Waterfront home promises escape

The return of spring has been teased through the appearance of a flock of geese and hundreds of mallards and ducks in Guilford. Seller Kevin Halloran said he glimpsed the waterfowl while sitting out on the wraparound deck of the waterfront home at 27 Sachems Avenue. Halloran and his sister Patricia Garvey said their parents purchased the property for their retirement in 1977. Turning a corner from a causeway lined by marsh and Long Island Sound, the house – a modern take on a Victorian – comes into view. “It kind of builds into a climax visually,” Garvey said of the approach.

Inside, the large though intimate and warm home features traditional moldings, hardwood floors, and walls of windows looking out to an endless blue stretch. “Your eye is constantly, from the minute you walk into the door, drawn to the water,” Garvey said.

John Campbell, listing agent for Page Taft Christie’s International Real Estate said the nicely maintained home on Vineyard Point – an amazing location – has spectacular views and one of the best seawalls in Guilford. “It’s one of those areas where you’re kind of as worry-free and you can be living on the water,” he said. The selfcontained environment offers a place for extended family and can serve as a primary or secondary residence and a place to escape. The hexagonally shaped great room has a fireplace, built-ins, French doors to the porch, and walls-of-windows overlooking the sound. Similarly, the formal living room has a fireplace, built-ins, walls of windows and French doors to the porch. Facing the water through the walls of windows gives one a feeling of being on a boat, Campbell said.

The two-story dining room accesses the porch, features floor-to-ceiling windows, and looks up to the

Address: 27 Sachems Avenue, Guilford

Price: $2,995,000 Rooms: 11 Features: This home offers numerous decks for gazing at Long Island Sound, land for long walks on the water and a grassy yard for picnics and gatherings. Perched safely on Vineyard Point, this grand, waterfront estate, boasts spectacular views of the Connecticut Shoreline all the way to Hammonasset Beach State Park and across the Sound to Long Island. Walls of new Marvin windows overlooking the water offer views that surpass any piece of artwork that might adorn one’s walls. Dozens of French doors beckon inhabitants to step out for a breath of sea air with a morning cup of coffee or an evening cocktail. Privately sitting in Guilford’s Vineyard Point community, across Bloody Cove from Sachems Head, this four bedroom home, with a finished third floor, offers the perfect environment for gatherings and accommodating numerous family members as they spend time together.

Schools: Guilford High School

Agent: John Campbell, Page Taft Christie’s International Real Estate; cell: 203-415-5439; office: 203-245-1593; email: jcampbell@pagetaft.com second floor. According to Halloran, adults sitting around the table late at night on holidays would oft catch glimpses of “little heads popping up” through railings on the upstairs landing. The spacious family-oriented kitchen has modern appliances, space for a large table, and nice flow for cooking. Off the kitchen is a bedroom and bathroom.

The second-floor primary suite is hexagonal, has wainscoting, cathedral ceilings, views of the sound, French doors to a terrace, and a marble bathroom with two sinks, a shower, tub, and water closet. One additional

second floor bedroom offers an en-suite bathroom while the other accesses the terrace. A room – an office or children’s playroom – connects them. The large finished third floor has room for up to five beds and gives kids an area to hang out. “Of course, they could be up there by themselves getting into all kinds of mischief,” Garvey said. “You can really do anything with that space; if you’re an artist it would be a beautiful art studio.” Beneath the house is a storage area. Garvey and Halloran shared family memories. At Thanksgiving, with holiday music playing, everyone helped make dinner and, weather permitting, enjoyed a spirited game of touch football on the lawn. “Typically,

you might see my dad out on the wraparound porch,” Halloran said. “He might be sitting out there enjoying a beverage.” Later the family sat around the table watching the setting sun over the water and gathered in the great room for cards, games, and spirited political debates.

Halloran recalled the joy on children’s faces when in summertime they explored at low tide. “It’s a tidal area, the tide swings are pretty significant, so of course when young kids are out seeing crabs and wildlife they get excited,” he said. Garvey said she hopes another family makes fond memories there, as well. “It really did feel like home,” she said.

Contributed photos This four-bedroom Victorian yet modern waterfront home is ideal for families and can serve as a primary or secondary residence and a place to escape.

The spacious family-oriented kitchen has modern appliances, space for a large table, and nice flow for cooking.

The formal living room has a fireplace, built-ins, walls of windows, and French doors to the porch.

Gorgeous views of the Sound on the outdoor porch.