Property Week
Rare Home on Lake Pocotopaug is the Ultimate Staycation
By Karen A. Avitabile
East Hampton’s well-known Lake Pocotopaug has long been a destination for vacationers and homeowners alike who love sandy beaches and a lake waterfront that blends Old World splendor with modern-day charm.
A rare opportunity to own a home on a 185-foot water frontage Lake Pocotopaug site is currently on
the market at 11 Clearwater Lane. Built in 1925, this seven-room contemporary is the former site of The Clear Water Lodge, a jewel on the lake welcoming guests during the 1930s. At 4,903 square feet of space on three levels, the home is sized for year-round grand entertaining.
Inside, the lodge feeling is captured through a dramatic open floor plan, generous living spaces, custom pine millwork and ceilings, hardwood floors, skylights and two staircases, including one that is spiral-shaped. Outside, an in-ground gunite saltwater pool, dual patios, a private beach and a dock to moor
a canoe, kayak, Jet Ski® or boat add to your own ultimate staycation or private tranquil retreat.
Commanding unobstructed views of the lake, the front of the home actually faces the water. A balcony off each bedroom delivers direct water views. With a spectacular approach, the long paved driveway shows off the professionally landscaped property before opening to the home’s well-maintained façade, with
vinyl siding and an asphalt roof.
The main floor of the home offers beautiful outdoor light streaming through its numerous windows and French doors leading to the pool, the yard, the dock, the beach and the lake. The space opens up to the second level and displays steel-rod supports that give the home an industrial, modern look. The great room, consisting of skylights and a vaulted ceiling, connects to the kitchen and also provides and entrance to the outdoors.
The open kitchen is perfect for entertaining. There is a vaulted ceiling, French doors, double ovens, two separate sinks, granite counters, light-colored wood cabinets, an island with an electric cooktop, an eat-in area, a large storage closet and a separate lounge that could double as a coffee station. The upward prep island is long enough to seat at least seven people.
A new family room offers an all-inclusive space for a second dining room, adjacent flex rooms and a cozy gathering area with a fireplace encased by a wall of bricks. A tucked-away formal library, the perfect office retreat, has convenient custom built-in shelves and a second fireplace.
From the garage or the side door, enter into the home’s large mudroom, roomy enough for a washer and dryer. A half-bath on the main level boasts a
pedestal sink and built-in wood shelves.
There are two master suites in the home. On the first floor, the room is large enough for use as an inlaw, an au pair or a teen suite. Its bathroom features a freestanding tub, a handicap accessible walk-in shower, a well-lit makeup seating area with shelves and a separate water closet.
The upstairs master suite has a huge walk-in closet, a separate office loft area separated by a pocket door and a bonus space with a large granite counter and attached lower cabinets. Recently, the bath was remodeled with double sinks and a pocket door that hides a shower and a water closet.
Extensive accommodations for family and guests can be found on the second level, where two additional bedrooms are located. Another space currently used as an office could be transformed into a bonus room, a reading nook or a fifth bedroom.
The home has an oil-fired water heater and heating system. It is cooled by ceiling fans, wall units and central air conditioning. There is a private well, an all-house water softening system and a connection to
public sewer. A two-car garage with a bump-out area for storing mechanicals is attached to the home. All of your beach chairs and boating toys can be hidden in a generous storage building on the property.
Enjoy views of the lake from two concrete paver patios accessible from inside the home. Automatic awnings help to block out the sun at its peak. Family and friends will enjoy hours of fun swimming in the inground
The thriving Lake Pocotopaug has dominated the landscape of East Hampton since the early 19th century when popular waterfront cottages, lodges, resorts and rental homes began bringing tourists to town during the summer months. Today, the lake is mainly surrounded by year-round homes but some cottages still dot the shore. Attractions around the lake include restaurants, boathouses, swimming areas, fishing and a playground.
Located in Middlesex County, East Hampton is a small village with less than 15,000 residents who call it home. The town’s unique Comstock Covered Bridge spans the Salmon River near Route 16. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the bridge is one
of only three remaining covered bridges in Connecticut.
To see photos of the home or to click on a virtual tour, visit https://www.margaretwilcox.com.
Karen A. Avitabile is a freelance writer based in Plantsville.