. The straight lines, expansive use of glass that visually merged interiors with the great outdoors, open floor plans, elevation changes, and an emphasis on functionality, attracted an enthusiastic following starting in the late 1940s. All of these elements, and more, are to be found in this home at 71 Highridge Road in West Simsbury.

This Mid-Century Modern home would be appealing in nearly any location, but high on its nearly four-acre lot with breathtaking eastern views that extend for miles, it would be difficult, perhaps even impossible, to duplicate.

“This is a magnificent property,” said Caitlyn Cleary of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty in nearby Avon. “The views are unmatched, it was custom built, and was well thought out to take full advantage of what can only be described as a million-dollar view.”

Inside, the Mid-Century Modern mystique continues.

The entry foyer features glass walls that allow a visitor to enjoy the view across the valley and the interior of the home immediately upon arriving. Stepping into the home leads to the living room and a casual dining area. A massive stone fireplace and separate wood burning stove are at the far end of the room.

As for the stove, Cleary notes that it does an excellent job of

economically heating this area of the house.

The kitchen is open to the living room and clearly designed for efficient meal preparation and entertaining. The cabinets are maple, there is a built-in double oven, space for a recessed microwave, a built-in dishwasher, Sub-Zero refrigerator and two Wolf induction cooktops, one with five burners and a second unit, several feet away, with two units. This second cook top is also close to a second sink and is spaced so that two chefs can work without getting in each other’s way. The granite counter top sweeps around the work area to form a breakfast bar, while the stone floor adds a rustic touch. A pantry storage closet is just around the corner, along with a half bath.

Beyond this area is a formal dining room that is open to a great room. Again, the views to the east draw the eye first, followed by the great room’s fireplace and wood stove, a spiral staircase that leads to a loft overlooking the room, and the north wall with its windows that look out on the woods and the fireplace’s handsome stone chimney. The great room also has an indoor grill. For more formal occasions side panels attached to the rectangular columns located between the dining area and great room can be swung 90 degrees to form a wall that separates the two rooms.

The home has two upstairs wings. One has four bedrooms, two of which have built-in shelving and storage options that would make them suitable for other uses, such as a den or a home office. The other two face east and have large windows to take advantage of the marvelous views. A bathroom with a tub and shower combination, and tiled floor and walls, serves this area.

The second upstairs wing has the owner’s suite. This bedroom is comfortably sized, has a fireplace, offers good closet space, including a cedar closet, and has a bathroom that is fit for a spa. The highlight is a very large soaking tub, though the two sinks and vanities, on opposing walls, will also serve the owners well. There is a separate tiled shower, a tanning bed, and a separate area for the commode and bidet.

On the grounds there is a 1,200 square foot structure that could serve as a workshop, a barn, or be converted into a garage. A carport for two vehicles, an authentic MidCentury Modern touch, currently serves the home. A large laundry room is accessible from the carport.

The nearly four acre lot assures privacy and, “It allows you take in nature from the patios, decks, or, at the top, a crow’s nest, for the spectacular view,” Cleary said. That this property abuts the McClean Refuge with its 4,300 acres of forests and meadows and has easy access to hiking trails only enhances its appeal to nature lovers. Its location gives this home a country feel, but it is only minutes from the center of Simsbury. In an understatement, Cleary said,

“This property is unique.”

While this view east across the Farmington River Valley is the initial attention grabber, a walk around the home is also intriguing. Terraces and walkways flow organically and harmoniously, taking advantage of the slope of the lot and mature trees to create a park-like setting. “The previous owner did a lot of gardening and built raised beds,” Cleary said of the professionally landscaped area around the home.

An in-law suite that is separated from the main house has a kitchenette, a cozy sitting area, bedroom, and full bath. It makes this home ideal for intergenerational living.

In any other home, the fireplace would be the focal point. Here, however, the glass wall to the right with its unimpeded view across the valley demands attention first.