Page 25 - Penfield Road_605

AN INTERVIEW WITH JEFF AND JULIE HOPKINS
PROUD HOMEOWNERS OF 605 PENFIELD ROAD SINCE 1994

WHAT MADE YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH THIS HOME?

It was love at first sight. The location was a big draw. Right next to one of the nicest beaches
in CT. School and parks within walking distance for young children. Excellent school system.
In fact, our son told us he didn’t appreciate how good our schools were until he went to college
and how the far ahead he was in the basics than students from different areas.

PLEASE DESCRIBE THE RENOVATION PROCESS ...
We have done many renovations over the years. My goal was to allow as much light in as
possible. We transformed the original screened in porch into a family room that continues to
feel like a sunroom, with a wood burning fireplace and gas Firestarter (giving us the ability to
change to switch to a complete gas fireplace). The wall length sliders allow us to have a large
open to the new large blue stone patio outside, making it feel more like the old screened in
porch. The heated pool was put in approximately 2001 during a particularly hot spell of the
summer. The left-wing extension (as we call it) with the 3 bedrooms, new bathroom, roof, energy
efficient heating system was completed 2005. Prior to that is was a small attic area. Following
Sandy October 29th 2012 we lifted the house and started the first floor from scratch. Everything
on the first floor is new. The final renovation was the master bedroom suite. Again everything,
walls, floors, electric all new, We gave up some of the original master bedroom space to make
an extra-large walk in closet. We decided against a bath tub to enable a larger shower and to
allow more space. If we want a chromo therapy air tub we use the other bathroom.

I SEE THAT YOU INSTALLED A POOL ... ARE YOU GLAD WITH THIS DECISION?

Yes! Putting in the pool was the best decision and have never looked back. Our house
was a favorite hangout for the neighborhood children. We had so many good times with
friends and family in our back yard. With the heater, it allows us to have an extended pool
session.

WHY ARE YOU MOVING?

We are empty-nesters and our house is a lot of space for just the two of us. I hope that the
next owners will enjoy and love the house as much as we have done during our life here. I
shall miss the house and neighborhood dearly.

WILL YOU MISS THE NEIGHBORS?

Yes for sure. The beach area is a very close and warm community and will miss spending
time with neighbors…From the power walks, bike rides, July 4th parties, Pizza parties at the
beach or pavilion and back yard volley ball or badminton, the friends we have made here will
forever hold a special place in all of our hearts.

WHAT MAKES YOUR LOT SO SPECIAL?

Not only do we have plenty of space for outdoor games and a pool, we also have the privilege of living 2
houses to the beach. The back yard is our little oasis. We spend a lot of time back there, doing laps or lazing
in the pool and relaxing under the shade of the lanai with friends or a good book. Although I will miss our lovely
yard, it will make me happy to think of the next owners appreciating every inch of it the way we have.