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Around Town

Around Town: Early Holiday 2008

Around Town: Holiday 2008

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Cynthia Salter-Lewis, MD, ReNew Med-Spa and Cosmetic Laser Center

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Sheer Genius

Precious Metals; Jim Gary, a renowned sculptor among us.

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People On The Move: Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande

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Weigh In

Weigh In Colts Neck: If you could live anywhere...?!

Weigh In - Musical Montage

Weigh In - “Table for two, please.”

A Grand Home For Entertaining

08/27/2008 - By by Michael Berman

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A Dream Becomes Reality

Rosa and Vincent Tragni met in Brooklyn in 1981, while still attending middle school. They have been together ever since and have affectionately called Marlboro home since the mid 90’s. Rosa was born in Italy and moved to Brooklyn with her family at the age of 6. The middle school sweethearts married in 1993 after Rosa graduated from law school and Vincent graduated from Pace University and co-founded an insurance company with a childhood friend. Vincent commutes to and from Queens a total of 3 hours a day, but says it is worth it to come home to Marlboro and his beautiful family. Rosa is a practicing lawyer, specializing in family law; her office is in Staten Island. She also enjoys coming home to enjoy the country setting of their new home.
 
The Tragnis moved to Marlboro after a friend told them to come out and investigate the area. They quickly learned about the well-respected Marlboro school system, and they fell in love with the rolling hills and rural atmosphere. They bought their first home in Marlboro in 1994, where they raised their two children, Frank and Lena, until they felt it was time to build their dream home.
 
Vincent’s father had built his own family’s home and Vincent had always dreamed of doing the same. The Tragni family had no plans to move from Marlboro, so a search for the perfect lot led them to a beautiful 2.9 acre expanse where they now live. Rosa is so fond of the town that she recently ran for town council... and won! Her experience has been very positive, and she enjoys the relationships with other elected officials; they all work together to make Marlboro the best town it can be.
 
The Tragnis’ home took 1 1/2 years to build; they moved in June 2007. They are just now picking paint colors and planning their next decorating move. Vincent is happy to take it slow, has painted a number of the smaller rooms himself, and is experimenting with faux painting effects. The entire process has been a joy, and when the whole family is together it makes all the work worthwhile.
 
The classic brick exterior of this estate home creates a welcoming yet formal feel. The full paver circular drive includes a border design pattern and cobblestone edging, and the foundation planting forms a nice edge from which the architecture truly stands out. The magnificent double oak staircase is the focal point when guests enter the Tragni home.
 
A view from above reveals a massive chandelier which, when illuminated, casts a soft glow over the great room below. The deeply colored Brazilian cherry floor serves as a rich background color for the soft, comfortable furnishings that Rosa has chosen. Photos of family can be found throughout the Tragni residence, revealing the true heart of this home. The large wall of windows allows a full view of the in-ground pool and natural setting that first drew the Tragnis to Marlboro.
 
The kitchen is the main gathering place for friends and family whenever the Tragnis entertain. The space includes a large center island, granite countertops, and a porcelain floor that mimics an exotic natural stone pattern. The cabinetry is cherry with raised panel doors, and glass and wood doors break up the design and allow for displaying the family china and glassware. This kitchen includes a spacious work desk and computer link for easy recipe lookup or for chatting with friends.
 
The master bath features a large sunken tub with a vaulted ceiling and recessed lighting. The windows allow large amounts of light to enter this private space. Rosa and Vincent are now enjoying the challenge of choosing colors and finishes for the many elegant spaces in their home, but agree that the process will take time. They enjoy making their decisions together.
 
The formal dining room is used for special occasions. The high-gloss dining room set with chairs, featuring upholstered backs and seats, came from the Tragnis’ previous house; they were a gift from Vincent’s parents, as was the crystal chandelier. The rug’s bold pattern and colors serve as a nice counterpoint to the Brazilian cherry flooring.
 
The Tragni family is active and physical, and enjoys playing and working out together. The built-in basketball court has turned into a great place to play, while getting a full workout. The circular staircase leads above to a multi- person hot tub for relaxing those tired muscles after a game of full-court press. The court is great fun for the kids, but at holiday parties the family’s adult guests usually end up playing long after the children have gone to bed.
 
The backyard is still a work in progress, but the spectacular built-in pool, just recently completed, offers late spring and summer fun for all. The Travertine tile surround is a nice contrast when compared to the rich red brick in the main house. The outside stonework is as detailed as the inside and creates a geometric focal point within the large patio surrounding the pool area.  

Photo Gallery

Click here for Slideshow. You can also click on any of the photos to start slideshow.

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  PHOTOGRAPHY: Al Kruper

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