Page 25 - Ocean Avenue Long Brochure

An Interview with...

THE PROUD HOMEOWNERS OF

401 OCEAN AVENUE

Q: WHAT MADE YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH THIS PROPERTY & HOUSE?

A: No discussion — there is NOTHING COMPARABLE in SW CT. There are more expensive

areas and “waterfront” properties. We looked extensively from Stamford to Guilford
and beyond. But we wanted a laid back, no pretense, relaxing, vacation-like waterfront
experience that would be genuine, comfortable, and affordable. The expanse of beach
views, “toes in the sand” accessibility, and absolute ownership of beachfront sold us.

Q: WILL YOU MISS THE NEIGHBORS?

A: As much as our home itself. The “Bluff” neighbors are all affluent professionals like
ourselves, who immediately welcomed us into the fold and became treasured friends.
We all respect each other’s need to privacy, yet come together to “play” in impromptu
times and places that simply make it feel like you have known each other forever. Yet the
entire Lordship community is warm, fun-loving, and fantastic. We have felt like a part of
a very unique and special family since the day we stepped foot in our home. Not like any
community we have ever lived in.

Q: DID YOU EVER CONSIDER PUTTING IN A POOL?

A: Absolutely. We even got plans approved through Planning and Zoning, now expired,

that would not have used the traditional “surrounding fence” that would have marred
the extensive, contiguous view across the Bluff houses. (Ask us about the “Ha-Ha
Construction.”) However, once we lived here, we said… “Why?”

Q: DESCRIBE THE RENOVATION PROCESS ...

A: We sadly tore down a dilapidated 110 year old original beach cottage to create a
comfortable, contemporary home that still respected the spirit of that original cottage,
as well as the other 10 other special “Bluff Houses” that flanked us. It took 15 months to
create just the shell of a home that we could at least inhabit — as we were very anxious
to be here full time. It took another 6 months to bring full modern “creature comforts” to
our home — but we were happier to be here on the property without all the homeowner
necessities (like a working kitchen!) than to have to stay away.

Every knob, faucet, light, and architectural detail was selected by hand over months and
months. Creative Director + Sculptor + Advertising Exec + Married Couple = lots of memories
making every feature mean something, yet be conveniently functional. We worked hard to
integrate comfort, approachability, personality, and a little bit of our beloved South of France
into our CT beachfront home.