As the world celebrates the calendar turn and a new year, summer may seem impossibly far off, but for beach-minded home buyers, now may be the opportune time to procure a spot along southeastern Connecticut's coveted coastline.

The Day's House of the Week at 319 W. Shore Avenue in Groton is a three-level three-bedroom single-family home in the Groton Long Point Association. Broker Edward Hillyer, who leads the Hillyer Team at William Raveis Real Estate, is the listing agent for the property, which could be a primary residence for the buyer or a seasonal coastal retreat.

"This home is a bright, uplifting space," Hillyer said. "There are so many windows, you can feel as if you are part of the outdoors; yet, the windows are situated so one does not feel as if they are on view from the outside"

This particular home doesn't have direct beach frontage, but there is deeded access to the beach, via a path on the west side of the driveway, Hillyer explained.

The 0.08-acre lot sits one lot removed from the beach in one direction, with another property as a buffer to the marina and Long Point Harbor on the other side. The setting affords spectacular water views in two directions, from both the back and front of the house. The builder considered that perspective when adding decks to both sides, off the main living level. The modest back deck steps down to a private patio, with room for grilling and dining furnishings.

There's a balcony off of the primary bedroom suite, as well — one of three bedrooms, all on the top level.

Hillyer noted that his client, the seller, has made a number of improvements to the house and landscaping, including an expansion of the primary bedroom suite. They also expanded and renovated the kitchen, adding bleached-wood cabinets, high-end appliances (including double ovens), a tile floor and granite surfaces.

"The kitchen is perfectly positioned, light, bright and airy," he described the space, noting how the floor plan has a nice flow from kitchen to dining are to the living room. "From the kitchen, one can view water in front and at the back of the house," he added.

Besides the kitchen, the dining and living rooms have water views, and so do all three of the bedrooms.

The home's ground level has access to the one-car garage, a mudroom (or sand room, as the case may be), a laundry area, and a bonus room, which could be used as a home office.

There's an outdoor shower in place, which is a must-have for the active beach and boating lifestyles enjoyed by neighborhood residents.

The owner of this property will naturally enjoy the beach and perhaps a membership (optional) at Groton Long Point Yacht Club. The club has boating amenities, as well as sailing, swimming and tennis lessons, and a seasonal calendar of social events. The association maintains sports and tennis courts, a playground and a putting green. It also maintains its own police, fire and water departments. HOA fees also cover road and beach maintenance and snow removal.

"Groton Long Point is a beautiful New England coastline community on Long Island Sound," Hillyer said. "(It) offers privacy, yet it's minutes from surrounding historic, cultural and fun Connecticut destinations, such as Mystic, Stonington and Noank, and Newport and Watch Hill in Rhode Island."

Property: 319 W. Shore Ave., Groton

Bedrooms: 3

Baths: 3

Square Footage: 1,979

Acreage: 0.08 acre

Asking Price: $1.499 million

Seller's Agent: Edward Hillyer, the Hillyer Team, William Raveis Real Estate; Mobile: (860) 235-3424; edward@hillyerteam.com