Eldora has pleasant reminders of simpler times
Were it not for French doors on the ground floor and a round-top window on the second level, a casual observer might easily mistake the Eldora for a historic country farmhouse. This home, by guest designer Steve Duarte of Bordentown, New Jersey, has a T-shaped configuration, three-sided porch and uncluttered exterior that serve as pleasant reminders of simpler times.
Simplicity carries over to the interior of this four-bedroom, three-bathroom home as well, but at no loss of convenience. A large entry closet is just inside the door. Family living is on the ground floor and bedrooms are upstairs.
Natural light, muted by a wrap-around porch, enters the large living room from three sides, suffusing the room with a soft glow. Fireplace and stairway are centrally located, separating the living room from the kitchen and dining area while providing a pleasant supplemental heat source.
The U-shaped kitchen has plenty of counter space and comes equipped with a pantry and built-in appliances. An exterior door in the adjacent utility room allows it to double as a mud-room. A half-bath is also nearby, convenient to both kitchen and garage.
Upstairs, the vaulted master bedroom is as large as the living room. Closets on two walls are interrupted by sunny alcoves -- ideal for window seats, or a desk and a sewing machine. A private bathroom serves the Eldora's master suite while the other three bedrooms share another bathroom.