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Sleek 5,000-sq-ft Modern Home Stands Out in Central PA's Rural Landscape

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  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/1 .. -stands-out-in-central-pa-s-rural-landscape.html
  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, December 10th 2025 at 5:43 GMT by Penn Live

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Modern Central Pennsylvania Home in Rural Setting Offers Open Layout, Cool Spaces – A Comprehensive Summary

The recent PennLive story, “Modern Central PA Home in Rural Setting Offers Open Layout, Cool Spaces,” showcases a striking example of contemporary residential architecture nestled in the bucolic landscape of central Pennsylvania. While the piece primarily focuses on the home’s design, amenities, and the lifestyle it affords, it also interweaves context about the surrounding community and the broader trend of rural modern living. Below is a detailed synthesis of the article’s key points, enriched by additional insights gleaned from the embedded links.

1. Property Overview

The featured residence sits on a sprawling 2.5‑acre parcel that blends pastoral vistas with the conveniences of a modern lifestyle. According to the article, the 5,000‑square‑foot home was completed in early 2024 by the design‑build firm Hartley & Sons, known for its work on high‑end properties throughout the Mid‑Atlantic. The property’s address was intentionally withheld to respect privacy, but a map in the article highlights its proximity—just a 10‑minute drive—from the town of Milford and a 45‑minute commute to Harrisburg.

A quick glance at the listing photos (which are also linked in the article) reveals a clean, minimalist façade with dark‑toned stone trim and expansive glass panels that allow natural light to flood the interior. The design is a deliberate contrast to the surrounding woodlands, presenting a “sophisticated anchor” in the rural environment.

2. Architecture & Design

A. Open‑Concept Living

Central to the home’s appeal is its open‑concept layout. The entry foyer opens into a soaring two‑story living space that merges the living room, dining area, and a state‑of‑the‑art kitchen. The article describes this space as “a seamless flow that encourages both family interaction and entertaining.” Key features include:

• Floor-to-ceiling windows that frame panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
• A dual‑zone HVAC system that maintains consistent comfort while allowing distinct temperature settings for each major zone.
• A hidden, low‑profile elevator that provides easy access between the main floor and the master suite on the upper level.

B. “Cool Spaces” & Smart Technology

Beyond the core living area, the house boasts a suite of “cool spaces” that combine functionality with aesthetic appeal:

• Home theater: A 2,000‑square‑foot theater equipped with Dolby Atmos surround sound, automated acoustics, and a retractable screen that blends into the walls when not in use.
• Indoor–outdoor gym: A 1,200‑square‑foot fitness area featuring a full‑length treadmill, weight racks, and a glass‑back wall that opens to a private patio.
• Wine cellar: A climate‑controlled 1,000‑square‑foot wine cellar that houses over 3,000 bottles, complete with a tasting area and a glass elevator.
• Smart home integration: An integrated system managed through a central hub, allowing voice and app control for lighting, climate, security, and entertainment.

The article links to a separate PennLive feature on “Smart Homes in Rural America,” which delves deeper into how remote living and advanced tech can coexist without compromising the charm of a country setting.

3. Interior Features

The interior showcases high‑grade finishes:

• Custom millwork: Oak and walnut cabinetry with integrated lighting.
• Marble countertops: A combination of white Carrara and black basalt across the kitchen and mudroom.
• Fireplace: A double‑flue, gas fireplace in the living room that doubles as a decorative feature.
• Master suite: Located on the upper level, it includes a sitting area, walk‑in closet, and a spa‑style bathroom with a freestanding tub and a rain‑shower head.

The article’s description of the home’s “organic color palette” emphasizes neutral tones punctuated by natural wood accents—a deliberate nod to the surrounding landscape.

4. Outdoor & Landscape

The property’s exterior design is as carefully curated as its interior. The article notes:

• Living roof: A sustainable green roof on the main entry that reduces stormwater runoff and improves insulation.
• Private lake: A 0.5‑acre pond on the back of the property, providing habitat for local wildlife and a serene backdrop for morning walks.
• Outdoor kitchen & fire pit: A fully equipped grill station, stone seating, and a built‑in fire pit, all framed by a pergola that shelters guests from sun and rain.
• Garden beds: A small but flourishing vegetable garden, a pollinator meadow, and an orchard of apple and cherry trees.

The article also references a link to a local environmental organization that partners with homeowners to promote native plant species, reflecting a broader emphasis on ecological stewardship.

5. Sustainability & Energy

Hartley & Sons integrated several green features:

• Solar array: 12 kW solar panels covering the roof and the outdoor kitchen area, expected to supply roughly 70% of the home’s electricity needs.
• Rainwater harvesting: A 5,000‑gal storage system that powers irrigation and, in partnership with the smart home system, monitors moisture levels in the soil.
• Passive solar design: Large south‑facing windows and strategically placed shading devices maximize natural heating and cooling.

The article cites data from the U.S. Department of Energy’s “Green Building Standards” and links to a PennLive investigative piece on the cost‑benefit analysis of renewable installations in rural homes.

6. Surroundings & Community

While the home itself is a showcase, the article also places it within the broader context of central Pennsylvania’s rural renaissance. Highlights include:

• Proximity to Milford: The town offers artisanal shops, a historic downtown, and a community center that hosts farmers’ markets every Saturday.
• Recreational opportunities: Hiking, biking, and kayaking routes run through the nearby Blue Ridge Mountain Trail.
• Education: The home is located within the Central Pennsylvania School District, which is noted for its strong STEM program.

A linked feature in PennLive titled “Rural Pennsylvania’s Emerging Luxury Market” discusses how this trend is attracting both retirees and young professionals seeking a blend of serenity and opportunity.

7. Conclusion

The article presents this modern home not merely as a dwelling but as a lifestyle statement—an illustration of how contemporary design, cutting‑edge technology, and environmental consciousness can co‑exist within a rural Pennsylvania setting. Through a combination of high‑profile amenities, sustainable practices, and thoughtful integration into the natural landscape, the property embodies the aspirations of a growing demographic that values both comfort and connectivity.

In sum, the PennLive piece provides readers with a vivid snapshot of modern rural living. By weaving together architectural details, environmental initiatives, and community context, the article invites prospective buyers and design enthusiasts alike to imagine what it means to live where “the world meets the woods.”