awards

Situated high above Shenipsit Lake Reservoir sits a spacious, open-floor-planned home that has a contemporary and livable flair to it. This home, built by Alan D. Williams and ASW, LLC, for Paul and Ivy Zito, has caught the eye of the Home Builders Association of Connecticut. The Mountain Street home, part of Edgewater Estates, will be given the organization's first prize honors in the Ultimate Custom Home for Home Enjoyment category. The HOBI award will be presented at a November 13th banquet at the Aqua Turf banquet facility in Southington. The organization has approximately 925 member companies. The more than 6,000 square-foot home was a year and half in the making. A true custom-built home. Williams says the project was a team effort. "We brought professionals in for every area," he explains, adding that the home-owner's input was just as critical to the project's success. He notes that everything from the phenomenal site to the unique materials used to build and design the house add to the custom feel. Visitors to the $1 million home see the craftsmanship as they come down the main entry driveway. More than 12,000 interlocking pavers, in a circular and herringbone pattern, direct visitors to the front entrance, or the four-car garage, which is not visible from the front of the home. What is visible is a beautiful three-tier Japanese water garden in the front of the home. Ivy Zito's love of gardening is seen both inside and outside on the property's 11 acres. Williams says all involved painstakingly worked towards leaving the home in a natural setting. The home's facade is a combination of cultured stone and stucco. The cultured stone is also brought into the home's interior. Walking into the home, guests continue to enjoy the scenery and feel of the outdoors. An oversized picture window faces visitors and showcases the beautiful view of Shenipsit Lake. The cultured stone, used outside on the house, is incorporated into a copper lined planting tray set before the window. A fireplace is set in this Florida room, with another one being located on the other side of the wall in the family room. The Florida room is open two stories, with another spectacular outdoor view visible from the second floor. The home's in-ground swimming pool does not take anything away from the natural beauty surrounding it. Workers blasted the pool area two feet lower so that the natural stone could frame the area. A fence around the back yard drops the edge, successfully keeping the picturesque views in tact. The entry foyer sets the tone for the home's design. An inset medallion, described as an abstract design of hibiscus blossom, has been placed at the home's entry. Handcrafted of red birch, maple, walnut, and purple heart wood, the design showcases the natural wood and purple heart colors that flow throughout the home. The couple has even had furniture, including a kitchen set, custom made to coordinate with the floor design and trim. The dining room has a box bay window, which is home to several of Ivy Zito's plants. A temperature-controlled wine closet is also located in the dining room. The first floor also includes a large office space, a large walk-in pantry, and a modern contemporary kitchen. An indoor gardening area, with a dry and wet sink, cabinets, and counter work space, radiant heat through the floor tiles, a special heater, and a glass door leading out to a paved ramp for wheelbarrow access, is also located on the first floor. Paul Zito's love of golf was not lost in one first floor room's design. A sports room has had its floor dropped and ceiling raised so Zito can practice his golf swing indoors year-round. Recreation is a big part of the home's appeal. A family room has a pool table, a jacuzzi, sauna, wet bar, and has room for a ping pong table, planned for the future. "This hose is meant to be enjoyed," explains Williams. "This is a fun house," he continues. Scott Kozuch, the project manager, says they developed the trim package for the home in-house. Walking upstairs, atmospheric lighting is present on the stairs. When reaching the upstairs landing, visitors can look down upon the lower level of the home. "A striking detail is the tempered glass and solid polished and lacquered nickel silver rail." A door leads out to a front balcony. "Every space in this house can be enjoyed," says Williams. Three bedrooms are located upstairs, each having their own full bathroom. "Their guests can have its own suites," William explains. A laundry room, with an adjacent cedar closet, is found on the second floor. One of the best views in the house, which the homeowners moved into this summer, is found in the master bedroom suite. Overlooking the free-formed pool and lake, the suite, featuring a stone-faced fireplace, provides plenty of his and her space. His and her bathrooms have a spa feel, with rain-max steam showers. Room size walk-in closets also feature cabinetry that matches the woodwork found throughout the home. The third floor offers more living space as well as attic storage space and a breathtaking view of the property from a window's walk. "It gives you a full appreciation of the grounds and landscape," notes Kozuch. An astronomy buff, Paul Zito will see plenty of the sky from this high location. The Tolland-based builders say there are 11 lots, including the Zito's home, in Edgewater Estates. Five of the lots are ridge top, with water views. Developing the area will not be done overnight. "Because of the level of complexity and detail, we'll do one house at a time," says Williams.

Journal Inquirer
Saturday-Sunday, October 26-27, 2002
Home/Plus Section