New Haven Register (Sunday) (New Haven, CT)
Quality construction in Durham
Custom cape with first-floor in-law suite on 5.09 acres
This uniquely designed and custom-built cape is set on a glorious parcel of 5.09 acres, brimming with privacy and abundant with wildlife. It is located in a beautiful neighborhood of distinguished homes built by local builder Tony Cuomo, known for providing the highest standards of quality construction and attention to detail.
The ideal location is within walking distance to Allyn Brook Park, a seasonal farmer’s market and Durham’s charming town center offers convenience for shopping as well as enjoying the local flavor and recreational activities.
An expansive front porch creates a welcoming entrance among gracious columns and plenty of room for sitting back and enjoying the surroundings of the peaceful countryside. Inside, the home offers a brilliant open floor plan which accommodates ease of entertaining and comfortable everyday living for family and guests. The versatile layout incorporates an in-law arrangement that has been redesigned as a first-floor master bedroom and a beautiful family room or study.
“This was one of the features that attracted the current owners to the home,” listing agent Craig Armistead said. “They loved the openness and brightness that exuded throughout the home as well as the in-law section with the separate staircase to the upper level bonus room which they used as a playroom.”
Inviting entertaining areas include a formal living room with a fireplace, cathedral ceilings and French doors that open to one of two decks where residents can enjoy the sounds of nature from Hersig Brook, which runs along the back of the property. Architectural columns distinguish the entrance to the formal dining room.
The living room is also open to the tastefully designed kitchen, which is finely appointed with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a tile floor, a walk-in
pantry and a sunny breakfast nook with walls of windows overlooking the natural setting.
“The breakfast nook is the owner’s favorite feature as it enabled them to enjoy views of snow in winter and the natural beauty of the woods in the summer,” Armistead stated. The yard has an invisible fence creating a perfectly large playground for dog owners, while the brook further enhances the scenic beauty of the property.
French doors from the living room access the east wing, which houses the master bedroom suite and a spacious study or family room which accesses the deck off the breakfast nook as well as a deck of its own.
The master suite enjoys a private bath and separate staircase to a finished bonus room with walkin closet, which can serve a variety of uses such as a playroom, bedroom, media room or office.
The upper level of the main section of the home offers two generously proportioned bedrooms and a nicely finished full bath with oversized tub, separate shower stall, distinctive pedestal sinks and tile floor. Another finished bonus room on this level offers additional living space and the unfinished basement offers expansion possibilities if desired.
Additional features include central vacuum, a backup gas electrical generator and two separate HVAC systems. The sellers are very motivated and buyers should inquire about seller incentives.