They started with a simple plan four years ago on the kitchen project at the five-bedroom, four-bath mid-century contemporary. Five years and nearly $800,000 later, and with a battery of interior designers, landscapers and contractors, the now 39-year-old home has been transformed into a perfect blend of modern, unique, warm and comfortable. Amy Mosley of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Ridgefield in marketing the property for $1,399,000.
“There’s a big ‘wow’ factor to this house,’’ Mosley said. “It’s very deceiving looking at it online or even from the outside. For me, it took my breath away.”
Inspired by and with assistance from architect David Adams, Ortiz and Torchia planned the renovations for two years before starting the overhaul. They started in the kitchen, where contractors tore down an existing wall and retrofitted the space with mahogany cabinets. The mahogany theme now extends throughout the house, including the dining room and even down to heating covers that look like mahogany.
“The whole idea was to pull things together from one room to another,’’ Torchia said. “We wanted a consistent look and feel throughout the house.”
The kitchen features high end appliances, granite counters and cabinets galore. Clean architectural lines fill the home, along with walls of glass that allow every room to be filled with light. All of the mechanicals have also been upgraded, including a generator and a commercial grade heating system.
There are 11 rooms in the house, with 5,000 square feet of living space. Titicus Pond sits at the bottom of the 1.19 acre property, which is surrounded by a 20-acre open parcel. “It feels like you’re living in the treetops,’’ Torchia said. “It’s just very quiet and tranquil.”
Christina Whitlock, a landscape architect from Bethel, worked her magic on the home’s exterior with an assortment of zen gardens that add to the air of tranquility. The exterior features statues, mature plantings and daffodils. Drew Klotz, a resident of Weston, added several unique sculptures. “It was important to us to use local people,’’ Torchia said.
“This house is so warm and sophisticated,’’ Mosley said. “Some contemporaries feel cold and uninviting. This has an essence about it. You can tell it has been well-loved.”
Another piece to remodeling was converting a two-car garage into a huge three-car structure with a large room above it. The room could also be used as an art, recording or yoga studio, office space, oversized “man-cave” or theater room. “It’s really up to your imagination,’’ Ortiz said.
For all of the home’s tranquility and serenity, it is just a short car ride to the center of town for shopping, museums and restaurants. It is the rare country oasis that is convenient to everything.
“It’s a quiet street, but all of the neighbors know each other,’’ Torchia said.
“I am very proud to be marketing the fabulous features of this home to the public,’’ Mosley said. “I am currently promoting the home in New York, California, Florida and of course, Fairfield County. It's the perfect home for formal or casual entertaining, escaping the hectic city life on the weekends or vacationing from afar.”
Click here for complete listing details. Contact Mosley to schedule a tour at 203-501-0581 or contact her via email at amy.mosley@cbcmoves.com.