Colonial

When Governor Charles Miller built One Red Oak Road, he created one of Delaware's landmark residences. Completed in 1905, Governor Miller's home is now a stunning private estate gracing its own city block, with fully enclosed grounds of just over one acre. The current owner purchased the property in 2000 and immediately began a three-year renovation that both restored the home's original beauty and modernized it to accommodate a contemporary lifestyle. The complete renovation comprised, in part, Ludowici tile roof; electrical service; eight-zoned HVAC; major plumbing upgrades; full house Creston sound system and an award-winning two-story addition with full basement. The main floor's large, classic rooms flow easily into one another and feature exquisite woodwork and crown moldings, all of which were restored by hand. Large double-entry foyer opens to a welcoming reception room on the left with a unique stepped-in design marble fireplace. To the right of the foyer, the music room and living room, with another large marble fireplace, are open to one another. Elegant, formal dining room accommodates a variety of seating arrangements and includes a large, curved window seat under the bay window. The well-appointed butler's pantry connects the kitchen to the dining room and features the original radiator plate warmer, a wine refrigerator, ice machine and drawers lined specifically for silver storage. The thoughtfully designed gourmet kitchen has custom-height granite counters and ample storage. The distinctive selection of appliances includes: a Thermador six-burner cooktop with downdraft and additional ventilation in the ceiling, two wall ovens, two warming drawers, a Sub-Zero refrigerator with two freezer drawers, built-in Sharp microwave, two Miele dishwashers and a kick-plate floor vacuum. The kitchen opens to the step-down family room with a painting above the fireplace that lifts at the touch of a button to reveal the television. A generous mudroom with built-in cabinetry for storage, radiant heat flooring and an informal powder room leads from the kitchen to the mature gardens and additional off-street parking for two cars. A gracious, curving staircase rises from the main entry foyer to the second floor. Large master suite with built-ins and unique Jefferson door offers views of both Rockford Park and Olmsted-designed parkway. French doors connect the master bedroom to a large dressing room with plenty of natural light and another pair of French doors that open to the suite's second private balcony overlooking the pool and gardens. A sumptuous bath boasts radiant heat flooring, an over-sized steam shower, and large Jacuzzi tub. Three more large bedroom suites are located along separate hallways. A well-planned laundry room with a Jacuzzi sink for delicates and sweater dryer racks behind louvered doors with a dedicated extraction fan complete the second floor. The third floor features a large project room with numerous built-ins, bedroom with full bath and morning kitchen, a secondary study with abundant custom storage, and a private guest suite with sitting room and full bath. All levels of the home are accessible by the elevator. The lower level yields unexpected surprises for a home of this vintage. The gym, with reinforced floor and walls, has a dedicated ventilation extractor. A sauna and a full bath are located off the recreation room. A separate hallway leads to a 3000 bottle wine cellar with antique stone flooring, rough hewn plaster, and separate temperature control with remote monitoring. Seasonal living space outside includes a large, covered porch overlooking a generous heated plaster pool and slate patio. Pool house has a nicely equipped kitchen, changing area, and full bathroom. Extended family, visitors or staff will be comfortable in the apartment located above the pool house and two-car garage.