Bright, open contemporary close to nature

(Joanne Rathe / Globe Staff Photo)

In most New England neighborhoods, contemporary homes stand out either like ugly ducklings or beautiful swans, depending upon the beholder's viewpoint. In this neighborhood, its the Colonial or Cape that would stand out. Designed in the 1950s by architect Carl Koch, who created partly prefabricated modern Techbuilt Houses, the homes here on several streets on the western edge of town originated as somewhat similar boxes. Today, most have been expanded upon and each differs according to its unique design. Here, a delightful woodsy walk on flagstone steps leads to the front door. Immediately, the original intent of the Techbuilt Houses surfaces, even through the 1973 addition: an open design with ceilings of various heights, and windows of all shapes and sizes that capture available light.

The entry leads several directions: toward a small den, half bath; toward the expansive living room, with two impressive sliders leading to the side yard; or down a small stairway to the lower-level dining room, den, and kitchen. Both entry level and lower floors are at ground level because of the way the house was designed to follow the sloping terrain. The kitchen is spectacular, with a large slider and wall of glass bringing the room to the edge of nature. A butcher-block theme carries over from countertop to giant island with its own drawers and cabinets.

The upper bedrooms are decent sized. The master bedroom, while large and with ample closets and its own bathroom, is open above the living room almost like a loft. Listing broker Carole Shoupe of the Higgins Group Realtors in Lexington said the loft aspect never bothered the present owners, who have lived here 30 years and are downsizing, but it can be closed in. They also managed to keep the original bathrooms and carpets in good shape, though now several could use updating.

MINDY POLLACK-FUSI