ProJo: In Exeter, landscaped meadows transform Deer Brook Estates from its gravel pit past

Deer Brook Estates had the appeal of a gravel pit when Mary and Harry Armen Jr. moved into their new condo in 2009. Later, it was transformed by inspired landscaping from its former life as a gravel quarry.

EXETER, R.I. — Deer Brook Estates had the appeal of a gravel pit when Mary and Harry Armen Jr. moved into their new condo in 2009.

Later, it was transformed by inspired landscaping from its former life as a gravel quarry.

The property just south of the R.I. Veterans Cemetery on Route 2 was owned by a Michael D'Ambra company called Rico Corp. D'Ambra and Hugh A. Fisher became partners to build Deer Brook Estates, which Fisher marketed as “woman-centric homes.”

The concept included adding more and better storage such as closets with multiple shelves, a pantry, laundry facilities on the same floor as bedrooms, and drop zones near the entrance to capture keys, mail, handbags, coats and boots, with charging stations for cell phones, to keep clutter out of the living space.

The Armens, who moved from their Long Island home of 42 years to be closer to their Jamestown grandchildren, were among the first to occupy one of the condos. Their neighbor across the street, a retired Navy pilot who also moved in early, raises an American flag that can be seen from across a long expanse of meadow, waving with the tall grasses.

To view the complete article, visit Providence Journal