If anything, Daniel Burgio of William Raveis Real Estate was actually understating the case when he said the home, “…is really one of a kind. There is nothing quite like it.”
Indeed, not only is there nothing quite like it, nothing really comes close. This home at 18 Stone Hill Drive in Rocky Hill offers elegance, privacy and incredible views of downtown Hartford. Located on a hilltop in one of Rocky Hill’s most desirable neighborhoods, the home is intriguing, roomy, and expertly crafted using high quality materials, yet it manages to be warm and welcoming.
“It’s a real architectural masterpiece that took the owners four years to build. It’s a solid, beautiful home. Every square foot has been thoughtfully designed and carefully crafted. No detail was left to chance, and that includes the ground it sits on,” Burgio said.
Four years is a long time to build a home, but it was time well spent. Even on the approach, there can be no doubt of the exceptional care and thought that went into the siting, design, and construction. “It is located on a hill where the owners leveled an acre of land,” Burgio said. “They have some of the best views of downtown Hartford that you’ll ever see.”
Even the driveway is exceptional. It curves gracefully and features a small circular median in the center that creates visual interest and marks a turnaround location before heading on to the back of the home. Here, there is a four car garage that, thanks to two vehicle lifts, allows for the storage of six vehicles. The driveway is even heated, to cope with winter snow.
The entry hall, which is breathtaking, is reached through mahogany doors with large glass inserts. “When you walk in through the front doors you look up at expansive columns. It’s grand. Here you are immediately met with beautiful hardwood flooring with a gorgeous inlay, and a custom formal staircase with custom ironwork,” said Burgio when describing the area that greets visitors. In addition to this formal staircase in the entry hall, there is a second set of stairs on the other side of the house.
The home features high ceilings and large expanses of floor-to-ceiling windows that let in ample natural light while allowing the people inside to take in spectacular views. These range from the sights of downtown Hartford to the UConn medical center in Farmington. “The views are spectacular, even from the lower level,” Burgio said. “There is nothing quite like it.”
The first floor features the living room, a family room, kitchen, dining room, a home office, the primary bedroom suite, and a laundry room. “The home has over 8,700 square feet and it is extremely functional. There is no wasted space. It feels very homey. It is spacious with every room being warm and inviting,” Burgio said.
“The kitchen on the first floor has high-end, state-of-the-art appliances, The kitchen cabinets, and all the other cabinets in the home, were handcrafted by Ken Brown [a noted cabinet maker]. The main kitchen has two dishwashers, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, a spacious eating area, and views of downtown Hartford. It is a chef’s kitchen. It has everything you could ever want,” Burgio said. This kitchen also opens onto a terrace with more commanding views. There is a second gourmet kitchen on the lower level.
The primary suite on the first floor was described as beautiful by Burgio. It has a private terrace, hardwood floors, tray ceiling, and large windows with spectacular views of downtown Hartford. The primary bath has a Jacuzzi tub and a large walk-in shower. Walk-in closets provide ample storage space and feature built-in California Closets storage systems. “The views from the Jacuzzi tub are beautiful,” Burgio said.
The lower level features the home’s second kitchen, this one with a Tuscan theme. This kitchen also features dual dishwashers and stone archways. A half wall with cabinets and columns defines this space. In addition, there is a dining area, a rec room, and family room. Additional rooms provide space for working out, enjoying a cigar, or making wine. A Tuscan theme bar, with room for eight to ten people, completes the area while outside a covered fieldstone patio offers spectacular sunset views. “Throughout the home you will see some wall art,” Burgio said.“For example, in the eat in kitchen, over the fireplace, you will see pottery [on a mantle]. This is all artwork done by hand.”
The second floor landing at the top of the front stairway is large enough for a grand piano. “If you look over your left shoulder, while playing the piano, you get a view of downtown Hartford that is framed perfectly by a window,” Burgio said.
The second floor bedrooms are large, also have exceptional views, and feature walk-in closets. One set of bedrooms shares a Jack-and-Jill bathroom. “The largest bedroom has windows facing east and a bathroom in full black marble with a Jacuzzi tub,” Burgio said. A sitting room and second laundry complete the second level.
The home features the latest technology including Lutron lighting that allows one touch control for the interior and exterior lighting. The landscape lighting automatically increases its intensity as the sun sets.
As expected, the home features exceptional millwork and elegant finishes. As its description notes, “This estate is not simply a home. It is a statement — one of one.”
Info Box:
Built: 2002
Price: $1,590,000
Style: Contemporary
Rooms: 17
Bedrooms: 4
Baths: 5 full; 1 half
Square footage: 8,733
Acreage: 0.94
Mill rate: 30.24
Best Feature: The views are spectacular from nearly every room in the house, even those on the lower level.
Contact: Daniel Burgio
860-808-9219