Outside

Exterior is fiber cement siding.  This has insulating properties; its painted finish is guaranteed to maintain its color and integrity for 15 years; it is fire-retardant and extremely durable and weather-resistant.  The color was carefully chosen to blend in with the outside environment, so the house is "hidden in plain sight."

 

The custom metal roof is commercial grade and is standing seam, which means no exposed screws and should last a lifetime with no leaks.

 

There is an organic apple orchard planted in 2009.  There are several raised-bed gardens currently being used to grow organic garlic, kale and other greens, and the usual tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, along with various herbs.

 

Our bee yard has 2 hives.  The hives are owned and maintained by an apiarist who sells the honey produced from the hives.  Keeping the bee yard is optional, but it helps pollenate the orchard and other plants.

 

Our composter is a great way to get rid of plant and vegetable scraps and create wonderful soil for the garden.

 

There is a seasonal stream on the property which can provide irrigation.

 

Our drilled artesian well has the best water you've ever tasted, bar none!  We have had it tested and the water quality was rated excellent.

 

The driveway was built in compliance with DEP regulations.  The bottom of the driveway was paved in September 2013.  There is a custom mailbox that is snowplow-proof.

The Entry

Our modest entry has some unique features.  A built-in bench and storage is perfect for taking off muddy shoes and boots.  

 

A custom-tiled shower behind a secret door is perfect for rinsing off dirty kids and pets before they bring outside dirt in.  

 

A bifold door hides a laundry area with washing machine (with space for a dryer), stainless laundry sink, storage shelves and broom closet.  It's always great to have a washing machine on the house's main level.

 

The Kitchen

European cabinets with Blum hardware.  The countertops are custom stainless steel which are bacteria-resistant, easy to maintain, and should last a lifetime, along with large double stainless steel sinks. A huge spice rack is perfect for adventurous foodies.  Plenty of storage space, and lots of pot drawers.

 

The Porch

With its removable acrylic panels, the porch is designed for 4-season use.  Passive solar takes care of the heat in winter, and the screen panels in summer plus overhead ceiling fan assure wonderful cooling summer breezes. The porch overlooks the woods and Little Pond.

 

The Living Room-Dining Room

The living room-dining room is part of the open plan design and is perfect for large familly gatherings, whether eating a holiday dinner,  reading a book, or lounging by the soapstone woodstove fire. There are 2 ceiling fans.

 

The Bedrooms  

 

The Master Bedroom overlooks the woods and Little Pond.  It has plenty of closet space with full-length mirrored doors, which reflect the view.  An interior door leads to the main bathroom, which has custom tile.  There is a ceiling fan.

 

The second bedroom has a built-in custom desk with special pull-out keyboard shelf.  There is a ceiling fan.

 

The third bedroom is on the lower level.  It's got a great view of the woods and Little Pond. It is a walk-out to a small porch.  It is currently being used as an office.  Need a break from the grind?  A hammock awaits right outside the door.

 

The Lower Level

Our walk-out basement is way too nice to be called a "basement."  It includes the 3rd bedroom/office; an attached garage that will store your car, kayaks, fishing gear and bikes; a bathroom with river-rock bottom walk-in shower; and a large utility room with lots of storage shelves.  The utility room also houses the batteries that keep our house running when off-grid, as well as the furnace/hot water system, inverter, and electric box.