Real Estate of Coastal Connecticut Magazine V3N1

For all your Real Estate needs along the CT Shoreline and Lower River Valley

BRANFORD Exquisite turn of the century estate in Pine Orchard, perched high above Long Island Sound. Sweeping Thimble Island views. Totally renovated main house, 4741 sf, 6 BR, 6.1 baths. Classic wrap around porch overlooking dock & mooring. Tennis court, guest house, .66 acres. $3,900,000.

Vinni Davis, 203-453-6511 x120 http://realestateofcoastalCT.com/231430

BRANFORD Extraordinary direct waterfront home luxuriates in wide water views, lush landscaping & private dock. Stunning contemporary design with clean lines, high ceilings, 4184 sf, 4 bedrooms, 3.2 baths. Private deck off master bedroom suite. Guest suite with private entry. Steps to sandy beach and park. $2,195,000.

Adrian Price, 203-453-6511 x109 http://realestateofcoastalCT.com/281666

GUILFORD Unique waterfront home nestled within a select enclave of homes called Rock Point, boasting 180 degree panoramic views of Long Island Sound. Granite kitchen, master suite overlooking the Sound, oversized deck and in-law apartment with kitchen.

Walk to town location. $1,969,000.

John Campbell, 203-245-1593 x103 http://realestateofcoastalCT.com/281694

MADISON Enjoy panoramic views of the Hammonasset River and salt marshes teeming with wildlife. Luxury, privacy and location come together in this 3 bedroom residence in Strathmore Farms.

WESTBROOK Sunny Colonial in cul-de-sac neighborhood of new less steel appliances & granite counters, crown molding, tile work.

Professionally landscaped with irrigation system. $595,000 CT Town & Shore Partners, 203-453-6511 http://realestateofcoastalCT.com/281674

ESSEX Exceptional Village Antique The Niles H. Tooker house,

ESSEX Village Storybook Home Wonderful Village Cape with tiful gardens, EI Kitchen w/isle and gas cooktop. Gorgeous yard and gardens, outbuilding w/power and water. Walk to tennis, shops, restaurants and library. Live the dream. $895,000 Chip Frost, Ct River Properties Team, 860-767-5390 x12 http://realestateofcoastalCT.com/281632

ESSEX Delightful Village Contemporary If a home expresses who you are, then perhaps this delightful gem is your mirror to the world.

The warm, inviting living space offers dramatic high ceilings, gour-

large deck. $749,000.

John Campbell, 203-245-1593 x103 http://realestateofcoastalCT.com/281688

OLD LYME Spacious and Private Colonial Custom Colonial on heated pool, and more. Surrounded by conservation land offering hiking trail, and near Hamburg Cove. $749,900 Kevin Geysen, 860-767-5390 x31 http://realestateofcoastalCT.com/281634

89 Whitfield St., Guilford 203.453.6511

fpls, and the ability for an in-home business. Open LR/DR accesses Chip Frost, Ct River Properties Team, 860-767-5390 x12 http://realestateofcoastalCT.com/281644

Steps away is access to the CT River. Short stroll to village. $749,900 Gigi Giordano Taylor, River to Shore Group, 860-767-5390 x13 http://realestateofcoastalCT.com/281613

724 Boston Post Rd., Madison 203.245.1593

PageTaft.com

35 Main St., Essex 860.767.5390

Amy Kirst 203-641-6000

Cathy Lynch 203-627-2331

JoAnn Stirling 203-671-8072 Joann.Stirling@cbmoves.com

Catharina.Lynch@cbmoves.com

GUILFORD $379,000 Private wooded setting for this wonderful contemporary retreat. Vaulted ceilings, soaring window walls, updated bath, remodeled kitchen. Minutes to Guilford Green, beaches, shopping and restau-

MADISON $675,000 Pristine home, newer construction, walk to village and beaches. Great attention to detail, custom -

MADISON

GUILFORD $525,000 Price just reduced on this striking “Acorn Deck� house situated on 5.6 private acres yet mins.to -

MADISON

Nantucket style home steps to East Wharf Beach.Great

MADISON $979,000 Picture perfect cape nestled at the end of a cul-de-

kitchen, LR, BR and bath can be rented.

xtra guest space. Inground heated pool.

lush lawn with room for a pool. walk-out basement.

MADISON $938,000 Gorgeous expanded colonial in sought-after neighborhood. Incredible trim & molding detail; quality workmanship through-out. Kitchen overlooks soaring Great room. FR has wonderful built-

MADISON

$1,159,000

$1,250,000

Amy.Kirst@cbmoves.com

$875,000

bedrms, 3.5 baths, central air with charming countacular gardens and decks to enjoy the view.

a beautiful sandy beach. Home is close to 4000

$899,000 borhood on 1.23 private acres. Near village, schools & beautiful beaches. 5 BRs, 3.5 BAs. MBR suite,

kitchen has every bell and whistle, Gunite pool.

LL. Lovely yard, in-ground pool.

Madison 752 Boston Post Rd.

MADISON

Lyme $2,395,000 A reconstructed, museum-quality c.1787 Cape serves as the centerpiece for a harmonious collection of historic & artful accessory buildings.

Meticulously constructed & beautifully maintained.

JeanneRutigliano.com 860-460-0478

Lyme $2,350,000 “Meadow Wood” is a captivating, 10-acre Hamburg Cove waterfront estate tucked privately in the Lyme hills. Funicular leads to 450’ of frontage with access to boat house and deep-water dock. Superb!

NancyMesham.com 860-227-9071

Old Lyme $1,725,000 A stunning, architectural masterpiece. “Indian Point” is privately embraced by a natural landscape on the Lieutenant River. Unique one-

Old Lyme

NancyMesham.com 860-227-9071

Middle Haddam $1,250,000 Historic Connecticut River Estate with 350’ frontage & 40’ deepwater Dock, 2740sf remodeled Home & 2092sf Soho Studio on 2 acres. Buildable River Lot available for $550,000. Stunning Sunsets & Views! Midway between NYC & Boston.

Elke-Martin.com 860-227-9598

$1,625,000

porch. Private setting, yet close to town, shopping & marinas.

Susie-Kelly.com 860-389-5615

Lyme $699,000 Spectacular waterfront on Falls Brook, steps away from Hamburg Cove.

Impeccable renovation with outstanding water views from every room.

MaddyMattson.com 860-575-4344

B

Old lyme, COnneCtiCut

eautiful home in Old Black Point with amazing views of Long Island Sound. Just under an acre of land with a deeded 10ft right of way to the beach! This beauty has a large 3-car garage, and a great open floor plan with crown moldings, granite, teak, large bedrooms, 4 baths, tons of closet space & full finished walk-out lower level with bar and boat garage. Ride your golf cart to your cabana on private Black Point Beach or perhaps a game of croquet or tennis. Large deck overlooking lush, professionally landscaped lot out to the Sound.

Flawless! $1,600,000 http:/realestateofcoastalCT.com/280968

Lisa Johansen 860-213-2300 lisajohansen2300@gmail.com

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WaterfOrd , COnneCtiCut

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his superbly crafted, custom built 4-5BR Colonial with ownership in Booth Quarry in the Great Neck area of Waterford is just a short walk to Waterford Beach and Harkness Memorial State Park. The formal living and dining rooms with raised paneling and crown moldings offer views of the water. The custom designed kitchen will surely delight any cook while keeping your loved ones close by in the oversized family room complete with custom built cabinetry and a gas log fireplace. You are sure to enjoy the inviting farmers porch with mahogany decking, ceiling fans and TV connection. Nicely finished lower level offers plenty of getaway space while the unfinished walk up 3rd floor is a great place to store your treasures. http://realestateofcoastalct.com/282765 $599,995

Marilyn Lusher Broker/Owner

860-460-9559 marilynlusher@remax.net www.marilynlusher.com

National Geographic Photographer Takes Home a Project from His “Backyard”

Todd Gipstein, National Geographic photographer, writer, lecturer and filmmaker has been at the helm of The Ledge Lighthouse Foundation since 2008. It had been impossible for him to ignore the plight of Ledge Light as he surmises the view from his home overlooking Long Island Sound daily, especially when he spots the ghost of Ernie who is known to rattle a few nerves when he meanders about this fabulous structure. New London Ledge Lighthouse is built on a treacherous ledge; a rock outcropping. A substantial foundation was created on that ledge and the lighthouse building is built on the foundation at the mouth of the Thames River in Fishers Island Sound.

A call to arms was warranted to save this stranded beauty for many years, but it wasn’t until 1988 that the New London Ledge Lighthouse Foundation was formed, before it became a chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation in 2009. With the help of concerned volunteers, Gipstein’s objective was to restore the light, publicize its history, and manage its reuse as a museum, gallery and tourist attraction to be enjoyed, loved and cherished.

Photos courtesy Todd Gipstein and contributing editor

How did you come to live on the Connecticut coast? I grew up in New London, and though I had lived away for about 45 years, I returned often for family visits and to do some documentary film projects. In 2005, my wife and I visited for my dad's 101st birthday. We happened upon a real estate magazine, and spotted a home by the water in Groton. We took a look and it was a no-brainer. We swapped a view of a parking lot in Virginia for a view of the ocean. I had gone from being full-time at National Geographic to being a freelancer. The internet and digital came along so we could work from anywhere. And having lived in Boston, New York, and D.C., I enjoy the quieter lifestyle of Groton/ New London. It's a beautiful area, and if we want to get a New York or Boston fix, we are close enough to do so.

What inspired you to head The New London Ledge Lighthouse Foundation? Marcia and I got on the board in 2008, and in 2009 we put on the Ledge Light's 100th anniversary gala. I became president and she treasurer, grant writer, tour guide scheduler and gift shop director. We jump-started preservation work, trained new tour guides, and designed and installed a museum aboard the lighthouse. Now, the rooms looks pretty good and there are exhibits and photos everywhere. Even a furnished keeper's room with a figure of the resident ghost, Ernie. The work is ongoing, and we have some great plans for exhibits and new tour opportunities in the works.

Todd Gipstein

Tell us how your photographers dream job at National Geographic has enabled you to pursue your passion. I love to travel, take pictures, tell stories, and share all of these with others. My work at National Geographic let me do all those things. It gave me a chance to explore the world and my art, and a fabulous forum to share the photographs and media shows I made. My work has taught me a lot about life, about other cultures, and how to find beauty everywhere. A recent project let me do just that. I photographed essentially my own backyard: the 1 mile down the coastline from our house for 1 year with 1 lens. You don't have to travel the world to find interesting places to photograph. You can find that film on YouTube at: http://youtu.be/_AMO2yV1wtg

Ledge Light has served New London Harbor for over a hundred years. At the turn of the century, it was determined that a light was necessary for the safe navigation through the evermore critical waters of the Sound. The light was completed in 1909. The unique three-story, eleven room brick and granite design of the house came about as result of the influence of Edward Harkness and Morton Plant, two wealthy home owners in Waterford and Groton. They wanted the lighthouse to be representative of the styles of their homes. Architects came up with a design incorporating both Colonial Revival and French Second Empire styles. The ruthless elements took a toll on the lighthouse. Its priceless contribution to the maritime history of this important waterway required emergency action.

A trippy story about the lovelorn lighthouse keeper, Ernie, and unrequited love is a favorite legend around these parts. Poor Ernie suffered the loss of his bride to the captain of the Block Island Ferry. While the loyal lighthouse keeper was holed up at the light ensuring the safe passage of vessels through the treacherous waters of Long Island Sound, his unfaithful wife was on the mainland... Ernie, in the depths of despair leapt to his death from the roof of the lighthouse. His body was never recovered, but his spirit remains at the lighthouse where he likes to punk visitors by tooting the foghorn, making inexplicable noises or messing around with guests boats. Lighthouse keepers inhabited the house until 1987 when the light was automated.

Project Oceanography runs tours from Avery Point in Groton in the Summer and Fall.

Let the light shine...

Signed prints of Ledge Light by Todd Gipstein may be ordered online at www.ledgelighthouse.org or contact the organization at info@ledgelighthouse.org. A portion of the proceeds support ongoing restoration and exhibit work.

CORNICE REALTY,LLC Kristine Teto

• 401.354.4720

• Agent@CorniceRealtyRI.com

North Providence, Rhode Island

Narragansett, Rhode Island

Two levels of magnificent living area overlook Narragansett Bay as true luxury awaits you at this newly constructed beachfront property.

Live the “Suite Life” in style. This home features 3 of the 4 bedrooms en-suite guestrooms, each including a full bath, wind porch and spacious closet.

A spectacular gourmet kitchen offers granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and an island with seating for entertaining.

Step into the dining room and relax at the oversized dining room table overlooking the ocean. As you enter the living room, leather couches offer stylish comfort as you sit by the fireplace while once again enjoying the scenic view of the ocean.

Step out the back door onto the deck, and you are at the beach. No streets to cross… the beach is your backyard.

Unsurpassed views are accessible from all rooms from wind porches and a wrap-around deck.

Breathtaking views, new construction, timeless design and stylish interior appointments create a serenely private personal refugewith ample space for entertaining family and friends.

This home comes fully furnished throughout. $5,400,000

www.75stantonave.com

Hartford Home Tells a Story About a Storied Writer

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“ 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

Hartford Home Tells a Story About a Storied Writer “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.”

Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts

Studio 80 Sculpture Grounds

“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

Lyme Art Association

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.

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

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

The road from Missouri 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.

The Mark Twain House & Museum

The Library where family and friends gathered to read

The Atrium attached to the living room

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.

Kennedy 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. Recipients of the prize have been Richard Pryor, Jonathan Winters, Carl Reiner, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Newhart , Lily Tomlin, Lorne Michaels, Steve Martin, Neil Simon, Billy Crystal, George Carlin, Bill Cosby, Tina Fey, Will Ferrell, Ellen DeGeneres and Carol Burnet. Undoubtably, Mark Twain would find something hilarious about the award as do the honorees if you have had the opportunity to enjoy the ceremony every October or reruns on PBS. 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.”

Mark Twain

GROTON LONG POINT Direct waterfront home with sandy beach and unobstructed water views. Two properties being sold together. Best of the boardwalk year round 3 bedroom and 1 1/2 baths. West Shore two car garage and upstairs storage. The front porch is perfect for relaxing on lazy summer days. Includes building lot. $1,300,000. http://realestateofcoastalCT.com/282492

MYSTIC High-end 2,507 sq. ft. condominium with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. This “double-unit� is light, bright and open with a custom kitchen & baths. Private garage parking & an adjacent marina complete the package. Within walking distance to unique shops and http://realestateofcoastalCT.com/282484

STONINGTON BOROUGH Amazing direct waterfront home with panoramic views of Stonington Harbor. This 2,866 sq. ft. tri-level contemporary home has 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Dramatic walls of windows and glass doors open to a private patio and waterfront courtyard. New paint and carpet throughout. $1,045,000 http://realestateofcoastalCT.com/282451

STONINGTON Resort living with water view and swimming pool. 5 years young. Brazilian cherry throughout. Gourmet kitchen with 11x6 granite island. 5 bedrooms all with their own http://realestateofcoastalCT.com/282459

MYSTIC STEAMBOAT WHARF Dire

By less steel appliances and a custom Cherry bar are perfect for entertaining. Walk out to your boat http://realestateofcoastalCT.com/282489

STONINGTON BOROUGH

http://realestateofcoastalCT.com/282481

Lorey Walz 203-619-4029 Lorey.Walz@coldwellbankermoves.com Meig Walz Newcomb 203-996-7209 Meig.Walz@coldwellbankermoves.com GUILFORD $3,500,000 This exquisite, direct waterfront home and guest house are located in the prestigious Sachem’s custom details throughout, an irrigation system, remote controlled hurricane shutters and a new generator. This property is decidedly closer than Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, yet offers the depth and breadth of true New England coastal living. Relish its 180 degree, unob structed views of the sparkling Long Island Sound. While the southern exposure affords you spectacular sunsets as you watch the antics of great white egrets and osprey. This captivating family members and guests. Launch kayaks and swim without ever leaving your own back yard.. The beautiful guest house is so large it is often mistaken for another main house. It is the own space. As Sachem’s Head residents, one has access to the private Bloody Cove beach, tennis and paddle courts. Sailing lessons at the Yacht Club and use of the private harbor are all opportunities to create the feeling of being away on vacation yet and still a short ride from

MADISON $2,400,000 Four (4) spacious bedrooms, Bright top of the line kitchen Four (4) spa like bathrooms, Sandy Private Beach Built to 2011 FEMA Standards, Built in 2011

MADISON $2,800,000 Enjoy sunrise, sunset with views from every window in this waterfront home. This cape has been completely renovated from framing out with new wiring, plumbing, windows, roof etc. Easy maintenan and time to enjoy it has always been a factor in the design of this home. This 3,373 square foot home is at a 18 foot elevation which exceeds the CAM and FEMA guideline of 2013. Enjoy swimming, sailing and building sandcastles from your private beach at Seaview with all of the amenities of a waterfront with out the worries.

MADISON $910,000 On a private road between the village of Madison and West Wharf Beach, sits this pristine sq,ft colonial. One full acre with lovely, landscaped gardens and outdoor kitchen. Walk to your four bedroom home. It is perfectly situated on the lot to take full advantage of the views of the private beach. Spectacular stone work. This home has everything in a desirable area.

MADISON $1,350,000

beautifully landscaped garden room are just a few of the amenities this home has to offer. Come

Madison 752 Boston Post Rd.