We all have our favorite houses. I have spent a lifetime, even as a child, evaluating residential curb appeal during long walks and Sunday drives. Without a doubt, some homes stand apart from the rest and when you see something special, it makes an impression. As developers, keen on turning a profit, frequently come to rely on cheaper materials and unspectacular designs, noteworthy homes seem all but missing from the suburban landscape.
Let me show you around a listing that is simply lovely. Not overbuilt, but crafted with earnest details and quality materials and mechanicals. There are no twin pillars flanking the drive, so you may mistake it for something more ordinary. But make no mistake, there is nothing ordinary about this 4 bedroom Colonial on Arbutus Street in Durham.
The muted grey shakes, bluestone walkways, and maritime details of this 4100 square foot home beckon with hospitality. The main living area is all about openness, with flowing spaces branching off the spectacular great room. Columns, custom cabinetry and lush window treatments (included) highlight the space with a vibrant palette and surprising spaces tucked beyond French doors including the regal office and intimate den. Understated elegance is more than just a cliché as you take in the antique newel post, Brazilian cherry floors, and substantial millwork. And you won’t forget the rich red walls and creamy wainscoting in the dining room.
A generous galley design and lofty cathedral ceilings define the kitchen - a cook’s dream with granite, classic cabinetry, and an accessible, hardworking pantry tucked behind a pocket door. Stocked with high-end stainless appliances including the twin Bosch double ovens (one with convection) and Subzero fridge, this kitchen puts you 2 steps from everything. And your inner chef will relish the 6-burner commercial gas cooktop. Nearby, the combination island and breakfast counter is out of the way, and the relaxing bay window brings tons of light providing the perfect setting to linger over the family meal.
Upstairs, the master suite includes a large walk-in closet, and master bath with attached powder room. Two more large bedrooms offer mini suites with large closets and private baths, all with crisp white subway tiles and classic marble vanities.
The 4th bedroom suite, situated apart from the other bedrooms by a generous hallway and sitting area, presents many options for teenagers or others who need space of their own with a huge main room with dormers and built-in window seats and an adjoining bedroom and laundry room with utility sink.
You will love the nearly 3-acre property with its natural evergreen border providing a graceful and private backdrop for the lovely perennial beds and a rear bricked porch with built-in gas fireplace. Seemingly endless stand-out features include a built-in sound system, security system, 4 baths (3 full, 1 powder room), and full basement with home gym and workshop with walk-out and tall windows, central air, Buderus furnace, oversized 3 car garage, large shed and much more. If you would like a look inside this truly unforgettable home, please call me (860) 918-4580.
