The uniqueness of the Toussaint Farm at 279 Granville Road in Granby, which has just come on the market, cannot be overstated. As Anna Sogliuzzo, the real estate agent handling the sale, put it, “There is nothing like this anywhere in Granby, or the surrounding area.” This farm has about 240 acres that can continue to be used for agriculture or unrestricted development.

Even if there were a comparably sized property nearby, it would not have this farm’s magnificent contemporary colonial home that shows a level of attention to detail that is rarely equaled, much less surpassed. It also probably would not have the 15 to 20 acres of open fields with the remainder of the land devoted to woods, a pond, and trails. Nor would it likely have 3.5 acres fenced in with two paddocks and 2 run-ins for horses.

In addition to these features and the home, there are also two barns on the property, one with a workshop and a separate 1,225 square foot office. Both the workshop and office area are insulated for year-round use.

It is, however, the home that first grabs the attention of visitors. The approach is on a private road that goes through nearly half a mile of woods. A section of a large clearing first comes into view, followed by the home. It impresses with a design that beautifully complements the surroundings. Emil Dahlquist was the architect.

“It took my wife and me two years to build it,” owner Nelson Toussaint said. Acting as the general contractor, he sought out subcontractors with exceptional skills, and was willing to put some parts of the construction process on hold until these artisans were available. Many of the contractors who worked on the house have become friends, he said.

This attention to detail is immediately apparent when viewing the impressive exterior masonry work, which used stones from the property. However, this feature and the home’s flowing lines only hint of what awaits beyond the mahogany front entrance.

Here, a spacious front hall that has ample light in the daytime greets guests. Windows in and around the front door play a part in this, but it is the large windows that soar to the second floor at the rear of this entry hall that deserve the most credit.

The entry hall flooring is pecan, with an artfully done oval herringbone insert that matches an oval opening directly above in the second floor landing. This is reached by a gracefully curved, sold cherry floating staircase. It serves as a testament to the skills of a craftsman who spent a winter building it. In that time he carefully rounded what would usually be mitered joints in the trim to create an uninterrupted visual flow that complements the sweeping curve of the stairs.

Before venturing upstairs, however, a walk down the hall that ultimately leads to the kitchen and great room is in order. A formal dining room that would easily accommodate large parties is one of the rooms this hall passes. It uses jatoba, or Brazilian cherry, for a floor with a maple octagon inlay. It is striking. Across the hall is a formal sitting room.

The kitchen is open to the great room and here, the eye is treated to beautiful views of the yard and the woods beyond, and a large fireplace with a surround made from a single piece of granite that was found on the property and then artfully cut and shaped.

As for the kitchen, it has large marble counters along the perimeter and on an island with a small vegetable prep sink. There is ample space for multiple chefs to work unimpeded at large family gatherings. Other highlights include birch cabinets, an adjoining butler’s pantry for additional storage and workspace, and high-end appliances. These include a Sub-Zero refrigerator with cherry panels that make it look like a piece of furniture, Sogliuzzo said.

The rear wall of the open great room features an array of windows, which showcase views of the land, a gazebo, and the woods beyond. The kitchen and great room also have a second set of stairs and are close to an oversized two-car garage, a mudroom and a bath.

In the other direction is a home office with a fireplace, and a first floor primary suite that has to be seen. Again, attention to detail is in evidence. The bedchamber is spacious without being overwhelming, and it is served by an exceptional bath. It is large and encompasses a shower stall with a double shower head and body wash nozzles, a soaking tub with a ceiling mounted filler, and a separate room for the commode. The primary suite also has a large walk-in closet and access to the laundry. The second floor features four bedrooms, including one that could be a second primary suite with its full bath and double closets.

A Buderus hydro-air furnace provides heat with a second, wood-burning furnace for back up if needed. The home also has five heating zones, central air conditioning, and a walkout basement with plumbing for another bath. The home’s windows are top-of-the-line “Low E II with Argon” units from Marvin’s Architectural Series that are still under warranty.

This home is a testament to what careful planning, patience and an insistence on quality workmanship, can accomplish. “It is the ultimate retreat if you are looking for luxury, comfort, and privacy,” Sogliuzzo said.

Baths: 4 full baths, 1 half bath

Berkshire Hathaway New England Properties

For more go to www.279GranvilleRd.com