Property Week
A house built around the breathtaking views
Asked what is more spectacular, the house on Avon Mountain at 45 Deercliff Road or the views from this property, Sonia Peck, who is handling the sale with Brigitte Richter, both of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, laughed. “That’s a tough question,” she said. “It is really the combination of both that makes this home so special. The quality of the build is impressive and the views are nature at its best.”
From the front of the house a visitor’s gaze is drawn to picturesque Ely Pond, which is just across the road, while at the rear of the home this property’s location on Avon Mountain allows for commanding views of Farmington Valley. “The house was built around the breathtaking views,” Richter said.
In addition to the views, this home, with its classic colonial architecture, also commands attention. Its stonework, slate roof, copper gutters, and dormers that add character make it “simply majestic,” Peck said,
The interior actually exceeds the expectations created by the exterior. Visitors at the front door will immediately notice the grand foyer’s high ceiling and a graceful half arch under the front staircase. “As you enter, you will be captured by the breathtaking panorama of the valley, visible through two sets of beautiful French doors at the far end of the grand foyer,” Richter said. “The view and the abundant natural light really draw you in.”
“The foyer is captivating,” Peck added. “You open the door and you want to be there, in that space.”
Also give credit to the millwork. “It’s phenomenal,” said Richter. “There is three-tier crown molding throughout the entire house, and on the main level, shadow boxes are very tastefully done. It’s very sophisticated; very elegant.” Coffered ceilings in some rooms are another highlight.
The formal living and dining rooms, home office, and a gourmet kitchen are just steps away from the grand foyer. “The kitchen is large and inviting,” Peck said. “With its eat-in area, it’s really every person’s dream kitchen.” Richter described it as casual yet upscale with its beautiful leathered granite counters.
The kitchen is open to the family room, which makes this part of the home an inviting center of activity when entertaining, enabling the chef to be part of large gatherings. Among the highlights of the family room is an impressive fireplace, one of five in the home. The other fireplaces are in the living room, office, screenedin porch and master suite.
The lower level is “everyone’s playground,” according to Peck. “It has a carpeted playroom, a billiard room with a pool table and arcade games, a custom walnut bar, gym, and a movie theater,” she said.
“There is also a room I call the boiler room,” Richter added. It contains the geothermal heating and cooling system, which uses technology noted for its energy efficiency. Solar panels, out of view on the back of the four-car garage, further reduce energy bills.
“The house was ‘Green Built,’” Peck noted, adding that the builder is a certified “Green Builder” who built this home for himself and his family. The project was labor intensive, meaning you could not build this home today for the asking price, she added.
The attention to detail shown in the home is also obvious in the landscaped yard. “We haven’t had anyone look at this home who hasn’t been in complete awe once outside, on top of the mountain,” Peck said.
Other outdoor features include a half basketball court, a vegetable garden, and a large level lawn perfect for children’s play. Finally, the yard is completely fenced in, assuring privacy and discouraging wildlife from dining in the garden.
As for the location, “Just drive out of your driveway and in a minute you are on Rt. 44. You can zip down to West Hartford in one direction or Avon in the other,” Richter said.
There is no debating that this home is unique, or that its design, construction, and location make it impossible to replicate. For more information go to www.45deercliff.com.