R EA L E S TAT E of
C o a s t a l
C o n n e c t i c u t
GUILFORD BEAUTIFUL AND BELOVED LONG ISLAND SOUND TREASURE FAMILY OWNED FOR FIVE GENERATIONS JOHN CAMPBELL 203-415-5439
w w w. R e a l E s t a t e o f C T. c o m C o a s t a l C o n n e c t i c u t ’s E x c l u s i v e R e a l E s t a t e M a g a z i n e
V4N4
Featured ON the COVER: Joshua Point, Guilford, Connecticut
A
short two miles from the Guilford’s Town Green, traveling along Leetes Island Road, one can’t miss residents enjoying some of life’s simpler pleasures surrounded by an environment rich in wildlife. Crossing over a tidal stream, fed by Lost Lake, the small causeway is lined with crabbers; while just down the road on the left, clamming is the preferred pastime. Soon, a left onto Shell Beach Road, dotted by small, single family homes, launches you on a journey through Leetes Island -nostalgic to all who remember the days when extended families cherished free time together and each generation passed their home onto the next. The area is brimming with families enjoying life together on Long Island Sound. Over 100 years ago, Percy Talbot Walden, a professor at Yale, regularly admired the property across Island Bay at the end of Leetes Island while visiting friends at Andrew’s Point. Soon he would purchase the property and in 1907 erected the original summer house and barn. Over the years the property was split and given to family members but has remained in the family; now enjoyed by its fifth generation. Today, 250 Joshua Point Road boasts a 4,325 square foot home built in 2003 to South Carolina Hurricane standards and is nestled between Island Bay and Joshua Cove on a spectacular two waterfront acres. The main residence is sited to match the original home of 1907 capturing the ideal Thimble Island sunset view. The estate also boasts a detached four car garage converted to a studio and loft, a boathouse / shed, large flagstone patio, dock and mooring.
Once inside the home’s grand foyer one’s eye immediately is drawn to the wall of Pella glass framing the rear property surrounded on three sides by water. Upon passing through the foyer visitors are greeted by a two story family room highlighted by clapboard ceilings and a living room overlook inspired by a home the family vacationed at in Jamaica. While the house was designed by a prominent Shoreline architect, the owners still felt something was missing. At this point, renowned, local architect Duo Dickinson was brought in and his idea of utilizing Stoney Creek granite for the family room’s large central fireplace and tapered columns on the terrace brought the house together. The stonework is such a work of art that the mason’s signature exists on the façade with one perfectly polished round stone. The family room transitions to a large formal dining room, scaled and conceived of the perfect place to celebrate Thanksgiving. The oversized kitchen features a large center island and breakfast nook with views that would dwarf those of prominent waterfront restaurants. Both the dining room and breakfast area feature French doors that open graciously to flagstone terraces overlooking the water. The home features five bedrooms including multiple suites; one of which is a first floor guest suite providing visitors and family members an extra element of privacy. The master bedroom is comprised of multiple walk in closets, and large master bath highlighted by dual vanities and an oversized marble and glass shower. Adjacent to the main residence is a four car garage, designed by Duo Dickenson that has been converted to comfortable living space featuring both heating and air conditioning. While the home itself is spectacular, it is overshadowed by its enviable location, views and outdoor amenities which include a 48x17 flagstone terrace, vibrant rear lawn, dock and mooring from which its residents can enjoy countless outdoor activities. The estate represents a rare local opportunity from which to relax and enjoy the Connecticut Shoreline. Offered at $4,450,000
For a virtual tour of the property please visit https://vimeo.com/129996301.
John A. Campbell, Jr. • 203-415-5439 • jksjcampbl@aol.com Page Taft - CHRISTIE'S International Real Estate • www.PageTaft.com
Vineyard Place, Guilford, Connecticut
W
hen she was young, Janice Beckwith would ride her bike from her home on Fair Street near the Guilford Green, down to and along the Guilford Coast. Of particular interest was the large residence (now 39 Vineyard Place) under construction on the water; owned by prominent New Haven manufacturer D. Spencer Berger as a “summer cottage.” Each time Janice would pass the home she wondered what it would be like to live in such a magnificent structure; never envisioning herself as lady of the house. In 1960, the now Janice English realized her dream when her husband, John English, purchased the “cottage”; both of them believing it to be large enough for their family and attractive enough to keep their five children coming home. They also wanted to make sure that there was room enough for future in-laws and grandchildren. Decades later, stories abound from the English children, their spouses and grandchildren centered on the memorable events that took place at the “cottage” including numerous engagement parties, four weddings, and 50+ years of annual family reunions and Thanksgiving dinners. Also unforgettable are the summer evenings in the 1970’s when the Jazz recording duo of Willie Ruff and Dwike Mitchell would entertain guests; not to mention the memorable visit by the Dalai Lama in the 1980’s.
One of Guilford’s iconic shoreline residences, 39 Vineyard Place was conceived by renowned New Haven architect, Douglas Orr and completed in 1930. The 6.600 square foot residence is a formidable structure composed almost entirely of Stoney Creek granite and has stood tall during all of Mother Nature’s occasional tantrums, including the devastating hurricane of 1938. One of Mr. Orr’s signature details are the “porthole” windows located in the Family Great Room. The library addition boasts spectacular views and was completed in 1978 with a cedar shingle façade. This addition was designed by Frank Winder and Associates and constructed by The Field Company. Adjacent to the library, and of particular note, is the spacious dining room featuring endless views of Long Island Sound; but memorable because of its curved, ribbed ceiling designed to resemble “carlins” used in the “overhead” of a ship’s cabin. The large kitchen area features a separate prep area, center island and breakfast nook overlooking the water. This was the hub of activity for the numerous outdoor club functions, and for fund raising events held by Mrs. English in support of The Washington National Cathedral. The second floor welcomes guests with six bedrooms while the third floor beckons guests to a game of pool overlooking Long Island Sound. Mr. English was an avid yachtsman. His summer commute consisted of boarding his tender, moored in the adjacent cove and “commuting” out to his 48 foot yacht which he kept around the point at Sachems Head Harbor. The railway leading to the boathouse provided easy storage during the winter months. While the home and location are nothing short of breathtaking, many of the family’s memories revolve around the simple pleasures they all enjoyed such as clamming in the cove, swimming, tennis and of course some spectacular bonfires on the beach. This offering represents a once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase one of the Shoreline’s iconic waterfront homes. Offered at $$6,200,000
John A. Campbell, Jr. • 203-415-5439 • jksjcampbl@aol.com Page Taft - CHRISTIE'S International Real Estate • www.PageTaft.com