b'A Young CoupleDiscovers theValue of CharacterWorking with Dennis HepworthBY ELLEN DONKERD I N G H ON MIF ED .J. Kirlin and Sarah Vendittowood beams that you dont really get with new con-werethinkingaboutwherestruction. The couple also appreciated the large lot theywantedtomoveaftersize, the beautifully landscaped back yard and a spa-living in Princeton Junction.cious great-room addition.Vendittohadsixmonthsto Seeing how much [the sellers] loved it, Ven-go before she completed herditto says, it kind of makes you [think] this must Ph.D.inneuroscienceatbe a really special property.Princeton University. Kirlin works in Manhattan asThe couple asked Hepworth to estimate the cost a software engineer and endured, at best, a one-hourof updates they envisioned.express-train ride. Not surprisingly, his vote was toDenniscontactedsomelocalcontractorsand move to a town that offered an easier commute. brought them in, Venditto says. It was during the Because the couple had never bought a home,was comfortable and understood everything in thatweek, so we werent able to go, so he just goes to the they were looking for advice. Kirlins friend Mattoriginal bid. Hes available at all hours. house and meets with them for us and Zooms us in.reminded him that his father was a real estate agentAfter the couple didnt win the bid, HepworthThe information helped them feel comfortable and suggested they talk. Soon enough, broker associ- urgedthemtotakeasecondlookatahomeonwith their budget before bidding on the house.ate Dennis Hepworth of Keller Williams Mid-TownMountain Avenue in Maplewood. Built in 1920 asHepworthalsorecommendedinspectionsthe Direct Realty was educating Kirlin and Venditto onan English country cottage by architect Harold Tat- couple should arrange.theiroptionsgiventheirbudgetandcommutington, it was on the market after being home to oneHe had a whole roster of people that he recom-preferences. family for the previous 60 years. mended, Kirlin says. Honestly, they were all fan-Eachweekendforthenextmonth,HepworthTatton probably is best known for his design oftastic. Venditto adds that Hepworth went above showed them a range of houses in different commu- the lettering of the postal creed Neither Snow Norand beyond, all hours of the day.nities to see what resonated with them. Rain Nor Heat Nor Gloom of Night Stays TheseThe couple closed on the house October 26. They We were in the Summit downtown, we were inCouriers from the Swift Completion of Their Ap- plan to move in after they Short Hills, Millburn, Maplewood downtowns, justpointed Rounds, which spans the front of the icon- paintthewalls,install to get a vibe of the different areas, Venditto says.ic Farley post office building in Midtown Manhat- new windows and make a Kirlin says, It was kind of nice because after wetan, now part of Moynihan Train Hall.few other upgrades.would go and look at the houses, the three of usThe couple had passed on the Maplewood houseTheysaytheyappre-would always go to the downtown and then get abecause it looked dated with its bright wall colorsciatethattheprevious late lunch or early dinner at one of the places and getand floral wallpaper, reflecting its last update fromownersofferedthemthe a feel for the area. the early 1990s. Neutral tones were more in linefurniture that didnt sell at Eventually the couple put in an offer on a move- withtheirtastes. Takingadvicefromfriendsandtheir estate sale. The cou-in-ready home in Short Hills. family to dismiss things that are easy to change andplegladlytookadining Kirlin says Hepworth led them through the pro- instead focus on the homes potential, the couple re- roomtable,somechairs cess: It was 9 or 10 at night, and he hopped on aalized the house had a lot to offer. andbedroomsets.After Dennis Hepworth helped call with me, and he walked me through each indi- It has a lot of cozy character, Kirlin says, laud- all,theynowhavetheirthe Kirlin/Venditto couple vidual section because he wanted to make sure that Iing the hand-sculpted plaster ceilings and exposedfirst house to set up.find their first house.36/ matters magazine / holiday 2023'