It seems that nothing this exciting has happened to 531 Concord Road since the last original nails were driven here, circa 1780 or so. Exactly what has sparked newsworthy buzz at this Sudbury address some two hundred-plus years later? An eye-catching stroll through this home reveals a to-the-studs renovation that has made this property one of the most tour-worthy homes in town.
“The current homeowners thought of everything,” said Realtor Laura Palumbo Meier of Black Horse Realty. “Not only is it stunning at every turn with a bright gourmet kitchen, they did all this while being respectful to the era in which the home was built, and the décor throughout is just incredible.”
Homeowner Justine Dillon does appear to have a professional eye for pleasant color palettes and nuances, driving home old-world charm and modern livability. And the move-right-in-effect begins in the great room where color choices have turned this once dark, castle-like space into an inviting family retreat.
Measuring 29-by-26, it also holds its own when it comes to large gatherings, a built-in courtyard adding to the ambiance and entertainment space. The herringbone-pattern great room floor has been stripped down and refinished in a blond tone, accentuating the design and resulting in a terrific canvas for the room. A lime-stone/marble fireplace remains untouched while the walls surrounding it have been painted a bright white. The room’s expansive cathedral ceiling seems to offer skyline views while a period French door and secret passage access to the garage remain intact. A former side entrance has been repurposed into the enclosed courtyard perfect for small children, pets and intimate candlelit dinner parties.
The kitchen has gone from hodgepodge to state-of-the-art with custom off-white cabinetry done in a French country flavor and topped with beautifully chosen granite. It’s also outfitted with high-end name appliances – Bosch, Thermador, and Broan professional grade. The kitchen is filled with sunshine, has panoramic views of the acreage and also accesses a second outdoor entertainment space. Windows line the sink area, and there’s ample floor space for a conversation niche, the floor plan then opening right to a spacious casual dining area.
Expanded storage is worth a footnote: The kitchen features three double-door pantries original to the design but configured for today’s busy families. Hardwood flooring is found underfoot and segues to a small butler’s pantry area and on to a refurbished half-bath.
Among the highlights of this home – from 1790 all the way to the present – has been the formal dining room boasting a banquet-size 25-by-15 footprint. Nothing has changed much here in that the current owners have skillfully maintained the architectural elements that originally gave this room its elegance and prestige. They have wisely chosen to buff rather than to redo here. An exposed-beam ceiling has been enhanced with fresh stain, and painted inlays make it pop like never before. Underfoot are wide-pine floors almost literally marking the home’s history like the rings in a tree. Two built-in china closets, perennially charming, remain here and offer storage while also qualifying as conversation pieces. Extensive picture-frame molding and a brick-hearth fireplace with millwork mantel complete the vignette. And fresh color choices give this dining room a renewed lease on life.
Other first-floor rooms include a living room – with limestone/marble fireplace – retooled to complement the dining room and providing a livable formal space to the footprint. The wide pine floors here are eye-catching, blending old-world charm with modern choices.
Located off the living room is a 13-by-12 home office. It boasts hardwood flooring, bright white moldings and inspiring views of the yard.
A traditional colonial foyer fronts the home’s layout, its vintage woodwork and turned staircase offering a glimpse of the home’s 18th-century past.
A reconfigured master suite highlights the second-story renovation which has brought expanded closet space, refurbished hardwood flooring and a clean modern line to the design. The master bath shows off exceptional features, the new space including a new, reproduction-style claw-foot tub, other new fixtures, a tiled shower, marble counters and skylight. It’s fresh and elegant while being mindful of this home’s historic value.
A built-in laundry unit is located nearby, as is the family bath, which has also benefitted from a complete makeover.
A guest room, 14-by-18, comfortably accommodates a king-size bed and has the added perk of a sundeck and views. Bedrooms three and four feature a piggyback design and can be used as two separate sleep spaces or as a suite with adjoining playroom. Bedroom two also features a period fireplace. All three spare bedrooms feature hardwood flooring.
The 3.23-acres also feature an income-producing carriage house. According to Meier, it’s now a legal rental in Sudbury. “If the new owners chose, they could rent out the carriage house … covering a large portion of their monthly mortgage payment,” said Meier. It features “one bedroom, a full bath, laundry and a fireplace.” And located to the rear of the property, the carriage house is separated from the main house by a buffer of woods and thus offers private access and privacy for both the renter and the homeowners at the main house.
This compound property featuring the home’s 4,738 square feet of renovated living space, the carriage house, and 3.2-acres of land, lists for $897,000. For more information contact Laura Palumbo Meier at Black Horse Realty, 508-208-5215, or Gerry Connors at 617-913-6171.
