Property of the week: Charming colonial offered in ‘wonderful’ Connecticut neighborhood

“This is a wonderful home,” said Kevin Eagan of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England, who is handling its sale. “It has so much charm and character. And, it is in a wonderful neighborhood.”

He knows this from personal experience having grown up just a short distance from this West Hartford home, which is located at the corner of North Quaker Lane and Bainbridge Road.

One example of the features that lend both charm and character is a detail that the owner confessed sold her on the house, even before completing a full tour. A landing about three-quarters of the way up the stairs that go from the entry hall to the second floor has a window seat set in a bay window. This nook not only lets in an abundance of natural light, it also provides a wonderful view of the backyard. It would be a perfect spot to curl up with a good book on a rainy day and it is just one of the many charming and unexpected details that set this home apart. Other details that stand out include strategically placed arched portals and exceptional millwork.

The foyer that welcomes guests is warm and inviting. It is nicely sized with a feeling of space that is enhanced by the high ceilings that are present throughout the home. This foyer is part of a central hall that extends to the rear of the home and leads to a recently remodeled half bath that is conveniently located, yet is tucked out of the way.

To the left of the entry hall is the formal living room, which extends from the front to the rear of the home. It features ample space for large gatherings, yet would not overwhelm smaller get-togethers with family and friends. The millwork that forms the mantle and surround for the central fireplace is impressive and extends to built-in bookcases with lower storage cabinets along the wall to the left of the fireplace. A second built-in bookcase on the opposite wall balances this treatment while crown moldings and wide baseboard trim add elegance.

The living room opens to a sunroom with windows that admit ample light, even on an overcast and rainy day. This sunroom, with its tray ceiling and ceiling fan, can also serve as a home office, which is how the current owners use it.

To the right of the entry hall is the formal dining room. Again, the millwork is impressive thanks to the wide baseboards, crown molding, and the trim surrounding doorways and windows. It leads directly to the eat-in kitchen, which has been updated by noted kitchen designer Lorey Cavanaugh. Here, cherry cabinets, stainless steel appliances and a tile floor are practical and highly attractive. The galley layout enhances the kitchen’s efficiency, yet there is ample room for helpers when preparing meals for large gatherings. The kitchen features direct access to the two-car garage and the rear patio.

“The patio is very nice,” said Eagan. ”It uses Belgian blocks and wraps around the home. It makes this a backyard oasis.” At one end of this patio there is a fire pit, while along the rear of the home there is room for seating and tables for outdoor entertaining. Fencing and mature trees and plantings provide an exceptional level of privacy for these gatherings. To the side there is a level lawn that has been carefully landscaped with a good portion ready to accommodate a child’s play. A utility shed stands ready to store landscaping tools and recreational items.

The second floor features three bedrooms, including a comfortable primary suite with a private remodeled bath and dual closets, one of which is a walk-in. The other two bedrooms are also comfortably sized and feature the hardwood oak flooring that is used throughout most of the home. A full bath with a tub and shower serves these two other second floor bedrooms.

A second stairway reaches the third floor. Here, there are two more bedrooms, bringing the total to five, another full bath, a cedar closet, and access to additional storage.

The basement is partially finished, includes a large laundry room, and has ample space for the gas boiler and hot water heater, work space, and storage. Adding to the home’s appeal, Eagan notes that the roof and windows are new. In addition, ceilings on the second floor have been redone and the paint is in excellent condition. “The next buyer will only have to open the door and move in,” Eagan said.

This home’s attractive qualities are not confined to the interior. Outside, it has undeniable curb appeal. The first floor brick facade contrasts nicely with the siding above, while a front-facing gable enhances visual interest.

The home’s location also adds to its appeal, Eagan said. “For parents with younger children, this home is in the district served by the Morley Elementary School.” It is close by, which negates the need for busing, and is highly regarded.

The home is also near the shops, restaurants and services available in the West Hartford Center, Blue Back Square, Westfarms, and Bishops Corner. Employers in downtown Hartford, Farmington, and West Hartford, are close by, too. Elizabeth Park is within walking distance.

“I really like homes from this period,” Eagan said. “They have lots of character, and this home is a perfect example. It has features and details that would be very costly to duplicate today.”

Info:

Built: 1927

Price: $699,900

Style: Colonial

Rooms: 10

Bedrooms: 5

Baths: 3 full; 1 half

Square footage: 2,979

Acreage: 0.35

Mill rate: 40.92

Best Feature: The charm and character of the home and the neighborhood

Contact:  Kevin Eagan

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England

970 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, CT 06107

860-416-3333

kevineagan@bhhsNE.com