Finishing Up At The Farmhouse In Fairfield County

Doors: Marvin Ultimate

Creating Stone Steps

Builder Jerry Effren measures a block of locally quarried natural stone that will become the steps leading from the great room’s sliding door to the front yard. The center glass slider is flanked by two identical three-bay window units that together offer sweeping views of the nearby shoreline. Sliders: Marvin Ultimate

Installing Retractable Screens

Workers install motorized retractable screens in the openings around the outdoor kitchen and dining area. At the touch of a button, the custom-made screens raise and lower to offer instant privacy as well as protection against insects and sun.
Screens: Phantom Screens

Outdoor Kitchen Backsplash

A mason installs thin-stone veneer as a backsplash for the outdoor kitchen. The kitchen’s cabinets are completely weatherproof, thanks to PVC boxes and resin exterior panels. The resin surfaces are created in molds cast from real cypress to give them an authentically wood-like appearance. Outdoor Kitchen: NatureKast

Outdoor Shower

Jerry measures the depth of the outdoor shower, conveniently located against the side of the house just a few steps from the plunge pool. A wall of thin-stone and a natural stone base set on a bed of gravel are both rustic and practical; so is the privacy enclosure, built with the same engineered wood siding used on the house. Siding Material: LP SmartSide

Firing up the Propane Firepit

The propane-fueled firepit overlooking the water is sure to keep star gazers toasty on chilly New England evenings.

Putting in the Putting Green

This is a house built for golf-lovers. An outdoor putting green overlooks a country-club course across the street, and an indoor green in the basement ensures there’s a place to practice those putts year-round. Synthetic Grass Turf: IntelliTurf

Translucent Panel Garage Doors

The translucent panels on the contemporary garage doors are set in an extruded aluminum frame for maintenance-free operation. Although they allow light to pass through, the doors are insulated against heat and cold. Doors: Ed’s Garage Doors

Finishing the Fireplace Surround

Faced with a textured porcelain tile, the surround for the great room’s gas fireplace will have a clean, contemporary look. Once the tile is in, an 85-inch TV will take its place in the niche above the firebox. Already installed is the 7-inch character white oak flooring that runs throughout the first floor. Flooring: Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods

Continuing Work in the Kitchen

Work continues in the kitchen with the installation of the faucet and garbage disposal unit in the island. Measuring 5 feet by almost 11 feet, the island, with its wide sink, dishwasher and microwave drawer, is a great spot to prepare meals without missing out on the action in the living area. For more elaborate—and messy—meals, there’s a fully-equipped butler’s pantry with a convenient pass-through to the kitchen. Cabinetry: Wood-ModeAppliances: Courtesy of Aitoro AppliancePlumbing Fixtures: KohlerGarbage Disposal: InSinkErator

Setting Bathroom Tiles

Jerry guides a tilesetter as he wraps up work in the tub of the upstairs hall bathroom. The ceiling will be painted gray to blend in with the glass mosaic tile that spills downward in a striking ombre pattern. Glass mosaic tile: Artistic TileTub: Kohler