For the past 13 years, William Orange Realty annually has recognized a home in Orange that has been recently modernized and renovated as the Home of the Year.

“The award is given to encourage homeowners to invest in their homes and give the community a fresh, updated look,” said Frank D’Ostilio, president of the Orange-based real estate company. “We believe that people taking great pride in their homes is contagious.” He added that frequently, when one homeowner remodels and upgrades their home, it starts a trend in the neighborhood.

The selection for 2003 is the Toscano residence located at 387 Manley Heights in Orange.

According to D’Ostilio, the home, originally built in the 1950s by Grillo Construction, the home was similar to all Capes built in that era: cute and functional, but not entirely practical to today’s family lifestyle.

Architect Arnold Gans designed the new 13-room, three-dormered expanded Cape. Builder Gerald Couden orchestrated the construction and renovation of the home, which now boasts three master-sized bedrooms, two bathrooms, an indoor exercise room and two offices. The eat-in kitchen has been totally redone and expanded to include cherry cabinets and a center island. A bright and inviting expansive family room downstairs boasts atrium-style windows. There is an additional family room upstairs. A four-car garage now graces the home, adding abundant storage space.

According to D’Ostilio, the traditional Cape-style front door was transformed to include a formal elevated and staggered roof line, front porch with stately columns, slate and inlaid oval glass door, adding an abundance of light and an airy feeling into the expanded foyer.

The highly manicured grounds, accentuated with statues and rose gardens, complete the look of the renovation.