Page 12 - Mill Hill Lane_15

AN INTERVIEW WITH DAN & JEAN MINAHAN
PROUD HOMEOWNERS ON MILL HILL ROAD SINCE 1970

WHAT MADE YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH 15 MILL HILL ROAD?
We were just moving back east from California and looking to find a great home and neighborhood in New
England to raise our family. Dan saw several different ads in the newspaper for what he thought were several
different houses, each with something special about it: the location, the ease of access, the quiet neighborhood,
the spaciousness both inside and out. He was surprised and delighted to find that all the ads were for the same
house. The rest of the family also fell in love with it at first sight.

PLEASE DESCRIBE THE RENOVATION PROCESS ...
We renovated the three-season porch to give it a more homey, rustic feel by raising the roof. We also raised the
roofline on the guest-suite over the garage to provide a roomier feel and an expansive view of the property and the
Sound. We finished the basement to give the kids a place to have friends over, listen to music, and host band practice.
We converted a not terribly useful tool shed into a very useful office space, accessible from inside the house.

DID YOU EVER CONSIDER A POOL?
We had a pool for many years (above ground) that made our home a wonderful summer destination for our grown
children and our grandchildren.

WHY ARE YOU MOVING?

We need to downsize and we want to be closer to our family in Rhode island. We've been very happy living here
for the past almost 50 years, and are certain the next owners will love this home as much as we did.

WILL YOU MISS THE NEIGHBORS?

The neighbors are such interesting people who work in all manner of professions, ranging from doctors to
business executives to town officials. It's also great to have the school right across the street, which keeps
the neighborhood feeling busy and young but never loud.

TELL ME ABOUT THE GROUNDS ...
The view of the Sound on a sunny day is spectacular. The big rock at the back of the yard was once known
as Boys Rock, and was a destination for the local kids back when this was farmland; now it's called Split
Rock and gives the property a wonderfully unique feel (a part of the rock is in downtown Southport, along
with a plaque giving some of its history). There is a twin row of apple trees along one property line that also
creates a very New England feel.

WHAT MAKES YOUR LOT SO SPECIAL?
Huge backyard is great for a family. Baseball, football, croquet--our kids and grandkids and their friends have
enjoyed all of them. The patio is wonderful for hosting and lounging in the warmer months. Mature trees give
the lot a solid, comfortable feel, along with just the right amount of shade.

The approach to the house via a cul-de-sac that meets the main road at an angle creates a kind of country charm
and keeps things quiet and safe on the street, and yet it's so easy to drive just a few minutes to all shopping, dining
and entertainment. Plus the train station is within a short walk.