As Maryalice Widness is quick to point out, the home combines an ideal location with an innovative floor plan that is unique, impressive, and able to work for a wide variety of potential buyers.
Widness, of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England, is the real estate agent handling the sale of 34 Cary Lane, Bloomfield.
Asked what sets this home apart in today’s market, Widness first noted its location in Balbrae, a condominium community noted for its spacious, well designed homes. “It’s close to nature and the site is beautiful,” she said. “[This neighborhood] backs up to the reservoir, which people can walk through.”
“It’s in a country setting, yet all kinds of services are just 10 to 15 minutes away. It’s between Simsbury and Bloomfield, so there is easy access to many amenities.”
Adding to the home’s appeal, the architect took advantage of the slope of the lot to position decks on two levels well above a small stream surrounded by trees..
As for this property, Widness calls it “A real home with the benefits of a condominium. It’s been well loved and very well cared for. But also, there is the matter of its size. At Balbrae the units are large in comparison to many other condominiums in the area. And, this unit [with more than 4,500 square feet of living space] is one of the largest in the complex.”
This home offers living space on three levels. “The main attraction, however, is the first floor, with its lovely primary suite,” Widness said. “You can live on just the first floor, but you can have family in the second floor guest suite, or with the lower level, you can entertain a large group.”
This primary suite is large, offers access to the home’s upper level rear deck, has a walk-in closet and bath fit for a luxury spa. Here, there is a large dual-sink vanity, a jetted soaking tub and separate shower. The commode and a bidet are available in a separate room that is part of the primary bath.
The entry foyer features an open stairway to the second level, which has a large bedroom with a private bath and a cedar closet. The foyer accesses the kitchen, and through a short hall, a spectacular living room.
“The living room is simply stunning,” Widness said.
The large fireplace is easily the focal point, though the large windows on either side, with views of the woods just beyond the upper rear deck might be considered even more appealing by some people. Venture onto the deck and the woods with a small stream come into view. Adding to the living room’s appeal are skylights, a vaulted ceiling, and a beautiful hardwood floor. “It’s a real surprise when you walk into the house,” Widness said.
The living room is open to a spacious dining room. It, too, overlooks the deck and the woods, creating a peaceful view of nature to enhance the dining experience. This dining room also provides access to a three-season room. It has large windows to take in more of these beautiful wooded views. Finally, the dining room provides immediate access to the kitchen, which Widness noted is quite large. In addition, the family room, which has the home’s second fireplace, is also open to the kitchen.
“The kitchen is large, very well equipped, and very conducive to multiple cooks,” Widness said. “The layout is efficient and a great space for entertaining. You can be cooking and look into the family room. Your guests can be there and you can chat with them and not be isolated. The house can accommodate a large group of people.”
It actually would not be hard to imagine the house handling several groups of people simultaneously, with additional gathering spaces in the living room and the rec room one floor down. In addition, the kitchen has space for casual dining and provides direct access to a mudroom, full laundry, and the attached two-car garage. A half bath off the foyer completes the first floor.
The lower level offers more beautiful views of the woods and has its own deck. The rec room located on this level offers more than 320 square feet of space. In addition the lower level has two additional bedrooms, one with a private bath, a second full bath, a potential home office that could also be a bonus room or additional bedroom, a cedar closet, and an area for the home’s mechanical systems, storage, and a workshop.
Balbrae amenities include a swimming pool, tennis courts and pickleball, and easy access to walking trails. The association takes care of maintaining the grounds and snow removal, making it easy for residents to travel without worry. This unit also has efficient heat pump climate control units that have been replaced within the last five years.
Having lived in Balbrae for many years, Widness is in a very good position to provide additional perspective on the homes and development.
“These homes live like a suburban home, but you have the advantages of a condominium,” she said. In addition, the homes are quiet and private, which reflects on both the design and the quality of construction. “This unit is actually semi-detached,” Widness said. Consider this an ideal home in an ideal location, she said. An open house is slated for today, November 16 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Info Box:
Built: 1986
Price: $729,900
Style: Ranch
Rooms: 11
Bedrooms: 4
Baths: 4.5
Square footage: 4,559 total; 3,059 above grade
Open House: November 16, 2025 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Mill rate: 35.64
Best Feature: The living room, which is stunning. When you first walk in the door, it’s eye catching and beautiful with the skylights and the fireplace.
Contact: Maryalice Widness
860-916-3209, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England