AN ISLAND WITHAINN ISLAND
PROPERTY PROFILE Windwalker Real Estate $5,350,000

Unique.

Out-of-theordinary.

Special.

One-of-a-kind. Fresh.

Inspired. Singular. Unmatched.

Fanciful. Artful. Distinctive.

Inimitable. Rare. The property at 96 West

Chester Street is all of these things. And more.

As you drive the narrow privet-enclosed shell drive, past the cultured cedar gate, the anticipation is palpable. At the end of the curved way, the view opens up like a curtain revealing what could accurately be described as a work of art - poetry in bleached white shell, vibrant, colorful gardens and emerald green lawns, masterfully laid stonework, accents of bronze statuary and jaw-droppingly impressive architecture. And even though this home is a very short distance from the center of the downtown historic district, and minutes from the Westmoor Club and Tuppancy Links, it feels utterly secluded. Peaceful. Set apart.

Like an island within an island.

(This observation is nearly literally true given that the property itself is bordered on one side by conservation land, on another by protected wetlands and on a third side by a small kettle-hole pond. All of which means the peaceful solitude and wide open natural views here will likely stay that way.)

A tour of the main house begins at the massive sliding barn doors on the façade. These distinctive doors of cedar, mahogany and glass part to reveal a protected entryway that consists, in large part, of more glass. Step through the oversized green French doors and you find yourself in the home's central living room - an impressive and dramatic space with peaceful views of the surrounding wetlands through four huge windows that extend from floor to ceiling. The focal point of this room is the wide, grand stone fireplace that separates the living room from the kitchen and dining area.

Although new, the kitchen has a feeling of old-world antiques and French country furnishings - with its cream-finished cabinetry and deep green marble countertops. The Sub-Zero refrigerator, for example, appears to be a broad antique armoire until you open one of the huge side-by-side doors to find milk, eggs and produce. The La Cornue range is a masterpiece - six thick, heavy, cast iron gas burners and a cream-colored porcelain finish. Its backsplash is a collection of disparate ornate Italian tiles. The kitchen sink is also no ordinary fixture. Made of hammered, polished copper, this deep, wide, farm sink is almost too nice to use to wash dishes or fill a lowly kettle. But the true show-stopper in this kitchen space is the central island which is long and broad and topped by a flawless, shiny copper surface. Its base is finished in an antique muted green. The kitchen also features an intimate breakfast alcove, surrounded by windows, with room for a table and four chairs.

Also on the first floor is the dining room, an exercise room and a large guest bedroom suite with its own French doors to the rear deck.

The second floor features a home office, billiards area, a pair of book-end bedrooms that share a bath, and a cathedral-ceilinged master suite that is designed to impress. The master bath features a huge step-in whirlpool as well as a large glass shower and some unique tile work.

The guest cottage, larger than many primary dwellings on this small island, features an open first floor plan with one bedroom and bath. Two bedrooms, two baths and a study/library are on the second floor with a large sleeping loft above. The guest cottage's stone patio to the south is one of the most inviting spaces on the grounds. That is, until you walk on the nearby "secret" curved boardwalk to another open, green spot that features a hot tub and sauna within a cedar gazebo. Any visitor will be severely tempted (as we were) to jump in and try it out.

This artful and unique seven-bedroom, seven-bath property, near town, but standing apart in nearly every

sense, is offered at $5,350,000. I