When S. Prestley Blake, co-founder of Friendly’s Ice Cream Company and a legend in New England, wished to build his dream home – a replica of Monticello, the 18th century home of Thomas Jefferson – he put in a single call to Bill Laplante, president, to design and build this magnificent edifice.
Laplante Construction realized my vision in recreating a piece of history using renewable resources and modern green building techniques, the end result is truly breathtaking.
Prestley Blake
The Story Behind Monticello
The following “fact sheet” is provided for inquiries from the press and/or anyone interested in this fascinating project.
The media is welcome to download the photos. Monticello – Somers Fact Sheet
The signature red brick was hand molded in Virginia to resemble the original. The 65,000 bricks created bear the irregular and distressed look of the past
The home features seven Town & Country fireplaces with custom designed fireplace mantles
The design features of the original Monticello grace the back of the home
Eleven trim carpenters spent six months crafting the interior trim work
The left wing/front bath floor features ming green marble laid in a herringbone pattern
The Left wing front bedroom flooring is of rift and quarter-sawn white oak. The room features a cathedral ceiling with arched window
Two second floor balconies were added to create architectural interest and viewpoint
The oil and stone driveway was designed to suggest a gently winding trail leading to the home
The original open porch area was enclosed and set with arched windows to create the warm and bright hearth room off of the kitchen
Handsome custom trim graces every room of the home
Custom designed and cut, the polished marble floor provides a sophisticated style that compliments the exposed polished nickel plumbing fixtures by Waterworks
A double layers of LG Viatera quartz enhances the kitchen island which includes an apron sink and faucets by Waterstone
The cutting edge Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances modernize the kitchen with the latest in style and quality
All of the subcontractors for this project were local New England businesses
The pantry includes an abundance of functioning storage with the latest appliances including wine cabinet, ice maker, dishwasher and coffee system
The design of Jefferson’s famous dome was replicated in a new foyer featuring double soaring staircases
The ten foot high ceilings in the kitchen pantry allow for cabinet space accessed by a rolling library ladder
The footprint of the home is the same as the original Monticello with the exception of a 3-car garage added to the back of the home
Custom forms were crafted to mold the outside trim to the original specifications of the historic structure
The great room features a stately scagliola limestone mantle with a Town & Country luxury fireplace and elegant custom chandelier
The elevator is another example of a modern day amenity bringing added convenience to the home
The home is professionally landscaped. This includes a large granite patio off of the back porch
The foyer opens graciously to Versailles-patterned parquet floors of rift and quarter-sawn white oak
One of two laundry rooms in the home, with beautiful custom cabinetry and honed granite counter tops
Pale blue ceilings and an abundance of mirrors add openness to an en suite bathroom
A fully paneled bedroom showcases the intricacy of the work provided by the talented finish carpenters
Entertaining is made easier with a kitchenette off of the upper back patio
Each en suite bath features a custom designed, tiled shower
The study is warmed with a jungle green soapstone-hearthed fireplace encircled with sapele mahogany paneling and coffered ceiling
The exterior design and dimensions are historically accurate, including the home’s signature dome roof
Hammered polished nickel sink and black porcelain faucet handles add sophistication to the guest powder room
Hand painted Carrara marble on the vanity walls is fashioned to look like actual wallpaper
Crown molding that extends onto the ceiling adds elegance and dignity to every room in the house
The master bedroom closet features custom built-in cabinets from floor to ceiling
The kitchen includes custom Vartanian cabinetry throughout
Columns and arches are employed to define individual rooms, yet maintain the open, gracious atmosphere of the home.
The combination of beautiful cabinetry with custom moldings create a grand master bath
Custom built-in book shelves encircle the hearth room fireplace to add warmth and interest
The master bath custom shower features a combination of mosaic tiles that add visual interest to the expansive space
The pantry features Black Pearl granite in a leather finish
The master bath custom built shower is enclosed with a frameless shower door and zero clearance entry
The expansive pantry includes Sub-Zero wine storage
A pair of custom vanities flanks each side of the entrance from the master bedroom
It’s all about the details as shown in this custom built- in featured in the dining room
The scagliola limestone mantle is a highlight of the master bath graced with a custom built, free standing micro silk whirlpool tub
The entire home is built with energy efficient windows and doors
The home showcases meticulous attention to detail in every column, wall and surface
The library boasts the original “Monticello” pattern parquet floors of white oak and sapele mahogany
The dining room incorporates the tea room from the original Monticello design and 10’ pocket doors
The Chandeliers in the home are custom designed and built by Restoration Lighting Gallery
A custom built-in breakfront features leaded glass designed to complement the cathedral arches in the kitchen cabinets
Arched entryways and ample use of French doors add definition and dignity to the spacious rooms
The elegant master bath is filled with morning light with transom windows and french doors leading to a private patio
Custom built-ins add beauty and functionality to the fireplace in the keeping room
Every aspect of the luxurious master bath was designed with elegant details
The vast majority of materials were locally sourced
Fine sapele mahogany and meticulous cabinetry add dimension to the marble fireplace in the library
The foyer opens to a soaring double staircases complete with the custom molded metal balusters
All of the subcontractors were local businesses
The fireplace in the master suite features a marble surround and custom mantle
The master bedroom suite includes an incredible view through large arched windows, along with a spacious sitting room