CUMBERLAND – It’s a lovely country setting here, just beyond the Fairgrounds, where this custom, one-owner home built in 2001 sits well back on the sloping lawns of a five-acre lot, which is not only a haven for birds and other wildlife, but also livestock: a flock of 30 sheep was fenced-in pastured out back, and more recently, the charming, two-stall barn housed a pair of standardbreds.

The acreage is also distinguished by handsome hardscaping including semicircular raised-bed stone walls, and a huge patio – a nice complement to the classic pergola and broad no-maintenance deck outside the living room at the far end of the house.

Which, with 14 rooms and a total of 4,935 finely finished square feet of living space, provides a high degree of floor-plan flexibility; wonderful entertaining options (100 guests attended one event here); and the advantage of single-level living, if desired.

Off the spacious foyer, beneath one of the home’s four cathedral ceilings, is a “mother-in-law” or au pair suite of about 900 square feet, complete with gas fireplace in the living room, bedroom and full bath, and even a dining area, as presently constituted.

Note that these rooms could also serve very well as a home-office professional suite (a permitted use); parking is handy, too. There is, of course, also a first-floor master suite.

The kitchen is a stunner, with top-end stainless appliances and Norwegian pearl granite counters. The home’s sense of space is enhanced by 12-foot ceilings, broad doorways (no interior walls are load-bearing) and excellent light. The six bedrooms, including two upstairs, offer versatility (one is an office, at present); they, and the media room, are served by four baths. Also on the second level is a delightful, central games room into which six sofas fit very comfortably.

The full basement is a story unto itself. To deliver the new oil tank (heat is six-zone) a truck simply drove in beneath the 14-foot ceiling, and put it down. Used here for a time, for lacrosse practice, were sections of artificial turf from a Boston College playing field.

Please note that subdividing to build another home, on two acres on the north side of the five-acre lot, is an option for the buyer.

The home at 212 Blanchard Road, Cumberland, is listed for sale at $675,000 by Rita Feeney of F.O. Bailey Real Estate in Falmouth.

For more information or to arrange a private viewing, please contact Rita at 317-0228; 781-1111; or at rita@fobailey.com.

Produced by the Marketing Department of the Maine Sunday Telegram, the Home of the Week is provided at no cost.

Photos by Melanie Sochan, staff photographer.

Send HOW suggestions to jrolfe@pressherald.com.

Related Stories