Property of the week: A classic colonial in a CT neighborhood where ‘lifelong friends’ are made

Even in an exclusive neighborhood, this Connecticut home stands out.

In the exclusive Devonwood neighborhood, which is noted for having some of Farmington’s most desirable homes, the appeal of 34 Pembroke Hill starts with its location on a road that forms a loop off Cambridge Crossing. Since Pembroke Hill has no second outlet, it is bypassed by most drivers. So traffic is light, usually confined to neighbors coming and going.

Then, there is this colonial’s undeniable curb appeal, enhanced by its generous setback from the road and the surrounding mature trees. Its architectural details, including the front facing two-story gable end that adds a touch of drama and the inviting covered front entry, set high expectations for the interior, which are easily met. The entry hall, which is open to the second floor, is warm, friendly, and inviting. Hardwood flooring, which is used throughout most of the first floor and in the second floor hall, adds to the interior’s charm. The entry hall’s floor is marble.

From the entry hall the living room with its handsome fireplace is to the left and the dining room is to the right. An open stairway to the second floor is beautifully crafted and adds visual appeal. A study at the rear of the home is also accessed from the entry foyer as is the family room, which is open to the kitchen.

Adding to the home’s appeal and elegance is the exceptional craftsmanship displayed in the millwork. Shadow boxing in the entry, living and dining rooms, and crown molding add elegance.

Beyond the living and dining rooms, the home features an open floor plan that is as ideal for entertaining as it is for accommodating daily life. And then, there is the light. “The windows in the home stand out,” said Christy Muller of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, who is handling the sale. “There are floor to ceiling windows on the first floor that really let in a lot of beautiful light.”

The current owners agree. They list the abundance of natural light as one of the home’s most endearing qualities, saying, “[There’s] lots of glass in the living area…with great lighting throughout,” and the home’s eastern exposure produces views of breathtaking sunrises.

The family room should prove to be ideal for a wide range of functions. There, the focal point has to be the stunning natural stone fireplace that soars to the top of a cathedral ceiling. While neither fireplace in the home has yet to be used, the family room’s fireplace, which is eight feet wide, is a standout feature in the home.

The kitchen, which has been recently remodeled, is open to the family room and is large and welcoming,” said Muller. “The appliances are stainless steel and the windows face east, for lots of light.” This kitchen and family room will undoubtedly take center stage for many activities. A rear deck, accessed from this area, has also been recently remodeled. In addition, the first floor has a half bath and a mudroom with a tile floor and space for coats and boots. It accesses the three-car garage and another set of stairs to the second floor.

There are four bedrooms upstairs. “The primary suite has a vaulted ceiling, is very roomy, open, and airy,” Muller said. There are two nicely sized closets on the way to the primary bath, which is spacious, features a marble floor, dual sink vanity, Jacuzzi tub, separate shower, and a separate room for the commode.

The other three second floor bedrooms are spacious and have good closet space. One of these bedrooms has a private bath while the other two share a Jack-and-Jill bathroom. The second floor also has the home’s laundry room and an open playroom area. Having an ensuite bedroom with access to back stairs that go to a first floor side entrance and the garage suggests that this home could easily handle intergenerational living.

The current owners are fond of the walkout lower level with its large windows and finished second family room that easily accommodates a large screen television and exercise equipment. The lower level also has a bedroom and a full bath. In addition, there is ample storage space available in the basement. The mechanical systems include recently updated heating and cooling equipment while rooms throughout the house are newly painted.

The yard, with its numerous mature trees, is large. As the owner noted, “In the Spring, when the trees fill in, it’s as if we are surrounded by a green wall. I also enjoy early morning walks around the surrounding sidewalks and trails, to start off the day.”

All those trees give the home the look and feel of a hideaway in the woods. Yet Devonwood is just off Town Farms Road, so residents are close to businesses and services in Avon and Farmington, including a wide range of excellent restaurants. I-84, Farmington Avenue, West Hartford Center, and the University of Connecticut Health Center are also close by, as are numerous recreational opportunities. These include golf courses and facilities for tennis, swimming, and equestrian activities. Downtown Hartford is also an easy commute.

Finally, as a current owner notes, “Living in the Devonwood neighborhood made it easy for the children to make and have lifelong friends. My husband and I also formed strong friendships with neighbors. This place we called our home will always bring special and fond memories for the whole family.”

Info Box:

Built: 1995

Price: $1,175,000

Style: Colonial

Rooms: 12

Bedrooms: 5

Baths: 4 full; 1 half

Square footage: 5,064

Acreage: 1.28

Mill rate: 24.21

Best Feature: A beautiful home with a large private lot in a wonderful neighborhood

Contact:  Contact: Christy Muller

William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty

860-463-7684

cmuller@wpsir.com