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Continuing Stories - The Bianchinos
10/31/2010 - By A.J. Perna
Photography by AK Photo / Al Kruper
The Bianchinos Keep Adding To Their Dream
In the early 1980s, life-long Staten Islanders, Ken and Mary Bianchino decided that they were ready for a change of scenery. Life was good on Todt Hill, but like many other folks from the Island, Ken and Mary set their sights on the less-densely populated, but still geographically convenient, areas of northern Monmouth County. Ken explains that historically there has always been a trend among Staten Island natives to concentrate on the towns of Colts Neck, Rumson and Holmdel if and when they ever decide to change locales.
The Bianchinos were lucky enough to find their perfect getaway property, more than two full acres of it, tucked high up on a hill in Holmdel. The location was exactly what they were looking for; it was very private, without being remote, with thick lush greenery all around, horses from a nearby farm eating apples from the trees on the front lawn, and an amazing view of the New York City skyline from the back. The existing, tiny six-room ranch on the property was the only drawback.
Ken and Mary were in no immediate rush to move from Todt Hill, and had no desire to demolish a perfectly fine, charming house. And so, set forth with a plan to expand on the little ranch and turn it into their perfect home, in the perfect location, one step at a time.
It was more than a year before the Bianchinos were able to leave Staten Island for their new country home in Holmdel, but even so, their project was far from completed. Over the years, many additions would be made, a second story added, and a Romanesque garden inspired backyard family oasis would take shape. Keeping things comfortable and livable was always a priority while expanding the home. The Bianchinos worked hard with architects and contractors every step of the way to ensure that things progressed smoothly and did not interfere with their enjoyment of everyday life.
Ken estimates that in the 27 years that he, Mary and their daughter have been living in their now 5,000 square foot home, it had been in some state of expansion or construction for 25 of those years – a true work in progress!
Instead of bold and grand, Ken and Mary opted for a shingled, old-fashioned New England look, with shutters, awnings and a flagstone front porch.
The center hall and staircase, leading to the added second story is the bridge between the old and the new. Directly to the right of the staircase is where the original house used to end. An intricate, custom strip of inlaid wood is the thin dividing line between the 1939 oak and 21st-century maple floors.
A gas fireplace with carved mahogany mantle and surround sheds a warm glow over the two-story great room, added in 2005. French doors lead to the back deck that was expanded at the same time.
Gazing out, from high above the great room stands a life-sized carousel horse sculpture. It’s place of honor was made possible by a reinforced ledge and a willing contractor with a strong enough back to lift it!
A photo of Ken and Mary’s daughter sits atop her piano, right next to her father’s clarinet. Ken hopes to find a nice upright bass to take residence beside both instruments in the musical corner of the great room.
Expanding the country kitchen took quite a bit of planning and engineering, but was well worth the effort, in the end. Keeping the outside stairway that leads to the basement was the largest hurdle. The solution? Make it indoors. A curved, granite counter with built-in gas stovetop and hinged, bar-style entryway now surrounds the converted inside basement stairs.
The kitchen expansion also allowed enough room for a cozy breakfast area, with immediate access to and views of the backyard.
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As much as Ken was involved in planning and renovation, Mary was even more involved in the decorating. Her English-style dining room is anchored by a large mahogany table, with seating for fourteen. The room’s old-world charm is punctuated by deep red, faux-finished striped walls, toile draperies and a chandelier sporting custom shades designed by Mary, herself.
Twists and turn, trees and shrubs, cement and wood - the entire rear area of the Bianchino’s home is an intoxicating blend of sights and scents. And on top of all of that, a heated pool is only steps away from the back porch, allowing easy access for Ken’s morning laps!
Whimsical statues of cherubs and sprites dot the landscape of the backyard area, adding to the Romanesque mystique.
The heated gazebo is the focal point of the wrap-around, L-shaped porch that was added in 1999. A perfect spot to enjoy morning coffee and gaze into the trees.
Giant, stately sycamores stand in a row and give the illusion of natural columns, flanking the expanded flagstone patio.
Ken’s cozy, comforatble study was added above the garage in 2005. Ken can usually get some work done at his desk, after enjoying a movie on his 72-inch projection television.
A motion-activated cutout of Ronald Reagan speaks and greets guests as they climb the stairs and approach the fully-stocked bar located at the front of the study.
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