Real Estate of Coastal Connecticut V11N6

SPECTACULAR WATER-VIEWS /

from

CONDITION 3100SF BEACH HOME at

overlooked in this architect re-designed

Coastal Modern Cottage. There are 4

4 bathrooms (2 full, 2 half’s), a breathtaking living-room with a new River-stone faced fireplace with built-ins, a four-season

with

bar with access to both a rear &

updated bathrooms, two fireplaces, beautiful wood floors, laundry room on main floor off kitchen, walk up attic storage, picture perfect 4 season room, and a stunning master-suite (4 bedrooms total plus a home office). This house is a dream come true for someone with hobbies and the need for space. All at the end of a quiet cul de sac. Minutes from Saybrook beaches and downtown. Home includes central air, a wonderful patio area, a large dry walkout basement with newer Buderus furnace and a great hobby room.

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

RENTAL

RENTAL

5 THOMPSON LANE, OLD SAYBROOK

$4,695 Luxury 3,231SF, 3 beds, 3 full baths home furnished available immediately through 5/31/23. A chef’s kitchen, high ceilings, gorgeous fi replace, 2 car stalls available, and basement storage. Close to downtown amenities and great commuting location! Tentant pays all utilities. Pets maybe considered with owners approval.

25 WEST SHORE DR., OLD SAYBROOK

$7,500

Furnished luxury 2500SF WATERFRONTWinter rental November 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023 (May is flexible), possibly to 5/31/2023. WATER VIEWS from all rooms, private beach, plus Cornfield Point Association amenities. Enjoy 3 bedrooms all with water-views, 2 full bathrooms, 1 half bathroom, fireplace, ca, new 2019 gourmet kitchen, generator, in beautiful seaside setting and neighborhood. No smokers or pets or visiting pets.

Connecticut’s waters have long been coveted for their rich bounty and seductive beauty.

Masons Island rests in Fishers Island Sound where the Mystic River, a 4.5 mile long estuary, meets Long Island Sound joined by a causeway to the mainland.

The rocky, tidal zone creates ideal conditions for an abundance of seagrasses providing habitat and sustenance for area wildlife.

One variety, Cladophora, is named “Mermaid’s Hair.” Masons Island Marina and Mystic River Marina provide essential services to the boating community. Of hundreds of islands in Long Island Sound, Masons is especially special.

ESSEX

$2,150,000

Sailing enthusiasts will delight in this direct CT River waterfront Cape Cod-style home with dock and breathtaking views. Entirely rebuilt in 2016, the residence lends an air of chic sophistication and is sure to make your real estate dreams a reality. Maureen O’Grady 860-227-7843 http://www.realestateofcoastalct.com/659558

WOODSTOCK

Serving the Connecticut Shoreline & Lower Connecticut River Valley

$1,875,000

If you are looking for an oasis to create family memories, for an entertainer’s dream, or your private escape into paradise, this 11 acre estate is a rare fnd. The sprawling 7700 SF residence was built with great taste and care. A must see. Lisa P. Rollins, 203-671-0295 http://www.realestateofcoastalct.com/104063

GUILFORD

$1,200,000

Stunning 1.98 acre lot in Sachems Head. Water views, cleared open feld, stone walls, plenty of room to build your dream home. Wonderful area for walking and cycling, beautiful shoreline right around the corner. Few miles to historic Guilford Green.

Laurie Trulock, 860-575-0372 http://www.realestateofcoastalct.com/659675

FAIRFIELD

$935,999

Beautiful Colonial located in Southport, CT. This 3,215 SF home offers 9 rooms, 5 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, a grand 2-story foyer, open foor plan fows seamlessly to the kitchen living room space, sepa rate dining room and study. Finished bonus space in the LL. Deven Talarczyk, 860-581-3582 http://www.realestateofcoastalct.com/659683

GUILFORD

$749,000

Lovingly maintained, this residence offers a variety of pastimes. Stroll around the fower garden, take in the sun on the patio or swim in the clear in-ground pool. Beautifully designed foor plan with gorgeous amenities make this a special home. Linda Toscano, 203-520-7899 http://www.realestateofcoastalct.com/659678

FAIRFIELD

$729,000

Well-maintained and cared for modern Split Level offers the per fect layout for entertaining. Large LR with wood-burning freplace, DR, den, spacious EI Kitchen, screened in four season room, 3 BRs, 2.1 baths, fnished lower level.

Joe Votto, 860-868-1879 http://www.realestateofcoastalct.com/659540

NORWICH

$529,000

Located in historic Norwichtown, this beautifully remodeled Farmhouse exudes style and charm. Carefully selected fxtures, hardware and tile capture the beauty of the original home but includes modern conveniences for today’s lifestyle.

Gigi Giordano Taylor, 203-671-2155 http://www.realestateofcoastalct.com/659547

Essex Square, Essex

MADISON

$437,000

Charming, newly renovated 2 BR, 2 bath cottage just .2 miles from private association beach and includes 1/18 ownership of the private beach! Moorings are available at the beach as well.

Wonderful home for a summer getaway or year round living. Antonella Vertucci, 203-641-8566 http://www.realestateofcoastalct.com/659673

GUILFORD

$395,000

Built in 1955, this Ranch includes a large handicapped addition, constructed in 2004-05, with ramp. The separate entrances provide for a possible in-law suite! New roof, siding and windows. Needs some TLC but well worth it.

Stephen Spurrell, 203-627-4404 http://www.realestateofcoastalct.com/659667

89 Whitfeld Street, Guilford 203.453.6511

724 Boston Post Road, Madison 203.245.1593

Despite the “News” Existing Home Sales Continue to be Strong!

hy does negative news always overshadow the positive side of things? It’s so important to keep things in perspective. I read last week, once again, that the housing market is in a deep recession. So, on face value, most homeowners believe that they have lost an opportunity to take advantage of one of the strongest real estate markets in our Nation’s history. This is far from true. So, for your sake, I thought I’d help set the record straight as existing home sales remain strong.

LEATHERMAN’S HILL, MADISON

Listed for $1,875,000 Situated in the heart of Madison, CT, this home is within walking distance of the Town Beach, Golf Club, Beach Club and Town Green. The environment is spectacular. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee poolside in complete privacy. Or, an evening cocktail, again by the pool while prepping the grill; or, relax a few steps away in the home’s gazebo. Inside enjoy cooking in your chef’s kitchen, entertaining in your personal Irish Pub on the lower level or relaxing in the home’s generous family room adorned with a gas freplace, beautiful hardwood foors, and embellished with numer ous built-ins, and impressive crown molding; obvious throughout the residence and a symbol of opulence and attention to architectural detail.

Enjoy the video at: https://vimeo.com/730199505.

What the news is reporting revolves around new housing startups. The one segment of the market most significantly affected by interest rates (now over 6%) is $550,000- $750,000 new construction; generally purchased by first time homebuyers who require a mortgage to purchase. While, historically, 6% is attractive (rates in the 80’s were in double digits!), the approximate 3-4% jump in rates would require most first time homebuyers to make some serious life choices if they decided to make a home purchase a priority. Remember, prior to COVID only about 19% of Millennials owned homes. COVID and the resultant ability to work remotely changed that percentage drastically. The decline in this segment of the market is hammering homebuilders and is now depressing housing related retail sales, which impacts “housing market” statistics. Sales in in furniture and furnishings stores decline 1.6% in August versus the prior year and by 5.7%, year to year, in electronics and appliance stores. Sales of new homes recently came in at the weakest monthly level since 2018. But, it’s not just interest rates that have given builders pause; materials continue to be expensive; and the significantly increasing demand on the construction industry and materials may continue to limit startups. If you consider labor and materials needed to maintain and upgrade existing homes coupled with the BILLIONS of dollars approved and budgeted for US infrastructure construction, pressure on existing inventory will continue and the value of your existing home, for now in most cases, preserved.

Existing home sales remain strong provided the home is reasonably priced, in good condition, and in a desirable location. In Connecticut, home prices increased 10.5% year over year in August. While the number of homes sold during the same time period dropped by 14.3%, available inventory dropped an astounding 26.3%. Obviously, you can’t sell what you don’t have! Days on market are down 6% at an attractive 37 days. So, while inventory remains low, sales of existing homes should remain strong, but, possibly not at the frenetic pace as it was six months ago. As I’ve consistently maintained, the most important word in the world of real estate is “REASONABLE”. You can garner an attractive price in thismarket without trying to make a killing. With that, the right realtor can guide you through a smooth and profitable transition.

DID YOU KNOW…Real Estate contributes $3 TRILLION worth of GDP while government contributes about $2.65 TRILLION. We need to work to sustain this important segment of our Nation’s economic well being! I’m not quite sure why the FED wants to cool down one of its strongest GDP engines!

MOUNT CARMEL

Contact me and I will knowledgeably navigate the sale and/or purchase of your next real estate transaction,

Listed at $699,000

The PERFECT Home! A two story foyer welcomes you to this extraordinary home embracing a comfortable blend of formal and casual space. A formal living room and dining room await those special occasions when family and friends gather. Further in, fnd a chef’s kitchen, complete with top of line appliances, granite counters and yes a built in coffeemaker that stands ready to prepare your latte, cappuccino or just a great cup of coffee. French doors beckon you to the maintenance free deck, complete with outdoor kitchen and overlooking professionally landscaped grounds highlighted by specimen trees and a koi pond. In the homes lower level enjoy a game of pool or relax in your home theater complete bar and popcorn machine.

JohnEnjoy the Video at: https://vimeo.com/729808864

#1 Sales Company-Wide John A. Campbell, Jr. 203.415.5439

jcampbell@pagetaft.com

john.campbell@compass.com

Bi-folding

even the custom

The

goes on ad infinitum. The residence, as grand and luxurious as it is,

in comparison to the environment that surrounds the 3,960 square feet of conditioned living space. To start, the home is nestled on two separate parcels totaling 7.9 acres crowned by 576 linear feet of sandy beach which embraces a 79 foot pier connecting to a 24 foot aluminum ramp with foat. Connecting this magnifcent residence to your 7+ acre private beach is a 225 linear foot mix of elevated walkways and steps. Enjoy panoramic views of the East River and Long Island Sound, over some wildlife abundant marsh grasses, from the homes 3,190 square feet of outdoor space. The ground level offers a 1,440 square foot, Blue Stone surfaced, screened porch and 2 IPE wood surfaced outdoor showers and changing rooms. The second foor boasts a 1,340 square foot IPE wood surfaced deck, more than half of which is covered by a waterproof deck and eaves. Finally, open the wall of glass in the Primary Bedroom to a 410 square foot IPE deck, entirely covered by an electronic Louvered Roof System with rain and wind sensors. Rest comfortably knowing your home is protected by a 16 camera security system when travel drags you from this spectacular environment. You truly have to visit this amazing home to appreciate all it has to offer.

Listed

MOUNT CARMEL

6

Hartford Home Tells a Story About a Storied Writer

T“ o us, our house...had a heart, and a soul, and eyes to see us with; and approvals and solitudes and deep sympathies; it was of us, and we were in its confidence and lived in its grace and in the peace of its benediction.”

Historic photos courtesy Library of Congress

“It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.”

“If the world comes to an end, I want to be in Cincinnati. Everything comes there ten years later.”

“To succeed in life, you need two things: ignorance and confidence.”

“Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.”

“If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.”

Musings by the winsome, intelligible, witty, comical American author

Samuel Clemens “Mark Twain” arguably Connecticut’s most beloved treasure

Samuel Clemens concocted his clever pen name “Mark Twain” after a riverboat term that he learned as a pilot on The Mississippi River. It defines the minimum water depth that a vessel can operate before running aground. Clemens pseudonym reflected his self-deprecating humor often projected throughout his famous works; The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Mark Twain wrote much of his best work at his Hartford home in the billiard room at 351 Farmington Ave. where he hobnobbed with Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, and other literary geniuses of the time that lived in the area. Hartford, midway between Boston and New York was a vibrant, happening town.

Lively discussions with literary friends often occurred at the dining room table.

Mark Twain wrote much of his best work at his Hartford home in the Billiard Room. It also served as Twain’s man cave where he often enjoyed a game of pool, cocktails and a cigar or two

Te Road fom Misouri to Hartford...

Samuel Clemens was born in Florida, Missouri where he spent his first 4 years. His family moved to Hannibel, Mississippi where he lived for the next fourteen. At 12 years old he worked as a typesetter. He began contributing art and writings to a newspaper owned by his brother. Sam immersed himself in public libraries where he absorbed a wealth of information. One of his many quotes surely came about from his distrust of organized learning: “Don’t let schooling get in the way of your education.” He became a Mississippi Boat Pilot, did a stint with the Civil War Confederacy, rode a wagon train to Nevada where he failed as a miner, but began to receive acclaim and money for his writings for newspapers out West. He was awarded a trip to write in Europe and the Middle East in 1867 where he met his future brother-in-law, who introduced him to his wife, Olivia Langdon. They “dated” via letters and married two years later. Olivia was from New York. Her father purchased the couple a home in Buffalo. Olivia’s typhoid and the death of their 18 month old son caused another move to Olivia’s family home. Three daughters later and with money from Olivia’s hefty inheritance, the Clemens built their home in Nook Farm, Hartford on 5 acres in 1874. At the time, Hartford was a mecca for intellectuals such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Walt Whitman. The Clemens enjoyed entertaining their notable friends. Clemens claimed his happiest days were spent at their Hartford home.

Kennedy

Te Mark Twain House & Museum

At the time that Sam and Olivia purchased the land for their 11,500 SF Victorian Gothic home, Hartford had the highest per capita income in the country. Twain’s publisher, America Publishing was in Hartford so the location was perfect.

Although money was no object to Olivia, Sam was uncomfortable with the skyrocketing cost of the home. She engaged Louis C. Tiffany & Co., Associated Artists to design the interiors. The company was world renowned for their talent and expertise. Twain’s continued success allowed Olivia the luxury of appointing their home with the finest materials, but it didn’t last.

Hard times hit the family due to poor investments and bankruptcy ensued. The Clemenses headed for Europe where he was wellpaid to lecture. Eventually he paid off his debts, but never returned to live in their Hartford home due to the painful loss of their daughter there in 1896. The house was sold in 1903.

The house fell in disrepair, but has been meticulously restored over many decades with grants from various sources such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Now a museum, the house showcases 16,000 artifacts. The rehabilitation and maintenance is ongoing so donations are much appreciated and well-used. In the tradition of Mark Twain, the museum hosts special events such as readings, lectures, writing seminars and theatre productions. Memberships are available, also; one named “The Twainiac.”

The Mark Twain home was ranked in the top ten historic homes by National Geographic. Support Connecticut’s prized possession with a visit. You won’t be disappointed. SEE EVENTS: marktwainhouse.org

Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor

The most prestigious and coveted award for comedic artists is named for the iconic Mark Twain in honor of his timeless humor and tireless commentary on social injustices. Prize recipients have been Richard Pryor, Whoopi Goldberg, Steve Martin, George Carlin, Tina Fey, Will Ferrell, and more recently, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Dave Chapelle and Jon Stewart (2022). Undoubtably, Mark Twain might find the award show hilarious considering the prestigious, red carpet comedic lineup performances at the annual gala. Enjoy the ceremony on PBS at www.pbs.org/show/mark-twain-prize/. Twain’s indelible persona will continue to make a “mark” on contemporary society for all time.

“Humor is the great thing, the saving thing after all. The minute it crops up, all our hardnesses yield, all our irritations, and resentments flit away, and a sunny spirit takes their place.”

The Library where family and friends gathered to read

The Atrium attached to the living room

Principle Broker

The original Findlay estate constructed in 1929. This stately colonial style manor boasts 5,444 sq ft of living space with three bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths. Exquisite architectural details through out. This amazing estate is nestled on a pristine 1.93 acre corner lot featuring mature specimen trees, flower gardens, cut stone hardscape and ornamental pond. The gardens were designed by Vera Findlay after whom the adjacent Findlay Way was named. Among the many outstanding features are the French Farmhouse k itchen with wide antique pine floor boards together with cherry cupboards featuring antique glass, brand new induction cook top, granite and stainless steel counters. There is a wet bar modeled on an English club bar with antique glass-fronted cupboards, stone floor, wood and gran ite counters, ice machine and refrigerator. The hallways have inlaid wood marquetry floors. The library is paneled with three types of maple and coffered ceiling. The office offers lovely views out over the gardens and is constructed throughout from mahogany. The master bedroom has Palladian-style windows and a double vaulted ceiling. The electrical and plumbing systems are of the highest quality and the basement features a wine cellar and two extensive work benches. Oil fi red 2 zone radiant floor heating and central AC. There are many architectural details throughout that make this house a pleasure to live and entertain in. Live a dream.

Brian Cooper owner of Early New England Restorations (now known as The Cooper Group) was the contractor who did the extensive renovationrestoration to this amazing home in 2001. Brian is also responsible for the restorat ion of The Avondale Farm that won the prestigious Palladio Award for craftsmanship in 2020. In addition, he created the maritime inspired Morgan Suite at The Ocean House

The Shore & More!