Tranquility on the Cove
1919-era summer cottage lives on as a waterfront luxury home on Greenwich Cove
The four-bedroom colonial at 18 Grimes Road in Old Greenwich debuted on its waterfront site in 1919 as a summer cottage — one of the cottages that made up the Shorelands Summer Homes Association. Over the course of more than a century, the house was winterized and transformed into a year-round luxury home, now a part of the private Shorelands Association. Helen Maher, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services’ Greenwich office, is the listing agent.
“There is a lifestyle of living around Greenwich Cove,” Maher said. “It is active, drawing paddleboarders, boating enthusiasts, water sport and games for all ages. And for those who relish peace and tranquility, the Cove invites one to pull up a chair and watch the waterfowl and tides.
“Greenwich Cove anchors this neighborhood,” Maher continued. “This association offers the beach, moorings, kayak racks, and one can walk to the Old Greenwich Village shops, restaurants, the railroad station, Binney Park and Perrot Library. Plus, you can bike to Greenwich Point.”
Maher introduced Greenwich Time to her clients, Barbara and Jack Cooper, who shared some memories of the home that’s been in their family since 1983.
“Over the last 30 years, the house has been raised 51 inches and has had four other major projects. … In the last two years, we have made the house more flood resistant, including lifting all the house mechanicals above the flood level,” Jack Cooper explained.
The floor plan comprises 3,825 square feet of living space, with formal living and dining rooms, an eat-in kitchen, great room-style family room and home office.
“The design of this home — the placement of the windows and skylights and soaring ceilings — bring the light inside, and water views abound,” the listing agent said.
The kitchen was updated in anticipation of putting the house on the market.
“Adding a granite countertop and general upgrades of cabinets, appliances, tile, etcetera, has really upgraded the space,” the seller noted.
“The great room, adjoining the kitchen, has a soaring ceiling and two-story windows,” Maher pointed out.
Three of the bedrooms are located on the second level, including an expansive primary suite, with an en-suite bath, two walk-in closets, a sitting room and a balcony. The fourth bedroom is a private suite above the attached three-car garage.
“I’ve always liked the water, so living on Greenwich Cove was a good choice,” the homeowner said. “I used to keep a boat at a town mooring in the Cove. Since the cove is tidal, you have to plan your day around the tide cycles. If you like wildlife, living by the Cove is a good choice.”
The listing agent concurred that the property affords “absolute privacy, peace, calm.”
“There are few waterfront communities in Greenwich; there are fewer, if any, offering the amenities of Shorelands, with the beach, pier, dock and float, moorings, kayak racks, social gatherings and the best
trick-or-treating in town,” she said.
“I really like living in a private association, especially Shorelands,” the seller said. “People are friendly and fun. Shorelands does a number of social things, like parties. Kids have a great time here.” 18 Grimes Road is currently listed for $2.975 million.