Managing to be simultaneously charming and impressive is no easy task, yet Applethorne, a country estate, is successful at doing just that.
As its current owners, Erin and Brook Hazelton, put it, living in this home “…feels like a complete escape. After living in New York City for over twenty years, we wanted a serene and uplifting environment to escape to.” Yet, for all its privacy and quiet, this estate on Old Mountain Road in Farmington is close to exceptional shopping, dining, recreational, and cultural opportunities in Farmington and West Hartford.
It is also rich in history. Designed by noted architect Carl J. Malmfeldt, who would later turn a derelict house on Prospect Avenue into the Governor’s Mansion, this home was commissioned by the family of John G. Lee. As Brigitte Richter noted, he was the director of research at United Aircraft Corporation and a founder of the University of Hartford. Richter, and Sonia Peck of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, are handling the sale.
1 of 7
“This is a very special place,” Richter said of this estate, with Peck adding, “Old Mountain Road is scenic with many impressive properties. I would describe this one as a country estate on seven acres with beautiful views of the landscape that surrounds it. It comes with an in-ground gunite salt water pool with a spa, a horse barn, a turnout for the horses, and a riding ring.” Four horses can be accommodated on the property.
It is the recent history of the house that will prove to be most important to the next buyer, however. “The current owners completely updated the house,” Peck said. According to owner Erin Hazelton, “I wanted to mirror the setting of the house and make the interior feel like a retreat. The goal for the renovation was to restore the home to its 1930s glory, but to completely modernize it. Details like the brass mother of pearl push-button light switches look old, but they’re actually new.”
Visitors at the front door enter through a small vestibule then step into a large entry foyer. The formal living room, with a fireplace and impressive millwork, is on the right. Straight ahead are stairs to the second floor. Wood paneling with shadow boxing graces the foyer and many other areas of the house.
Take two steps down from the entry foyer at this staircase and you end up on a stone landing that flows into the four-season sunporch. It also accesses a door to the backyard and, for gardeners, a small closet on this landing has a sink for potting plants.
It is the remodeled eat-in kitchen, however, that will become the heart of the home, Richter said. “It comes with leathered calacatta viola marble countertops, exquisite custom cabinetry, wide farmhouse plank floors, and Viking appliances, including a stunning Tuscan gas range that adds a charming antique touch.”
Between the kitchen and a large formal dining room is a butler’s pantry. “The stone in the butler’s pantry and the cabinetry were designed by the homeowner. She has an eye for design and style,” Peck said. The kitchen also accesses a three car garage and back stairs to the second floor.
“One of my favorite rooms is the library,” Richter said. Located on the first floor, “It’s a beautiful showcase of the woodwork and craftsmanship in the house. The owners added backlit shelving, custom cabinetry, and elegant Holly Hunt Pineo wallpaper, reminiscent of a boutique hotel. The half bath in the library features a custom marble sink and basket weave marble tile.”
The home’s six bedrooms are on the second floor. The main staircase provides easy access to the primary suite, which has been completely redone. It features a fireplace, impressive millwork and a luxurious bath.
“All the paneling and the cabinets in the primary bedroom were completely redesigned by the homeowners. The fireplace is framed by exquisite millwork and the back wall, where the bed sits, is adorned with detailed paneling. The walk-in closet has been fully customized with shelving and drawers. In the bathroom, wide plank wood flooring adds a charming country house feel, complemented by Waterworks fixtures, which are featured throughout the home,” Peck said.
Two of the remaining five bedrooms are reached easily from the main staircase’s second floor landing. These bedrooms are roomy and each has access to a private bath. The three other bedrooms can also be reached from this area, though they can be closed off and then accessed using the back stairs. It is a layout that should work well for a variety of needs, including intergenerational living. These three bedrooms are served by two full baths. Currently, one of the bedrooms is used as a home office.
The third floor has a large recreation room, attic storage and a big closet. The lower level has a family room with a fireplace, a full bath, and a wine cellar. There is also ample storage space. Outside, in addition to the pool, there is a horse barn, riding ring, and a storage building, all in excellent condition.
“The owner’s work on the home and their decoration are just impeccable,” Richter said. “This would be a perfect full-time residence, or a second home for those needing respite from New York City or Boston.”
Info:
Built: 1930
Price: $2,995,000
Style: Antique Colonial
Rooms: 11
Bedrooms: 6
Baths: 6 full; 1 half
Square footage: 6,035
Acreage: 7.33
Mill rate: 24.45
Best Feature: The kitchen, which is gorgeous and stunning, with its use of unique materials and French doors that lead to the large and beautifully landscaped yard.
Contact: Brigitte Richter or Sonia Peck
860-205-3833 or 860-983-3032
