Former VP at IBM Retains Platinum Luxury Auctions for Sale of "Smart Home"

Ridgefield, CT Property Boasts Extensive Home Automation Features

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Jul 20, 2018, 09:00 ET

RIDGEFIELD, Conn., July 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 28^th, a luxury home in Ridgefield, CT with a home automation system that has garnered exposure in media outlets such as Bloomberg BusinessWeek, Archi-TECH Residential and Tech Home Builder, will be sold at a live auction. Although once asking $4 million, the residence will now be sold without reserve, meaning the highest bidder will prevail, regardless of the high bid amount. The property owner, John Russell Patrick, retained Miami-based auction firm Platinum Luxury Auctions to handle the sale. Platinum is working in tandem with the property's listing agent, Harry "Chip" Neumann, Jr. of Neumann Real Estate, for the transaction.

Previously on the market for $4 million, this suburban “smart home” in Ridgefield, CT is now scheduled for sale at a live auction without reserve on July 28th, 2018. The property’s integrated home automation system garnered features in media outlets such as Bloomberg, Archi-TECH Residential and Tech Home Builder. Miami-based Platinum Luxury Auctions is managing the sale in cooperation with listing agent Chip Neumann, Jr. of Neumann Real Estate. Discover more at ConnecticutLuxuryAuction.com.

Working with MacMillan Architects, the property owner designed the residence for long-term durability and simplified maintenance. The structure uses materials such as Synboard® (a wood-like material that is stronger than natural wood and impervious to water damage) and aluminum-clad windows. Discover more at ConnecticutLuxuryAuction.com.

The property sits on nearly 3 manicured acres and is surrounded by dense forestation for added privacy. A semicircular entry and motor court - in addition to 7 garage bays - provide for ample parking. Discover more at ConnecticutLuxuryAuction.com.

The property’s integrated home automation system earned mentions in media outlets such as Bloomberg, Archi-TECH Residential and Tech Home Builder. Wall-mounted touch panels such as the one shown here are located throughout the home, and can control everything from the garage doors to the spa’s waterfall features. Discover more at ConnecticutLuxuryAuction.com.

An open kitchen with a large island and top-of-the-line appliances is perfect for the suburban chef. Discover more at ConnecticutLuxuryAuction.com.

Although the property offers extensive home automation features, those features are set within a tasteful and elegant design. Wood flooring and bright, airy spaces are common throughout. Discover more at ConnecticutLuxuryAuction.com.

Mr. Patrick, who is a former vice president of IBM and a founding sponsor of the World Wide Web Consortium at MIT in 1994, was involved in the development and growth of the Internet. His tech background, combined with the fact that he also authored a book entitled, Home Attitude: Everything You Need to Know to Make Your Home Smart, makes it no surprise that Mr. Patrick developed a very tech-centric, automated residence for his family.

"Whether you want to change the temperature, adjust lighting, open the garage door, or even create custom responses to incoming visitors or a change in weather, you can do it with the simple press of a touchscreen," stated David Ashcroft, Platinum's director of business development.

A series of one-touch, wall-mounted digital panels located throughout the home provide control over the automation system. In addition, sensors throughout the property are set to trigger customized commands in the event of snow, rain or the arrival of guests. A 25-kW generator and battery backups assure power is uninterrupted, even in inclement weather.

Despite all of its tech features, the property does not present itself as a "techie" home, and instead offers an elegant, traditional design with an ambiance of relaxed luxury. Situated on 2.7 manicured acres, the residence is approx. 6,800 sf, with 5 bedrooms, 3 full and 2 half baths.

Built in 2002, construction emphasized the use of reliable, low-maintenance materials. The home's siding, shingles, and exterior trim are constructed of components that are especially impervious to weather.

Interiors feature handsome wood molding and hardwood floors. A large, mahogany-paneled office - designed by a leading architect in workplace planning - maximizes productivity. There is also, 1,700 sf of "bonus space" ready for custom completion, as well as an attic offering another 1,267 sf of flexible space.

An attached, 5-car garage is complimented by a detached, 2-car garage that includes a space ideal for use as a studio, office or "man-cave."

The home's grounds and outdoor living areas include a 60-ft pond, in-ground spa with rock waterfall, multiple gardens and a gazebo (plans are available for an in-ground swimming pool). Nearly 6,000 sf of paved driveway and 3,000 sf of stone terraces and walls serve to enhance the beauty of the landscaping.

Open house previews of the property are available between the hours of 12 and 5pm ET daily, through Friday, July 27^th. For information on property previews, bidder registration or other auction procedures, interested parties may visit ConnecticutLuxuryAuction.com, or contact Platinum's project manager, Walter Cerini, at 800.745.8323.

About Platinum Luxury Auctions
Platinum Luxury Auctions is responsible for developing the luxury auction^® model for high-priced real estate auctions and owns the trademark rights to the term "luxury auction." The firm specializes in the non-distressed sale of multimillion-dollar properties within and beyond the United States. Platinum's team has closed more than $762 million in luxury real estate auction sales to date, while consulting on more than $2.25 billion in additional luxury properties worldwide.

SOURCE Platinum Luxury Auctions LLC