There are times when words, such as unique, prove inadequate.
The property at 1875 Perkins St. in Bristol is a case in point. This home, its location, and its amenities, which include a private 1,800-foot paved airstrip, prompted Ellen Sebastian of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty to say, “There is simply nothing else like it, anywhere.” Indeed, there is not.
Sebastian went on to note that when the architect who designed this home asked what the couple wanted, Wallace Barnes, a Bristol-based industrialist and prominent state politician, put his aviation interests at the top of the list. He wanted an airstrip and a hanger that was part of the house and that could be accessed like a typical garage.
His wife, Barbara Hackman Franklin, who also has had a notable career, first as an executive at First National City Bank in New York City before serving in the Nixon administration and then as U.S. Secretary of Commerce for George H.W. Bush, wanted a gym with views. Both wishes, and so much more, were fulfilled in the architect’s design.
Taking advantage of the slope at the top of Chippens Hill, the plan includes an airplane hanger that flows seamlessly into the home’s design. It is a feature that clearly appeals to aircraft owners, however, this hanger could also be used by an auto enthusiast to house and display a vehicle collection, next to what could be a private quarter-mile test track. The design also includes a spectacular gym, with space for exercise equipment, an indoor resistance pool, a separate spa, and large windows that frame incredible views.
The entry foyer, on the ground level of the home, gives but a hint at what awaits upstairs. Visitors can take the stairs, or an elevator, to reach the main floor of the home. The arrival point is a great room with a vaulted ceiling that soars high above the floor, a beautiful fireplace that serves as a focal point, and windows that offer views that go on for miles. Sebastian points out several highlights visible to the south, including the rolling hills and, at a distance, the Otis Elevator test tower and the ESPN studios in Bristol. The views are breathtaking.
This room is quite large. “I’ve not seen a room that could make a grand piano look so small,” Sebastian said. The furniture layout, however, shows how this room effortlessly accommodates smaller seating groups, making it ideal for both intimate and large gatherings. One photo shows First Lady Barbara Bush addressing a very large group while standing just to the left of the fireplace.
This living room opens to a dining room that is ideally sized for daily use. It, in turn, leads to the kitchen, which stands ready to support gourmet meal preparation or casual dining. A large island houses a commercial-grade six-burner gas cooktop with space left over, while the outer perimeter has built-in double ovens, two sinks spaced apart to allow a helper to work without interfering with the chef, and a Sub-Zero refrigerator-freezer. The custom cabinetry offers ample storage space, which is augmented by a large pantry. And, it should go without saying, the views through the windows are wonderful.
Down the hall from the great room is a home office. Here, the craftsmanship lavished on the built-in desk and wall units, as well as the impressively wide crown molding, is outstanding. Just across the hall from the office’s entry are more large windows and doors accessing a deck facing south.
Go farther and you arrive at the wing of the home with the spa and two bedrooms. The primary suite is exceptional. It includes the home’s second fireplace, two walk-in closets, and a primary bath that has to be seen to be believed. It includes two vanities, dual water closets, a large shower with side jets, a sauna, and a deep jetted tub. Large windows let in more incredible views.
The primary suite has so many built-in storage units that it would seem to negate the need for dressers or chests. A second bedroom in this wing has a private bath that connects to the shower and steam area associated with the spa.
A second flight of stairs goes to what could be a sitting room or a third bedroom, It, too, has a private bath. It also has a spiral stairway to a cupola that comfortably seats four people and offers the ultimate in 360-degree visibility. It is, Sebastian said, an ideal location to enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunsets. “At night, the views are simply beautiful,” Sebastian said. “The cupola is the best room in the house.” Fortunately, every room offers wonderful views and power operated window treatments to handle the sun.
The lower level has a garage that could easily hold four cars, an office, storage areas, and the home’s mechanical systems. These include a backup generator and central vacuum.
For buyers who own a private plane and travel often, Sebastian noted that it takes only about half an hour to fly to airports in Boston or New York City, where worldwide connections are available. For people with more earthbound commutes, Hartford is only 20 miles away. West Hartford is even closer, while Farmington and Bristol are just minutes away. “Unique” simply does not do this home justice.
For a video, go to: https://www.sothebysrealty.com/eng/sales/detail/180-l-84139-99mprs/1875-perkins-street-bristol-ct-06010 or https://1875perkinsstreet.com/
Info Box:
Built: 1988
Price: $2,995,000
Style: Contemporary
Rooms: 11
Bedrooms: 3
Baths: 4 full 1 half
Square footage: 5,654
Acreage: 49.88
Mill rate: 30.35
Best Feature: The unfettered 360-degree views from the land, the cupola and throughout the house.
Contact: Ellen Sebastian
William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty
ESebastian@WilliamPitt.com
860-930-8407
