By Tyler R. Morrissey
The ocean is not the only place to relax near an open body of water. Some of the region’s most stunning waterfront properties are located near freshwater ponds, lakes and rivers. From boating and kayaking, to fishing or lounging on a dock, there are plenty of aquatic activities to enjoy at these waterfront homes.
7 Blind Brook Road South – Westport, Conn.
Every room in this five-bedroom, three and a half-bath home features views of Nash’s Pond, making it an ideal property for those who wish to live a freshwater lifestyle. Enjoy fishing, skating in the winter, kayaking and other year round recreation at this home in the Old Hill section of town. The main level features a large formal living room with marble fireplace and French doors to a large deck. There’s also a formal dining room, an open sunroom off the kitchen and a gorgeous first floor master suite. Additional living space can be found in the 700 square-foot, finished lower level with wood-burning fireplace, numerous built-ins, dry bar and double doors that lead to the covered patio.
For more information: Marc Caldarone, 203.594.6594, [email protected]
76 Lyons Plain Road – Weston, Conn.
Set on the Saugatuck River in Lower Weston, this romantic stone cottage features four bedrooms and two full baths. Built in 1929, this home with old world charm boasts time-period hardware, French doors, arched doorways, vaulted ceilings with beams and hardwood floors throughout most of the house. The home also features new windows, a detached garage, as well as an artist’s cabin that sits right on the river. The back patio is also the perfect place to enjoy the sounds of the Saugatuck River as you sip your morning coffee and take in the property’s many flowering trees.
For more information: Kathy Schmitt, 203.952.4996, [email protected]
47 Sunset Hill Road – Putnam Valley, N.Y.
This property has its origins as part of the Maples Hotel, a hot spot at Lake Oscawana in the early 20th century. Nothing now remains of the Maples except this house. It was once the hotel’s carriage house; now it’s a single-family home with deeded rights to the lake, just down the hill. During the prohibition era, islands on Lake Oscawana were immune from prosecution due to certain maritime laws, so inevitably the roaring twenties saw much drinking and gambling around the lake—a big draw for Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and other members of the Yankees. Ruth first fell in love with the lake after visiting the summer house here. As for the property in its current state, the stone carriage house has been completely modernized with a very sleek and contemporary makeover and top-of-the-line heating and cooling systems. It resides on over 3.5 acres with gardens curated by a Cornell Master Gardener.
For more information: Jessica Murphy, 917.518.5033, [email protected], Melissa Colabella, 914.438.0139, [email protected]
341 Milton Road, Litchfield, Conn.
Set on 15 glorious acres with direct frontage on Floren Pond is this tastefully updated Cape-style home just minutes from the historic Litchfield Green. The property is comprised of an expansive seven-room home with patio and other numerous outdoor amenities, such as an outdoor fireplace, stone walls, fruit trees and an in-ground pool. This magical home features an updated chef’s kitchen with a breakfast bar, vaulted ceiling and a spacious pantry. Enjoy views of the grounds and warmth from the sun from the enclosed screened-in porch. The formal dining room along with a sitting area provides plenty of space for entertaining. After your meal, retreat to the formal living room with a wood burning fireplace, which makes for a cozy space to enjoy company or dessert.
For more information: Ron Leal, 646.752.6213, [email protected], Kim D’Andrea, 860.459.4221, [email protected]
520 White Oaks Rd – Williamstown, Mass.
Western Mass. is known for its rolling hills and gorgeous fall foliage, but it’s also home to some spectacular fresh bodies of water. Set on 45 plus acres of meadows and timber lands is this early 1900s Arts and Crafts style home just minutes from Williams College and the center of town. The home also resides near a deep water, spring fed pond that offers impeccable views and trout fishing. Hiking trails through the wooded timber lands will bring you to another two additional ponds with a nature landscape that’s bursting with wildlife. The home offers a large mud room and laundry room, leading to a warm eat-in kitchen with a gas stove and tranquil views out to your peaceful freshwater pond. An open flow leads to the dining room with a wood fireplace and bay window, which opens into the living room with yet another wood burning, stone fireplace.
For more information: Jeff Loholdt, 413.652.7423, [email protected]
65 Edgewater Drive – Wilton, Conn.
The name of the street this home resides on is fitting for this serene waterfront country retreat. Just four minutes to downtown, this property overlooks 400 plus square feet of the South Norwalk Reservoir. The five-bedroom Colonial offers sun filled rooms with breathtaking views and an open floor plan. Outside, the home features a heated, oversized saltwater lap pool with a year-round spa and automatic cover. The professionally landscaped grounds are entirely fenced in, allowing you to bask in mature trees and gardens in privacy. If you desire a change of scenery, hop on the train as New York City is just an hour away.
For more information: Barbara Martin, 203.984.1021, [email protected]
207 Mill Road – New Canaan, Conn.
Located along the Silvermine River is a truly historic property evoking a time when living and working near rivers was vital to commerce and daily life. In addition to the farmhouse at 207 Mill Road, the property is home to the original Buttery Saw Mill, which was the longest running sawmill in the United States for over 250 years from its inception in 1688 to 1955. Before the Great Flood of 1955, one of the last projects to come out of the mill was the wooden rail guards for the Merritt Parkway, which was under construction at that time. Today the Buttery Barn has been restored by the current owners where they enjoy dining by the Silvermine River in the screened porch on the lower level of the barn.
For more information: Anne Krieger, 203.984.9188, [email protected]
27 Woodside Avenue – Westport, Conn.
Creating a private oasis at the water’s edge, this extraordinary custom residence presides over 1.10 acres in Westport’s sought-after Old Hill neighborhood. Shaded by leafy mature trees, the picturesque grounds are enhanced by vibrant gardens and sweeping, manicured lawns. Inspired by the natural surroundings, the 2006 Colonial home reflects its idyllic setting with a timeless design and breathtaking views of Nash’s Pond. At the edge of the emerald lawns, a personal dock allows for swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding. While sequestered in an enchanting town, this premier estate offers convenient proximity to the train station, highways and Westport’s delightful town center.
For more information: Chris Titus, 203.247.0063, [email protected]
