Real LI: Posts from our daily blog

A REVERENCE FOR HISTORY

This vintage-style home, built in 1993 in Brookhaven, is modeled after the 1683 Parson Capen House in Topsfield, Mass. The Parson Capen House, a National Historic Landmark, originally belonged to the Rev. Joseph Capen, who served the area church for more than four decades. It's based on one of the last Elizabethan architectural styles of its day, says Garry King of Marylou Swan Realty Corp., who is marketing the 10-room home for $649,000.

"The house is interesting," says 15-year resident John Petraglia, who with his wife, Judith Thompson, are the second owners.

He calls it a "central fireplace house," meaning that everything is centered around the chimney. Each fireplace -- located in the living room, dining room and master bedroom -- is adorned with an antique mantel.

All three levels have wood floors. On the main level, the kitchen, dining room and living room have sliding-glass doors that open to the backyard. "We have a lot of windows, and we get beautiful air flow," Petraglia says, noting the house is also equipped with a three-zone central air-conditioning system. Three bedrooms are on the second floor, while the fourth bedroom as well as a second room are on the third floor.

Across from the Wertheim Wildlife Refuge, the 1 1/4-acre parcel is surrounded by preserved land. "The grounds are rather secluded," Petraglia says. -- LISA DOLL BRUNO

LI EYES ON 'FOUR HOUSES' PRIZE

In case you missed the recent Long Island episode on TLC's new "Four Houses," you can catch it again at 2 p.m. tomorrow.

"Four Houses" is a competition series in which four homeowners (decorating divas and divos?) from the same region preview, critique and score each other's houses. The one who scores the highest wins $10,000 as well as an opportunity to be featured in Better Homes and Gardens magazine.

No spoiler alert here. If you want to see which Long Islander snagged the prize, you'll just have to tune in. -- LISA DOLL BRUNO