When Mike and Amy Carovillano went home searching several years back, this elegant manor checked all the boxes. Located on Lake Arlington, it was the waterfront property they had longed to purchase – without leaving their hometown to do it. Plus, the location was near the Oakridge School, where their children were doing their studies.
It instantly became “the hangout” for the children and their friends (check), and it was equally suitable to be the hangout for Mike, Amy and their friends (another check).
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But now that the kiddos have grown up and moved out, the Carovillanos are looking to downsize, and this magnificent home is on the market and listed by Susan Daniels, an associate with the Magazzine Cunningham Group at Ebby Halliday Realtors. We’ll have more on that facet of the home at the end of this story.
First, though, some particulars about the home itself: The 8,134-square foot dwelling anchors a 4.14-acre lot and has four bedrooms and 4.2 baths. As you can see in the photos, it offers an array of breathtaking views, whether you’re looking out the windows or at the spaces inside of them.
“When we found this house, it combined everything we were looking for: A fun lake house right in Arlington, close to the school and our kids’ friends – and close to all the conveniences of shopping and restaurants,” Amy says. “With a boat for water sports, kayaks, a sailboat, a canoe and a fun game room, we always had a group enjoying the house.”
Mike describes the home as elegant “but comfortable.”
“It is dramatic with its stunning view of the lake,” he says. “It’s spacious but welcoming.”
While it offered all of those qualities the day the family moved in, Mike and Amy have enhanced the home over the years.
A lot, in fact.
“What haven’t we updated?” Amy asks whimsically. “We always have a project going. We’ve done most of the bathrooms, the game room, the bar area, the outdoor patio that runs along the back side of the house.”
They have also added a new roof, painted inside and out, added a greenhouse, and they have fully remodeled and updated the kitchen with new Viking appliances and an oversized island. “Yes,” Amy reiterates, “we’re always doing something.”
The sum of the original majestic structure in the ideal location plus the renovations done by the family is a home that is ideal on many fronts. But Mike and Amy definitely have a favorite aspect of their dwelling.
“Unquestionably, the lake view is the star of the house,” Amy says. “From sitting on the back patio enjoying dinner to lounging in one of the living areas to any of the bedrooms, the spectacular lakeview is always the focus. And the sunsets … They are amazing!”
While the aerial view shown on page 54 offers a keen perspective of the home, it’s not that easy to see just by driving in the neighborhood. “The house is so private and secluded – you can’t even see the house from the road,” Amy says. “When we drive through the gate and down the driveway after a long day at work, you really feel like you’re on vacation for the evening. With over 110 yards of lake frontage looking across the lake at only nature preserves and parks, you can’t even see another house.”
As might be expected, the Carovillanos’ home has been “the hub” for many a gathering. “We love to entertain – that was a big selling feature that attracted us to the house,” Amy says. “We’ve had elegant dinner parties, wedding showers with 75 guests, Super Bowl parties, outdoor DJ dance and karaoke parties on the deck by the pool, Octoberfest, Halloween, pirate-themed galas, summer solstice lake and pool parties, pre-prom gatherings for pictures and everything in-between. The flow between all the living areas, the kitchen and the huge lawn by the pool and lake make it the perfect house to entertain. We have so many memories with friends and family at this house.”
As Mike and Amy prepare to depart their home, they realize there will be a number of things about it they will miss – not the least of which, says Amy, is the serenity of the location.
“Being able to decide to take an after-dinner boat ride, or sit and enjoy nature and the sunset with a cocktail sitting on the back porch,” she says, “it’s such a relaxing, comfortable setting.”
Mike adds that while the home has held many special memories for his family, it will soon be the source of same for someone else.
“We want to make sure our home finds a great family to enjoy it as much as we have,” he says. “Who knows, maybe they’ll invite us over some evening to enjoy the sunset with them.”
As noted, this home is on the market and is being listed by Susan Daniels and the Magazzine Cunningham Group. If you would like to inquire about the dwelling, or if you would like to learn about other houses being marketed by the MC Group, call Susan at
817-654-8407 or email susandaniels@ebby.com.
