Property Week of the

One floor living offered in luxury home in Colchester

Viewed from the street, the house at 242 Waterhole Road in Colchester is charming. A large front lawn, with enough mature trees to please the eye without blocking the view of the house, is just one factor accounting for its undeniable appeal. Also playing a part are the front porch, which welcomes guests with its barrel ceiling that covers the walkway to the front door, a flat-ceiling porch extension that goes on to cover much of this home’s front before wrapping around to shelter a side entrance, and the porch’s 12 columns that provide a sense of strength and stability. It is all a very welcoming and impressive introduction to this home, which provides one-floor living without compromises.

This home’s appealing appearance may not, however, adequately prepare first-time visitors for what awaits just beyond the raised panel front door, which is flanked by sidelights and highlighted by a half circle window placed above the doorway. This entrance gives visitors direct access to the living room, which is separated from the entryway by a knee wall with columns. That low wall forms a hall leading to the kitchen without blocking the view into the living room and, through large windows and a French door at the rear of the home, a covered deck and patio, part of an area set off from the rest of the yard by a white picket fence.

The visual delights from the entry foyer are far from over, however. On the right wall of the living room, fully visible from the entry, is a massive fireplace with a stone chimney that rises from the hearth to the dramatically vaulted ceiling. Light pours in from above, even on an overcast day, thanks to a dormer with a Palladian window that faces to the front of the house.

Even the floor plays a part. The polished granite in the entry hall smoothly transitions to a wood floor with an inlaid border accent that continues into the dining room and the home’s three bedrooms.

To the left of the entry hall is the spacious kitchen. It features a large island, which could easily seat six or more people for breakfast, snacks, or conversation while the

Just around the corner from the kitchen is the formal dining room. It is a short walk away, yet it is also completely separate from meal preparation. A large doorway that is open to the living room can give diners a view of a roaring fire in the fireplace, or pocket doors can be closed for a more intimate dining experience.

“The layout of this home avoids the cookie-cutter designs [often seen in contemporary homes], but it really works,” Flanagan said. “It gives people lots of opportunities.”

The primary suite, on the first floor – remember, this house provides the option of one-floor living – is large and spacious. A vaulted ceiling with recessed lighting are among its highlights. So, too, are a large walk-in closet and a primary bath fit for a spa. The jetted tub could fit two, there is a double sink vanity, large shower and a separate room for the commode. There is even a linen closet.

Beyond the kitchen, a short hall goes past more closets, a laundry area and a half bath before reaching an oversized three-car garage. Also reached from this hall are a side entrance, backyard access door, and stairs to a bonus room over the garage. It is quite large and could service as a home office, a recreation room, home theater, or gym. It is actually large enough to accommodate all of these functions.

“The bonus room can be closed off for privacy,” which is ideal for adults working from home. “Or it can keep noise away if children are playing there,” Flanagan said.

The garage, with ample space for three vehicles plus recreational and yard care equipment also provides secure access to the unfinished basement, which is exceptionally large. Its tall ceilings and open layout hold numerous possibilities, in addition to such typical applications as storage and workshop functions. The basement also has the home’s mechanical systems, including the central vacuum, four-zone heating – the home also has three-zone central air conditioning – and a water treatment system.

“This is a great home for entertaining. It’s large and luxurious and offers one-floor living,” Flanagan said. “It is unique.”

Along the kitchen’s outer walls are more counters, a double bowl stainless steel sink, built-in double ovens, a dishwasher, and a large refrigerator. The cabinets have raised panel doors, a crown molding detail, and a beautiful natural wood-tone finish. Along the side wall is a desk, perfect for home office functions, additional storage space, and a pantry closet. In front of the island is more than enough space for a table and chairs to handle informal dining. The floor and counter backsplash feature tile.

The other two bedrooms are roomy, have large closets, and are served by a separate full bath featuring another double sink vanity. Adding to its flexibility, it allows a user to close off the toilet and tub-shower combination from the dual sink vanity area, allowing multiple users on busy mornings.

“I love a home with a front porch,” Dana Flanagan, who is handling the sale, said. “It’s perfect for sitting outside on a summer evening.”

chef is entertaining or preparing meals. In addition to the large work surfaces, the island also holds the Jenn-Air cooktop and a wine cooler.