820 Brookhill colonial holds a special place in Lexington history

For years, Ann and Dale Darland’s daily walks through Lansdowne took them past 820 Brookhill Drive. Almost without exception, Ann commented that when the house went up for sale, she wanted to buy it.

In 2015, they got the chance. The Lexington couple purchased it from the heirs of Jerome and Pauline Ruttenberg, owners of the historic downtown Phoenix Hotel, who had lived there since 1969.

Back in the day, the residence saw its share of entertaining. Reportedly, the rich and famous, including U.S. presidents, attended soirees at the then-ginormous 6,678-square-foot residence, and somewhere, there are photos and handwritten thank-you notes to prove it.

Largely unchanged since 1965 when the late Lansdowne co-developer C.B. McEachin built it, the house had fallen into disrepair by 2015. The Darlands, however, knew a diamond in the rough when they saw one. “The house already had good bones. We wanted to keep it very simple,” Ann recalls.

Without changing the footprint, she and Dale made a few key changes to a classic design and put up thick crown moulding in every room. “It instantly gives a house character,” Ann said. “I appreciate the craftsmanship.”

The couple also poured heart, soul and a lot of money into creating a well-designed kitchen with top-of-the-line everything. Previously divided into three small rooms, the expansive new space features an 11.5-foot island with a marble countertop and seating for four. Bertazonni appliances from Italy and three-piece, nine-inch thick crown moulding further declare this is not your average kitchen.

“Kitchens are a huge thing for us,” said Ann, project coordinator for Engle Construction; Dale is owner and president. “We cook every night. When we get home, to de-stress, we cook together. I try at least one new recipe a week.”

When the three youngest granddaughters come to visit, Ann and the girls have tea parties in the dramatic navy and white dining room. “They dress for tea and dinner. It’s a big deal for them,” Ann said. “We go all out.”

A handsome table with seating for 10 anchors the dining room. Located between the kitchen and the entry way, the space sports glossy white custom wainscoting below the chair rail that looks as if it’s been carved out of the wall. In juxtaposition with the striking three-dimensional pattern, an antique buffet from The Phoenix and a crystal chandelier serve as reminders of the home’s origins.

Big but nothing special before the Darlands got their hands on it, the family room has faux wood beams and more crown moulding to add texture and interest to the coffered ceiling.

A few steps away, the single-story east wing houses a new owners’ suite. Previously a big room with no obvious purpose, the spa-like bathroom has heated marble floors and furniture-style cabinetry.

On the second floor, the original owners’ en suite and a bedroom that’s set up as Dale’s office offer access to a wide balcony overlooking the back yard and outdoor kitchen. The office and remaining three bedrooms share remodeled Jack-and-Jill bathrooms.

One of the most memorable aspects of the home—a “floating” staircase that curves upward 180 degrees to the second floor—needed only fresh paint and new carpet. Positioned in the entry in front of floor-to-ceiling windows and doors for panoramic views of the back yard, the staircase is a sight to behold from every angle.

The couple also expanded already generous outdoor living spaces-- but first they had to fill in the 30-ft.-by-80-ft. in-ground pool. “That thing took up a sizeable chunk of the back yard,” said Dale. “It held 100,000 gallons of water and would have been a nightmare to maintain.”

With ample seating under two covered porches, a fireplace and fully equipped kitchen, the renovated patio space covers approximately 2,400 square feet — enough to handle a good-sized family reunion or even a wedding.

This story was originally published November 5, 2020 at 3:29 PM with the headline "820 Brookhill colonial holds a special place in Lexington history."