Kenwood property has an aura of ethereal serenity

Gary Carnivele
Special to FineLife Home
Photos by Ryan Lely

It is difficult to imagine a more private and picturesque place to build a dream home. The curvy country roads leading to the almost mystical Kenwood property snake through lush hills, over babbling brooks and through dense groves of tall trees. An old tree covered with wooden arrows on which addresses have been painted looks like something out of a fairy tale…
The stone fence surrounding the property follows the subtle sweep of Bristol Road, then rises to support an ornate iron gate. Beyond the gate, a wide drive leads past an expansive front lawn to the two-story main residence. Painted a soothing smoky grey with crisp white trim, the structure fits organically into the wooded landscape.
A pair of oval etched-glass windows allow a peek through the double front door. The inviting foyer is flanked by a cozy living room to the right and a formal dining room to the left. An office, with its own entrance and stunning view of the side yard, is situated behind the living room. A winding, almost spiral staircase is nestled between the office door and the gateway to the great room.
Through a wall of wide French doors between glass panels is a two-story great room with its focal point a floor-to-ceiling stone wood-burning fireplace. Surrounding the earthy structure is a tower of windows through which can be seen the guesthouse and the array of mature trees that populate the backyard. The adjacent game room to the right allows access through two walls of French doors to the generous deck.
Pristine white walls and cabinets in the massive kitchen stand in wonderful contrast to the honey-toned hardwood floors and charcoal granite countertops. The Thermador Pro Range is part of an expanse of cabinetry between the kitchen and the great room. The spacious area, which could accommodate a family dining table, is surrounded by windows and has a door to the outside.
Past the kind of walk-in pantry coveted by all cooks, a short hallway leads to a laundry room replete with a linen closet, tons of storage, a sink and ample granite-covered counter-space for folding laundered items. This room, which has a full bath, accesses the three-car garage.
Upstairs is a loft space big enough to serve as a family room or media room and allows a view of the great room and kitchen below. The three bedrooms at one end of the house are separated from the master bedroom by a wall of custom bookcases and cabinets. The cathedral ceilings make for an impressive architectural element.
The fully carpeted master bedroom has a gas fireplace flanked by built-in bookcases and cabinets. Four French doors open out onto a balcony overlooking the backyard. The master bathroom is all about Hollywood glamour, with its milky marble floor, a Kohler jet tub for two and a horseshoe-shaped vanity area with two sinks and five mirrors encased in neo-classical columns.
Over the seasonal creek via a charming stone bridge, a path meanders to a two-story guesthouse equipped with its own security gate and driveway. The ground level includes a six-car garage, a workshop, a workout room and a half bath. One of the two second floor units is a studio with its own entrance and bathroom. The other is a two-bedroom apartment with a kitchen and full bathroom.

House at a glance

2841 Bristol Rd.
Kenwood
2.45 acres
4 bedrooms, 3 baths
Guesthouse, studio, workshop
Asking price: $2,750,000
Contact: Bari Williams
707.738.9709
Web site:
www.winecountrysir.com