Manlius estate offers resort-style amenities

Staying at a resort for a few days can be restorative and restful, so what would it be like to wake up every morning in resort-like surroundings?

There's a 5-acre property at 5118 Duguid Road in Manlius that may hold the answer to that question. The property, home to Lisa and Mike Muraco and their children for over 20 years, is on the market for $995,000. An unspecified amount of additional land is also available.

Dubbed "Cheshire Farms," because it is said to resemble the green hills of Cheshire, England, the estate's brick and wrought iron gated entry swings open to reveal a dramatic, oak tree-lined private drive, flanked by expanses of rolling lawn. The view of the property from the road is reminiscent of the Southfork ranch from the "Dallas" TV show or of Kentucky horse county estates.

The 7,600-square-foot brick and cedar-sided Colonial home, built in 1963, has five bedrooms, four full bathrooms and three half-baths, central air and five wood-burning fireplaces.

The formal dining room, illuminated by two walls of windows, has crown molding, a marble floor and a 15-foot-high ceiling. A butler's pantry, hidden behind a swinging door, is tucked between the dining room and kitchen.

The adjacent family room feels like a ski lodge with its cherry cathedral ceiling, clear pine judges paneling, slate floor and floor-to-ceiling limestone fireplace built with stone gathered on the property. Cherry cabinetry divides the family room from the gourmet kitchen and breakfast nook.

French doors in the dining room and family room open to the expansive cement and brick patio and the L-shaped salt water pool with diving board and recently replaced liner.

The pool and patio, hidden from the driveway by a tall, brick privacy wall, combine with a huge rock garden and a deep back yard to provide a 3-acre, fully fenced play area for adults, children and pets. There is also a bocce court, bordered with landscape timbers and shaded by arborvitae, next to the pool.

An 1,100-square foot pool house is connected to the main house by an underground tunnel. The pool house offers many spa-like amenities, including a well-appointed room in which to relax and change clothes, and has a coffered ceiling, judges paneling, a water closet and sink. The pool house gym offers plenty of space for exercise equipment, and has a ceramic tile floor, exposed brick, ceiling fans and windows with transoms overlooking the pool and patio. A huge granite-walled walk-in shower and steam room awaits exercisers and swimmers.

The resort-like atmosphere extends to the front-to-back formal living room and the marble foyer with its sweeping staircase at the front of the home. A first-floor mahogany-paneled library with quartersawn pegged oak floors and a wood burning fireplace provides a sumptuous spot for study or contemplation.

The second-floor master suite features French doors that open to a balcony overlooking the pool, and a spacious master bath with marble floors, walls and countertops. The room has a jetted tub, separate water closet and walk-in shower as well as a double-sink vanity and heat lamp.

An adjoining combination walk-in closet and dressing room has built-in shelves, drawers and racks, recessed lighting and a cedar-lined ceiling.

Lisa described the property as a lovely, peaceful and safe setting to raise children, to let the dogs run free and to enjoy nature and the seasons. Some of her fondest memories include hosting holiday celebrations for friends and family members, watching the children play hide and seek in the dark, and sledding and snowshoeing.

"Our family feels very blessed that our children had the opportunity to grow up here," Lisa said.