I have clients I represent that have impressed me. The husband is a brainy tech consultant for an internationally known consulting firm, the wife a talented lawyer. They are living in the 3rd new build/renovated home in Clinton, CT. The house is an example of luxury meets practicality.

The dream home is located directly on the beach and has been designed to withstand 150mph hurricane force winds. All the windows are energy efficient low-e hurricane glass. They designed the exterior to require little or no maintenance and to stand up to its being located on Long Island Sound and all that wind, sun, and salt can throw at it. They buillt a most beautiful house, inside and out, on the small lot they had to work and managed to include plenty of room for perennial gardens, sod lawn, and a 3 car garage. The house was beautifully sited on the shore close enough to the sea wall where can enjoy 180 degree views of the Clinton and Westbrook shore, Long Island Sound, and Long Island itself from most of the rooms in the home. Each floor has its own deck and sunroom.

The home is super-constructed. For instance the weather side of the building, facing the Sound, has an extra layer of sheathing inside and out. Its super-insulated with R50 at the roof and under the floor and R30 on the walls. Its 1st floor elevation meets the FEMA code requirements and yet it looks like any other home on an inland lot. Its efficient. Multi-zone heating allows for them to adjust temperatures to comfortable levels where they are. The addition of radiant heat in the sunroom actually reduces the amount of time and energy the hydro-air system runs while provide barefoot comfort in the winter when enjoying the magnificent views.

Its a "smart" home in that the electrical circuitry is controlled by a PC. Most any outlet or light can be turn on, dimmed to any brightness, on a schedule and be sensitive to the time of year. So it knows when it stay lighter longer and the like. Small, tasteful control panels, one in the master bedroom, and by the front and rear entrances, can turn all lights on at once or off, inside or outside lights. One can individually control each one individually at the Master Bedroom controls.

Good taste is not in short supply when you tour this home. There is a wonderful mix of beach house, victorian, and country elements. It sounds weird when you read it, but you simply get it when you're there. The floors throughout are wonderful random width, maple with mahogany inlay. The foyer, large enough for a baby grand, is open and airy. You notice the staircase just beyond because of the custom, hand carved, spiral newel that supports the wide, victorian style handrail and heavy spindles that leads you aloft. The long inviting hallway beckons you by formal dining room and the beautiful wood paneled elevator towards the bright living room with view of the Sound beyond. The stone, wood burning fireplace uses gas to ensure logs are lit without kindling quickly and with no effort. Its hard to decide where to take it all in...the sunroom, deck, breakfast nook...its hard to decide.

One would expect a grand kitchen in a home such as this...and you wouldn't be disappointed here. Custom cabinetry and paneled appliances mimic the bead board ceilings in the informal dining area and sunroom and is complimented with beautiful granite countertops, a center island with much storage and a wine rack, and the best yet...a butlers pantry for all the stores one could want!

The Master Bedroom is spacious and its amenities and views that of the living area below. A gas fireplace, sunroom, and veranda await you. Large enough for a king size bed, and sitting sofa and the like, yet still room to dance. The ample walk-in closets are a lesson in organization and storage (there are countless closets throughout this 4,400sf home so there's never a need to worry about where your things can go) and the master bath a delight. Spacious granite topped vanities, his and hers line the way to the jetted tub offer view of the Sound and beyond. Custom plumbing fixtures and a steam shower make for it feeling like a vacation hotel suite than home.

The utility room doesn't feel like utility at all. Also light filled with tile floors, large sink, washer, dryer, and microwave oven to make tea and coffee, and plenty of storage again.

2 more bedrooms on this floor share a bathroom most don't enjoy as a master bath. This suite adjoins to a wonderful sunken living room. One of the bedroom provides its guest with one way glass that allows a view of the beach and water even though its towards the rear of the home...and a private deck, and flat screen. Its makes for the perfect in-law or au pair suite. Its also the best place to hang out when the lack of good weather keeps from the beach and water. There's an additional washer and dryer hookup and rough-in's for yet another bathroom and separate entrance has been provided.

The 3rd floor is more of the same. This couple uses the 3rd floor as their business suite, the perfect his and hers offices adjoined by a hallway and Jack and Jill bathroom, another sunroom, and veranda of course.

Everyone who has seen this house has said the same thing. Its perfect and so well thought out. More thought out than what a builder or architect can provide. This is a product of the same couple buying and either renovating or building a new home to incorporate more of what they wanted or didn't do the last time they completed a house they lived in. And that's the secret. They live in it and find ways to improve upon not just a house...but a home to live in and enjoy.

Here's the good news. They off to do it again...which means that this home is for sale as they begin their next project nearby. If you want to see photos or learn more about this incredible home and what this couple did, then visit http://www.167ShoreRoad.com. Its also a featured home on my website right here at http://www.mickmarsden.com.