Unassuming Midcentury Holds Incredible Feats of Design Within

Hildring Drive is a long street in Westcliffe within easy walking distance of of Hartwood Park, which snakes into Tanglewood. This neighborhood contains somewhat unassuming ranch-style houses of which this home certainly is, except for its painted brick, fairly representative. This used to be an affordable enclave but, as with so many areas, average home prices have ticked up dramatically — here almost 40 percent in the last few years.

The property sits on a rather large nearly one-acre lot with a deep setback from the street. The whitewashed brick is a clue to what lies behind the cobalt double doors. Midcentury purists may be aghast at the interior modifications to the 1959 construction, but the decor of the four-bedroom three-and-one-half-bath house is executed with such confident brio that it’s nearly impossible not to succumb to its charming spell.

A consistent design scheme unites the interior spaces stretching over 4,200 square feet. White is the predominant color choice, with only occasional concessions, mostly blue or blue-green.

Much of the soft furnishings are of simple white duck, which appears in the dining room curtains, dining chair slipcovers, sitting room upholstery, and family room sofas.

Paradoxically, the disciplined simplicity of the design approach creates a refreshing richness. Drawing inspiration from Swedish neoclassical precedents, juxtaposing refined elements like the Louis XVI style bergères with rough-hewn beams and simple sisal. Throughout the house are pleasingly pealing painted pieces.

Though open to the kitchen, the family room at back maintains its separate identity. The subtle vault of the ceiling adds a special distinction. The tailored sofas with their tidy slipcovers and parquet floors give the room a glacial elegance. French doors flanking the stone fireplace lead to the outdoor living area.

The standout feature of the kitchen is the fancifully beamed ceiling that adds warmth to the all-white kitchen and dramatically binds the area. It’s fully equipped with built-in microwave oven, warming drawer, ice maker, professional-grade gas cook-top, and something I’ve not run across before — a gas dishwasher.

The master suite consists of a bedroom with a fireplace, a charming little study and a luxurious bath with Ann Sacks marble. The metal slipper tub almost looks ecclesiastic placed as it is, under an apse like niche with a window at back.

The sophisticated hardscape of native stone defines the outdoor Eden that is the back garden, creating multiple levels, planter boxes and sitting areas. Though no photography was available, the pool house at back is said to maintain the outstandingly high level of materials elsewhere in the house.

Renee Eiband of Briggs Freeman Sothebys has priced 4001 Hildring Drive E. at $1.475 million.