Set against the scenic backdrop of coastal New Hampshire, “Villa Como” is a self-contained luxury residence that offers an exceptional winter retreat. Designed with both beauty and function in mind, this stunning home is a perfect place to spend the colder months. While the outdoor amenities – including the infinity pool, outdoor kitchen, dock, tennis court, and putting green – are tucked away for the season, the interior of this extraordinary residence offers more than enough to ensure comfort and enjoyment throughout the winter.
The heart of Villa Como is its impressive great room, featuring a dramatic floor-to-ceiling curved glass wall, a towering fieldstone fireplace, cathedral ceilings, and elegant limestone floors. This space serves as both an intimate gathering spot for morning coffee and a stylish setting for evening cocktails. Guests can gather around an intimate “pocket” bar area with nautical-themed seating.
Warmth and hospitality radiate throughoutthe living spaces. The presence of both gas and wood-burning fireplaces in the primary suite, living and dining rooms, and a four-season sun porch create an inviting atmosphere throughout.
Spanning more than 14,000 square feet, Villa Como feels both expansive and intimate, thanks to a floor plan that earned the 2009 Prism Award for "Best Interior Design." Every corner of this home reflects the beauty of custom craftsmanship, from the hand-wrought, nautically themed iron railings that adorn the staircase to the finely finished details throughout.
Upstairs, the “captain’s office” offers a rich wood-paneled retreat with 270-degree views of the expansive grounds. During warmer months, you can step out onto a boat-shaped deck that extends from the office for a moment of solitude or sunshine.
The kitchen, designed by Matthew Lord, is a masterpiece of functionality and beauty. It features seamless, grain-matched cherry cabinets with stained glass panels, a hand-painted mosaic tile backsplash, and a butcher-block island crafted from maple and walnut. Even the butler’s pantry showcases fine painted and glazed finishes. Side-by-side refrigerators are styled in an antique “ice box” motif, further enhancing the home’s timeless charm.
Just off the kitchen is the sun-drenched four-season sunroom, which offers panoramic, unspoiled views of the patio and the picturesque Cocheco River. This space is an ideal spot to relax with a book or to watch a snowstorm while cozying up by the fieldstone fireplace.
Informality is paramount at Villa Como, but the residence does have well-appointed formal living and dining rooms, connected by a double-side fireplace. Here the impressive woodwork includes wainscoting, crown moldings, tray ceilings and more.
In a private wing, guests are treated to a two-bedroom, ensuite living area, complete with a shared sitting room and private patios offering beautiful views from each bedroom. The layout ensures that guests can relax in comfort and privacy, never feeling like they are on top of their hosts.
The primary suite, located at the opposite end of the residence, offers a cozy firelit sitting area and breathtaking views of the towering pines and Cocheco River. A private porch adds to the allure, providing an additional retreat for moments of quiet reflection.
The luxurious primary bath features separate water closets, a spacious walk-in shower, a Jacuzzi tub, dual dressing areas, and abundant storage, all designed to provide ultimate comfort and functionality.
During the colder months, Villa Como becomes a haven, with its warmth, beauty, and thoughtful design providing the perfect escape. Stay tuned for our next blog, where we’ll take you to the lower level of this magnificent home and explore even more of its incredible amenities. For more information about Villa Como, please contact a Tony Jalbert or John Rice.
