Property Week
Country cape in West Simsbury features space, comfort, and style
When builders noted for their high quality and distinctive high-end homes decide to build a home for themselves, they almost always pull out all the stops. Such is the case with the home at 83 Old Farms Road in West Simsbury.
Built by John Hartwell, a highly respected custom builder and developer, this country cape shows a lavish attention to detail, starting with the floor plan. It is a home that could handle entertaining large groups, yet it remains warm and inviting. “The large back yard, with its wild flower meadow, would be perfect for a wedding,” added Cathy McCahill of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, who is handling the sale. “It is a one-of-a-kind home rich in architectural details.”
This is clearly apparent while walking to the front door. The paver walkway, with a herringbone pattern, leads to a double door entry protected by an overhang supported by two columns. Enter, and a glistening marble floor leads the eye to a great room at the rear of the home and views through large windows of Simsbury’s West Mountain, which is in a land trust owned by the town. “There can be no development there,” McCahill said.
A formal living room, that could also serve as a home office, is on the right. It can be closed off from the entry by French doors and features a barrel ceiling, ample light from a large arched window, and a beautiful gas-fed fireplace that is flanked by built-in bookcases and storage cabinets. Windsor casings that set off the doors and windows are substantial, attractive, and blend perfectly with the wide baseboard trim used throughout the home.
The eat-in kitchen is large, with generously sized granite work surfaces along two walls and on an island that holds a Wolf cooktop. Along the outer walls are a built-in Wolf oven and microwave, a dishwasher, sink, and a Sub-Zero refrigerator. The cherry cabinets are beautiful and offer ample storage space while the west wall has a built-in settee and more cabinets. Just beyond is an informal half octagon eating area that overlooks the backyard and hills beyond. Its vaulted ceiling adds visual appeal.
Beyond the kitchen, on the way to the two-car garage is a combination half bath and laundry room, with ample space for a full size washer and dryer, cabinets, and a toilet on one side. A long granite counter and sink are on the other side. Just outside is a coat closet and a large pantry.
The kitchen opens to a great room. “I love the fieldstone fireplace,” McCahill said, noting the artistry and skill of the mason who built it. On either side are cabinets, one with a wet bar and on the other side there is space for a home entertainment system. Adding to the room’s drama is the ceiling that soars to the second floor and the second floor hallway that looks down to the great room, or in the other direction, the entry hall.
The second floor has three more comfortably sized bedrooms with ample closet space. One has a private bath, with the other two sharing a bath off the second floor hall. Two sets of stairs reach the second floor. The front stairs are open to the entry hall and reward the climb to the second floor by offering a dramatic view of the great room and entry area. At the end of the hall is access to the second stairway that goes to the kitchen. A large bonus room over the garage completes the second floor.
The home takes advantage of the slope of the lot to offer a partially finished walk-out lower level. The stairs to this area are completely finished and reach a hall that has built-in shelving and cabinets. Beyond is a rec room that has access to a half bath, a kitchenette, and a home office. Just outside is a bluestone patio. In addition, the lower level has two large storage areas.
Also on the property is a large, beautifully maintained barn. It could serve as an artist’s studio, a workshop, or storage building. Five or more vehicles could be accommodated, which should interest car collectors, with room left over for recreational and gardening equipment. “The home is surrounded by flower beds,” McCahill said. “Starting in May, it is just beautiful.” To this, the owner noted that the meadow behind the home has Joe Pye plants that in August form an array of violet wild flowers. Not only are these lovely to look at, they also attract monarch butterflies.
The owner then added, “If I could, I would lift this house and move to where we are moving. This has been a wonderful home.”