MANCHESTER – Sitting prettily on its own gorgeously landscaped and hardscaped 1.53 acres, this sweet contemporary ranch borders 200 acres of apple orchard and provides wonderful pastoral views far out across the field and trees. And thanks to the 1980 home’s having been expanded (to 3,100 square feet) and beautifully renovated in recent years, the views within are just as pleasing.

Begin with the open, tiled foyer, off which a hallway accesses the oversized, two-vehicle garage, and steps (note the pretty tiles on the risers) lead up to a gourmet kitchen that shares the entry’s vaulted ceiling. Here beneath a pair of skylights are lovely black, beveled-granite counters; glass-fronted cherry cabinetry; stainless appliances including Sub Zero fridge and Viking six-burner gas range.

Near the corner dining nook, atrium doors open to a Trex deck overlooking gardens and orchard. A wonderful extra is the long, walk-in pantry, lined with custom built-ins and illuminated not only by recessed lights, but also a chandelier.

Red birch flooring extends into a bright great room with plenty of room for dining, more doors to outside, and a gas fireplace set in brick.

Down a short passage with a raised cupboard that conceals the home’s sound-system and video controls, the “new” master suite proves to be a garden suite, as well. Full-view doors (or full-privacy, when shades are employed) open out to a gardens-facing private patio with a fire pit. There’s plenty of space for wall art, as well as an enclosure for a 42-inch screen. The lovely bath has a jet soaking tub; the big walk-in closet, plenty of built-ins.

Next to the formal dining room, the “original” living room features a pair of glass-fronted display cabinets, so the room also makes a perfect office, study, or library. A pocket-door laundry room with set tub and super-quiet appliances is off the center hall, which leads to two good-sized bedrooms, and another master suite.

The lower level is a delight, too. In addition to a huge workshop/storage area with shelving, here are both a smaller, wine-cellar room and a larger, separate room designed as a closet (but having its own closet, too). Ample ceiling height, plus lots of cabinetry, help make finishing as a recreation room an inviting possibility.

The four-bedroom, three-bath home at 228 Readfield Road, Manchester, is listed for sale at $446,000 by Jean Kirkpatrick of Caldwell Banker Rizzo Mattson Realtors in Augusta, and is being shown by appointment.

For more information or to arrange a private showing, please contact Jean at 441-5611, 622-9000, or at jean@jeankirkpatrick.com.

Produced by the Marketing Department of the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel, the Home of the Week is provided at no cost.

Staff photos by Derek Davis.

Please send HOW suggestions to jrolfe@pressherald.com.

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