Hot Property: A Home with a Story to Share

Within the walls of every home lies a story. No matter how big or small, how old or new, there’s always meaning—distinct touches from the past and present that reflect each individual who lives there. Such is the case for the owners of 1093 Prospect Ave., a stunning Colonial estate designed in 1929 by renowned architect Grosvenor Atterbury. This West Hartford, Conn., residence is home to an unforgettable collection of 18th-century Baroque porcelains by Claudius Innocentius Du Paquier, which, according to an article in The Hartford Courant, is the largest private collection in the world, gracing the beloved home with elegance, personality and a story behind everything.

Prospect

Featured just last year in the pilot episode of the CPTV series “You are Cordially Invited,” a show that highlights the designs, displayed collections and entertaining pasts of exquisite homes throughout the country, this 12,000 square-foot residence has consistently attracted  great attention. In addition to housing the majority of the works included in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s 2009 Du Paquier exhibition, the residence also features a variety of Degas sculptures, as well as a Steinway piano inset with satinwood autumn leaves signed by the renowned pianist and composer of “Autumn Leaves,” Roger Williams. For years, guests have enjoyed these characteristic treasures that comprise the very essence of the home—a home that is ideal for entertaining on an incredibly grand scale.

Iron gates welcome visitors into the 16-room mansion known as Eyrie Knoll, or “nest on a hill.” The historic residence was custom built with the finest materials and craftsmanship, and recently renovated to preserve its quality, character and charming period architecture. The main floor exudes a welcoming, glamorous appeal, offering a formal living room with enough space for three seating areas and two concert grand pianos. It is here that the current owners have held numerous fundraising concerts and events, explaining to The Hartford Courant that they are dedicated to offering “more than just a drink” with a home invitation.  Entertaining features continue in the adjacent Champaign bar, state-of-the-art double-height chef’s kitchen and gracious formal dining room, where the one and only Julia Child once sat during a professional chef event held at the house on November 18th, 1999.

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The second level contains a luxurious master suite with a gas fireplace, two custom dressing rooms, an oversized master bath and a beautifully renovated sleeping porch overlooking views of the 2.24-acre property and surrounding gardens. Two private offices, as well as two guest rooms, each with their own fireplace and en-suite bath, complete the floor. Three additional guest bedrooms and entertaining spaces are available on the third and lower levels of the home. Features include a 10,000-bottle wine cellar and adjoining tasting room, a billiard from, play room, second full kitchen and more. The wonder continues outdoors in a private, pristine setting, where residents and guests can relax and mingle on a terrazzo patio, terrace and covered porch. Further amenities include a swimming pool, lap pool and spa. Visitors can extend their stay in the estate’s elegant guest house apartment, which offers one bedroom, one bath, a full kitchen, living room and views of the surrounding landscape.

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“The crown jewel of West Hartford,” as co-listing agent Jeffrey Phillips so accurately describes it, is now ready for the next chapter of its story. Chances are, with a home as magnificent as this one, it will be great.

For more information on the property, located at 1093 Prospect Ave, please visit our website here. You can also contact Washington Depot agents Jeffrey Phillips and Mark Madonna by phone at 860.800.3344, or by email at [email protected].

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1 Comment

Elegancy of this home is unquestionable. Thanks for sharing the story.

Lisa Canosa, on October 12, 2016 at 1:53 pm

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