Property of the week: Charming and adorable Connecticut home

Charming and adorable are apt descriptions for this West Hartford home, located in a quiet neighborhood that is close to Westfarms Mall. Mature trees and a large lot of over half an acre provide a sense of privacy, while the interior of the home is warm and inviting. The attractive walkway to the front door, flanked by stone retaining walls, gives but a hint of what awaits inside.

The entry hall provides enticing views of the large living room to the right. On the other side, an open kitchen and dining area enhance the feeling of space. Stairs leading to the second floor add visual appeal to this entry foyer while hardwood floors, found here and throughout much of the home, offer a touch of elegance.

The kitchen is thoroughly modern. It features a large island that is more than 10 feet long. This provides ample space for seating, making it ideal for entertaining, snacks, and light meals. It also serves nicely for completing homework assignments after school.

Along the kitchen’s outer wall are the dishwasher, a sink, and a stainless steel gas stove with a center griddle. The cabinets, which offer ample storage space, have soft-close doors and drawers. Large windows on both sides of the kitchen and in the dining area provide ample natural light during the day, while overhead and recessed lighting, along with a chandelier for the dining room table, take over once the sun sets. It is a layout that works well for both daily living and entertaining. Adding to its convenience, the kitchen enjoys direct access to the two-car garage and the first floor laundry.

The living room is large and, thanks to well placed windows, bright on a sunny day. A fireplace on an interior wall that features a vertical shiplap treatment serves as the focal point. It is one of two fireplaces in the home.

Continue to the rear of living room to reach the den, which has a vaulted ceiling that adds to the feeling of space, while generously sized windows give views of the backyard, highlighted by mature trees and a brick patio with updated masonry and a fire pit. This den flows into a great room which shares the den’s vaulted ceiling, but offers even more glass, two skylights and a slider to reach the patio. It, too, is beautifully bright and cheery on a sunny day.

The first floor includes a bedroom, which is located next to a newly renovated full bath. Here modern fixtures and a glass enclosed shower add a contemporary feel. This first floor bedroom and nearby bath make this home an ideal candidate for one-floor or intergenerational living.

The stairway in the front hall leads to the second floor and three additional bedrooms. The highlight here is the primary suite, with its private bath, and two walk-in closets. The other two bedrooms share a full bath with a tub. The angles of the gambrel roof and dormers, which are reflected in the exterior walls, add to the space and visual appeal of these bedrooms.

Taking advantage of the slope of the lot, the lower level has a spacious, fully finished room with a large window and direct outside access. This room is carpeted and features the home’s second fireplace. The possibilities for this space are numerous, and include a family or recreation room. This lower level also includes an area for basement storage and access to the home’s mechanical systems. These include a zoned natural gas boiler for hot water heating and the ductwork for the central air conditioning system. Additional storage is available in the home’s attached two-car garage, which has space for two vehicles and gardening and recreational items. An attic area over the garage provides even more storage space.

The list of this home’s recent upgrades is long. The three bathrooms and kitchen are new, the roof is new, the vinyl siding is new, and the electrical system has been upgraded. Many windows are also new. In the basement, the gas-fired heating and hot water systems have also been updated.

Outside, the landscaping has been addressed. In addition to the stone retaining walls and new backyard patio, which would be perfect for summer entertaining, there is a raised bed for growing plants or vegetables, and the yard has been partially fenced. All the next owner will have to do is move in.

The location could not be better. This home is close to major employers in Hartford, West Hartford and Farmington. Shopping areas, a wide range of services, restaurants, and medical facilities are nearby. Entrances to I-84 east or west are just minutes away. Yet, the hustle and bustle associated with daily life, work and traffic seem to disappear when you turn off Woodpond Road and head toward this home at 42 Woodridge Circle. Since Woodridge Circle ends in a cul-de-sac, traffic is light, which encourages walking. Stroll to Woodland Road and you will be treated to beautiful views of Wood Pond and Woodridge Lake. The Rockledge Golf Club is also nearby.

It is often said that location is the prime factor in determining real estate value, and judged by this standard, the location of this home has to be considered ideal. However, the interior layout, the extensive list of recent upgrades, and the flexibility it offers for one-floor living or intergenerational occupancy also add substantially to its appeal.

Info Box:

Built:                            1956

Price:                           $629,000

Style:                           Colonial

Rooms:                       9

Bedrooms:                  4

Baths:                          3 full

Square footage:          3,219

Acreage:                     0.54

Mill rate:                      40.68

Best Feature:              Location and neighborhood. This charming home is close to shopping,

schools, services and employers located in Hartford, West Hartford and

Farmington.

Contact:                      John Lepore

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties

860-798-7844

jlepore@bhhsne.com