This home on Meetinghouse Lane in Orange has been named the 2004 House of the Year by William Orange Realty.

Orange-based William Orange Realty recently named an Orange home as the 2004 House of the Year for its extensive remodeling and renovation. The company has recognized a house for the past 14 years.

“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 William Orange Realty. “We believe that people taking great pride in their homes is contagious. Frequently, when one homeowner remodels and upgrades their home, it starts a trend in the neighborhood.”

The selection for 2004 is a four-level, contemporary-style home located on Meetinghouse Lane.

Owners Patrick and Lisa Curley, along with their son Devyn, have lived in the house for 10 years. During that time, the Curleys have remodeled every room and redesigned the exterior. The result is a masterpiece of architectural design and gracious landscaping, according to William Orange.

The large foyer features an oversized bow window that faces the front of the house and allows streams of light into the front dining room.

“Our first project was to strip down the dark woodwork to a natural stain,” said Lisa Curley. “We also decided to convert the front room, which was a living room, into a formal dining room. We felt it was more important to have a spacious dining room for entertaining than a living room that we would rarely use.”

A refurbished galley kitchen with granite countertops leads into the family eating area. An adjacent family room was gutted and rebuilt to include wide board flooring with cherry pegs, a wood-burning stove, skylights and glass doors that overlook the backyard.

The approach to the second level is graced with faux-finish wrought-iron railings that match the lighting fixtures. A guest room and Devyn Curley’s bedroom are located on that level.

The third level has an office and an expansive master bedroom with a walk-in closet and master bath. An additional dormer was added to the roofline to balance the existing dormer at the other end of the house.

“We still have some ideas to incorporate in this area,” Lisa Curley said.

An exercise room with skylights and a massive storage area is located on the fourth floor.

The Curleys added pillars, stonework and a large overhang leading to the oak wood front door with leaded glass to the home’s exterior. The entrance to the attached garage was moved to the side, expanding the length of the front. The Curley’s extensive landscaping was facilitated by Gardens by Design. Existing trees were transplanted to areas on the property and a flowing stream, rock sculpture and gold fishpond are located at the front entrance.