Ridgefield, CT Property Boasts Extensive Home Automation Features
On July 28th, a luxury home in Ridgefield, CT with a home automation system that has garnered exposure in media outlets such as Bloomberg BusinessWeek, Archi-TECH Residential and Tech Home Builder, will be sold at a live auction. Although once asking $4 million, the residence will now be sold without reserve, meaning the highest bidder will prevail, regardless of the high bid amount. The property owner, John Russell Patrick, retained Miami-based auction firm Platinum Luxury Auctions to handle the sale. Platinum is working in tandem with the property’s listing agent, Harry “Chip” Neumann, Jr. of Neumann Real Estate, for the transaction.
Mr. Patrick, who is a former vice president of IBM and a founding sponsor of the World Wide Web Consortium at MIT in 1994, was involved in the development and growth of the Internet. His tech background, combined with the fact that he also authored a book entitled, Home Attitude: Everything You Need to Know to Make Your Home Smart, makes it no surprise that Mr. Patrick developed a very tech-centric, automated residence for his family.
“Whether you want to change the temperature, adjust lighting, open the garage door, or even create custom responses to incoming visitors or a change in weather, you can do it with the simple press of a touchscreen,” stated David Ashcroft, Platinum’s director of business development.
A series of one-touch, wall-mounted digital panels located throughout the home provide control over the automation system. In addition, sensors throughout the property are set to trigger customized commands in the event of snow, rain or the arrival of guests. A 25-kW generator and battery backups assure power is uninterrupted, even in inclement weather.
Despite all of its tech features, the property does not present itself as a “techie” home, and instead offers an elegant, traditional design with an ambiance of relaxed luxury. Situated on 2.7 manicured acres, the residence is approx. 6,800 sf, with 5 bedrooms, 3 full and 2 half baths.
Built in 2002, construction emphasized the use of reliable, low-maintenance materials. The home’s siding, shingles, and exterior trim are constructed of components that are especially impervious to weather.
Interiors feature handsome wood molding and hardwood floors. A large, mahogany-paneled office – designed by a leading architect in workplace planning – maximizes productivity. There is also, 1,700 sf of “bonus space” ready for custom completion, as well as an attic offering another 1,267 sf of flexible space.
An attached, 5-car garage is complimented by a detached, 2-car garage that includes a space ideal for use as a studio, office or “man-cave.”
The home’s grounds and outdoor living areas include a 60-ft pond, in-ground spa with rock waterfall, multiple gardens and a gazebo (plans are available for an in-ground swimming pool). Nearly 6,000 sf of paved driveway and 3,000 sf of stone terraces and walls serve to enhance the beauty of the landscaping.
Open house previews of the property are available between the hours of 12 and 5pm ET daily, through Friday, July 27th. For information on property previews, bidder registration or other auction procedures, interested parties may visit ConnecticutLuxuryAuction.com, or contact Platinum’s project manager, Walter Cerini, at 800.745.8323.
