Location: Old Saybrook, Connecticut
Price: $8.9 million For those enchanted by the sea, this Connecticut property offers a rare opportunity. The 1.68-acre estate in the fabled summer colony of Fenwick on Long Island Sound includes 50% ownership of the Saybrook Breakwater, a “sparkplug” lighthouse originally built in 1886. “When you walk through the front door, the lighthouse is straight ahead,” said listing agent Jane Pfeffer of William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty. The sellers, who admired the landmark, bought the property in 2004 and built a home with French doors and Palladian windows to make the most of its views. The Basics The 7,600-square-foot house, built in 2006, has five bedrooms, five full bathrooms and two partial baths. There’s also a 2,643-square-foot guest cottage on just over half an acre, which is available for $3.9 million. It has three bedrooms and three full bathrooms. The properties can be sold separately or combined for $12.8 million. The guest cottage will not be sold prior to the sale of the main residence. A Family Affair The main house and guest cottage fireplaces are constructed of stones from the beach, collected by the sellers and their sons, now grown, over the course of several years. Talking Point While the property includes a 50% stake in the Saybrook Breakwater lighthouse, the other 50% belongs to New York construction mogul Frank Sciame, who purchased it last year. The selling family partnered with Sciame to purchase the lighthouse, ensuring its preservation. “They felt it had importance to the property,” Pfeffer said. The lighthouse is featured prominently as an illustration on Connecticut’s “Preserve the Sound” license plates. Neighborhood Notes Fenwick, a borough in the town of Old Saybrook, is a popular summer retreat (perhaps best known as the lifelong home of actress Katharine Hepburn). Founded in the late 1800s, it’s bound by the Long Island Sound, the Connecticut River and South Cove—creating a high level of privacy. Residents can watch vessels of all sizes sail along the Connecticut River. “In the summer there’s a parade of beautiful boats going by,” Pfeffer said. Additional Perks Fenwick offers a tennis court, a golf course and a yacht club, as well as resident-only beach access. Agent: Jane Pfeffer, William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty View the full listing.
Previously: Modern Luxury in Vero Beach Write to Gina Faridniya at gina.faridniya@dowjones.com