On a quiet acre and neighborhood, a stately home reveals itself slowly — first through its tree-hugged setting, then through architecture that feels grand and like sinking into a big, warm hug.
The six-bedroom residence at 5 Pembroke Hill in Farmington’s Devonwood was designed by noted local architect Jack Kemper, whose homes are known for transforming everyday spaces into moments of discovery. In this house, that philosophy plays out in soaring rooms filled with light, cozy nooks tucked under sculptural windows, and handcrafted details that reward a closer look.
“It’s a home that you really don’t see very often,” said listing agent Christy Muller of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty. “It’s not like a lot of newer construction where everything comes from the same millwork shop. Every space here feels considered and custom.”
That sense of scale and artistry begins immediately inside the front door. A dramatic foyer opens to an 18-foot-high living room anchored by a stately fireplace and framed by towering windows. The room shifts throughout the day as sunlight dances across the home.
“You can see the light streaming in from every corner,” Muller said. “There’s eastern sun in the living room, and in the winter you can actually watch the sunset on one side of the house while the moon rises on the other.”
Nearby, a two-story family room brings the outdoors into view, overlooking the backyard and pool through a wall of paned windows. Hardwood floors, built-in shelving and another fireplace create a comfortable gathering space despite the room’s impressive scale.
But perhaps the most striking room in the home — and it’s a challenge to choose a favorite — is a library that feels pulled from another era.
Wrapped in American cherry paneling, the space is anchored by intricate cherry flooring that was pieced together by hand.
“One of my favorite rooms is the library,” Muller said. “The floors are hand-cut cherry that look like they were assembled almost like a puzzle. It’s absolutely beautiful craftsmanship and incredibly high-end.”
Handcrafted hardwood floors continue throughout the first floor, reinforcing the sense that this home was built with unusual care and attention to detail.
Kemper’s design philosophy also reveals itself in the quieter spaces.
“He’s known for taking every part of the home and making something special out of it,” Muller said. “You’ll find these thoughtful little areas where you can sit beside a perfectly round window and just look outside. It feels timeless.”
The home was also designed with entertaining in mind. A formal dining room sits just off the main living spaces, offering plenty of room for large gatherings, while the adjacent kitchen serves as a hub for both casual mornings and festive evenings.
The kitchen has been meticulously updated since the home’s original construction, pairing honed granite with Carrara marble countertops and luxe appliances. A large island offers generous prep space, and the adjoining breakfast room opens directly onto a bluestone patio for outdoor dining.
“You could easily host a big dinner party here,” Muller said. “There’s plenty of room for friends and family to gather.”
Behind the main cooking area is a feature that avid entertainers will especially appreciate: a separate prep kitchen. Outfitted with a Sub-Zero wine cooler and beverage refrigerator, sink and dishwasher, it allows hosts with the most to keep the main kitchen pristine while meals and drinks are prepared just out of sight.
“If you’re having a casual breakfast or cleaning up after guests, you can use that side of the kitchen,” Muller explained. “It keeps everything running smoothly.”
Outside, the home’s acre of landscaped property becomes its own private retreat. A heated saltwater pool and spa are the backyard’s focal point, while an upgraded outdoor sound system helps set the tone for summer cookouts.
“You can really throw an amazing backyard party here,” Muller said.
Homebuyers thinking long term, considering aging in place, or looking at multigenerational living will love the home’s first-floor primary suite. In addition to a roomy bath and walk-in closet, the suite’s serene space includes a screened-in porch overlooking the property’s park-like grounds.
“It’s incredibly peaceful,” Muller said. “You can sit out there and just look out over the backyard with a coffee and take it all in.”
Upstairs, five additional bedrooms and four full bathrooms provide room for a large household or visiting guests. One section of the upper level includes a separate living area with its own entrance — an arrangement that could easily function as an in-law or au pair suite.
A finished third floor expands the home’s versatility even further, offering space for a media room, home office or fitness area.
While the house itself offers privacy and quiet, its location places it within easy reach of some of the region’s largest employers, including UConn Health, Hartford HealthCare, and Pratt & Whitney.
Residents also enjoy the character of the Devonwood neighborhood itself, where winding roads, wooded views and nearby farmland create a peaceful backdrop for daily life.
“It’s a wonderful community,” Muller said. “People walk and bike here all the time, and there are trail systems nearby that connect to farms and beautiful hiking areas.”
Despite its quiet setting, the neighborhood offers convenient access to Interstate 84 via Route 4, making commuting relatively simple. Both Boston and New York City are roughly two hours away.
For Muller, though, what ultimately makes the property stand out is something less tangible than its square footage or architectural pedigree.
“It’s just one of those homes that feels special the moment you walk in,” she said. “The light, the craftsmanship, the setting — it all comes together in a way that’s really memorable.”
Info:
Built: 1987
Price: $1,895,000
Style: Contemporary Colonial
Rooms: 13
Bedrooms: 6
Baths: 6 full
Square footage: 7,659
Acreage: 1.04
Mill rate: 26.62
Best Feature: The craftsmanship. “Every detail of this home is special,” Muller said. “It’s one of those homes you walk into and just fall in love with immediately.”
Contact: William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty
Christy Muller, (860) 463-7684, [email protected]