20 Pilgrim Path, Farmington – Hartford Courant

Reminiscent of an elegant French country estate is a charming Farmington residence that relishes in a magnificent setting and embraces views of the Farmington River Valley and the foothills of Litchfield County.

This charming home, proudly perched at the end of a cul-de-sac on Pilgrim Path, abounds with the highest level of quality, inside and outside. Design-inspired by Frank Betz, this contemporary-ranch style home features an open space footprint spread across its entire 3,400 square feet.

“You really have sunset views every day,” realtor Jacek Mikolajczyk says of the 1.85-acre property. “The view takes in the west, but there are also views to the north and south.”

Set back from the road, the home offers an abundance of privacy. The extensive tree-lined driveway connects to a custom paver sidewalk and stairs. The wooded yard has been meticulously maintained and professionally landscaped.

Built in 2009, the home offers a one-floor living model, with three bedrooms and four bathrooms. The layout is ideal for families with small children or older people who want to retire in the home and age in place.

Upon entering the front door, take in the tailor-made craftsmanship and high-end finishes everywhere. The grand foyer, adorned by soaring ceilings, blends barrel-arched designs and stunning columns. On the left side is the dining room, enhanced by a tray ceiling and Palladian windows that allow natural sunlight to flood the room.

The dining room gives way to the great room highlighted by a custom and hand-carved, wood-burning fireplace that can be converted to propane. In the space, a wall of windows with French doors provides access to the sweeping wrap-around deck and magnificent views of the valley. The great room is set up for large-scale entertaining with a wet bar, a tile backsplash, upper and lower cabinets, a counter and a wine chiller.

With many people working from home these days, an office is essential. More French doors open to a roomy study or office that could double into a children’s play room, a game room, a den or a library.

A designer chef’s kitchen is set up to accommodate a large group of people. It features granite counters, a dry bar, an island with seating and storage, top-of-the line appliances, a breakfast nook and a butler’s pantry with cabinetry and countertops.

The primary suite is adorned by a tray ceiling, a push-button propane gas fireplace and its own seating area. The spa-like bath has a jetted tub, heated floors, and an oversized tiled shower with a glass door, a separate water closet, double sinks and a convenient attached walk-in dressing room. Two other bedrooms are equally spacious.

An abundance of storage, in addition to counters, cabinets and a sink, make it easy to do laundry in this generous room. A full bath and a powder room also make up the main level.

Finished bonus space offers 395 square feet in the lower level that could be dedicated to a living area for an au pair, in-laws or guests. The room features a workshop, a second kitchen with commercial-grade appliances, an epoxy floor, a wood-burning fireplace, a bathroom with imported Italian tile, an area for wine storage and French doors which open to a waterproof covered patio. There is also unfinished space in the lower level. This area combined with a walk-up three-tiered framed attic has the potential of adding 6,000 square foot to the home.

On the exterior, a polymer-based trim outlines the long-lasting and minimal maintenance siding, provided by Hardie® siding products. A beautiful stone façade is fused into the design. In the front of the home is a large arched portico with double columns and a front door underscored by sidelights. Oversized commercial gutters have been installed on the home. The asphalt roof will not need replacement any time soon thanks to its 50-year warranty.

If you are a car collector or like to work on cars, the home’s 40-by-38 four-car garage with commercial 10-foot doors and a jackshaft can easily house seven cars. The garage, which is heated and has access to water, can be entered either through the home or the basement.

For energy efficiency, there are multiple zones for the hot-air propane heat and central air conditioning systems. The home benefits from a water treatment and a purification system, and is serviced by a public sewer and a private well. There is also a central vacuum, a security system and wiring for surround-sound.

For details and photographs of the home and property, or to take a virtual tour, visit www.valleyfinehomes.com

Karen A. Avitabile is a freelance writer based in Plantsville.

20 Pilgrim Path, Farmington

Built: 2009

Price: $1.3 million

Style: Contemporary ranch

Rooms: 8

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Bedrooms: 3

Baths: 3 full, 1 half

Square footage: 3,400 (includes 395 square feet finished in lower level)

Acreage: 1.85

Mill rate: 28.81

Best feature: Incredible views of Farmington Valley and beyond

Contact: Jacek Mikolajczyk, (860) 874-6646, jacekmikolajczyk@bhhsne.com; Marc Scigany, (860) 335-8804, marcscigany@bhhsne.com; www.valleyfinehomes.com