STRATHAM, N.H. — The peaceful 16-acre estate on the Squamscott River is a beautiful retreat that features a handsome 12-room contemporary home filled with wondrous surprises and amazing amenities.
The private drive at the end of a cul-de-sac leads to a magnificent Victorian inspired iron gate and ivy covered stone and granite wall surrounded by lush woodlands. The gorgeous gated entry heralds the extraordinary estate ahead.
Inside the gate is a guesthouse or staff quarters, along with a separate, five-car garage. A car collector's dream, this property offers garage parking for 10 cars.
A winding, private drive leads to the handsome contemporary home. There is a captivating circular drive to the front portico entry, with a striking stone fountain. The house is an architectural marvel, with interesting angles and peaks balanced beautifully by soft curves, sweeping stone walls and lovely landscaping.
The exterior is stucco finished in soft tones, with artistic embellishments that provide a texture and create a sense of harmony with the surrounding woodlands and scenic riverfront.
The double paneled oak front doors leading into the grand foyer are impressive. The dramatic foyer is awe-inspiring, with a marble floor, a unique curved sweeping staircase, large windows, and skylights that bathe the space with natural light.
To the left is a wide opening to a formal dining room that features multiple floor-to-ceiling windows. It is an elegant room with clean contemporary lines and a lustrous granite floor.
To the right is a stylish powder room, and then a wide doorway to the light-filled, fireplaced living room. This is a brilliant room with oversized windows and a glass door out to the deck. The room offers the cozy comfort of a wood fire contrasted with stunning views of the river.
The kitchen is spectacular, with richly hued contemporary cabinets, granite countertops, an epicurean-inspired island with a stainless Miele cooktop, double Gaggenau ovens and an enormous Sub-Zero Refrigerator. The sleek cabinetry, recessed lights and designer light fixtures create a great backdrop to the bowfront breakfast room with floor to ceiling windows that offers tremendous views of the riverfront. Off the kitchen is a screen porch, including a built-in grill with exhaust hood and doors out to the deck overlooking the level backyard and beautiful 448-foot river frontage.
The 43- by 26-foot first floor family room is truly delightful, with a built-in professional quality bar, fabulous fireplace, skylights, custom-designed stained glass windows, an incredible handcrafted-crafted burled wood entertainment center and two walls of windows and glass doors that overlook the river.
A handcrafted metal artwork door leads to an amazing and unique heated indoor pool and spa area with a swim-under grotto, two waterfalls, natural stone walls, hot tub, and walk-in tiled shower. This is a complete retreat that makes a visitor feel as if they have entered a jungle resort. A one-of-a-kind hand crafted metal work ladder in the pattern of exotic snakes leads up to an indoor tree house.
Every inch of this room is detailed for fun and comfort, from the curved granite bar with dishwasher, trash compactor and refrigerator, to the inviting hot tub. Even the half bath is stunning, with an art glass sink.
Just when it seems that nothing can surpass the previous room, a door opens to the amazing private master suite. More of a master apartment, this complex has an enormous opulent lacquered dressing room with built-in storage and center vanity that seem inspired by luxury ocean liners or yachts.
The master bath is an Art Deco work of art, with marble floors, lacquer-framed mirrors, double sinks with art glass faucets and dressing table. The space is beautiful, efficient and extensive, with a built-in steam shower whirlpool tub combination and private water closet and bidet. Completing the private suite is a large bedroom and separate sitting room.
The second level offers yet another outstanding master bedroom suite, with a sunny and opulent master bath and fireplaced sitting room. This second master bath is enormous and attractive, with pale marble floors, countertops and steps up to a huge whirlpool tub. The two-story room is light filled from the skylight and a bank of windows. There is a steam shower, separate water closet and bidet.
From the master bedroom suite, there is a spiral staircase leading up to a private office or library, with a private deck and stunning views.
The second level also offers two charming bedrooms with interesting angles and vaulted ceilings.
Finishing the upper level is a large full bath, laundry and bath combination and a spiral staircase that leads up to a charming play room perfect for teddy bear tea parties or relaxing with a book.
The list of the home's amenities are simply too long to list, but highlights include a three-car garage attached to the main house, a full gym, central air conditioning, a security system, generator, multi-zone heat, underground utilities and an outstanding location just minutes from routes 101 and 95.
This large and private estate is a one-of-a kind property that needs to be seen in person to fully appreciate the unique features and peaceful location. It is being marketed by Amy Pender of Carey & Giampa Realtors at $2,395,000. For details or a private appointment to tour the magnificent estate, contact Pender at 603-929-1100, ext. 124, or at careyandgiampa.com
AT A GLANCE:
Where: 34 Raeder Drive, Stratham, N.H.
Designed for: A buyer who wants a large, very private estate with a fabulous indoor pool and spa
Price: $2,395,000
Listed by: Amy Pender, Carey & Giampa Realtors, 603-929-1100, ext. 124
