Whether seeing it in person or by way of photos online, one of the first things that stands out about this House of the Week is a glass-encased solarium. It's a pretty space, with a view of the yard and a naturally growing tree flourishing inside. It's also an excellent source of passive solar warmth.

The solarium sets the tone for the rest of the four-bedroom contemporary at 65 Cove View Road, New London. Alice Piacenza, a Realtor with William Pitt Sotheby's Niantic brokerage, represents the seller.

"In the wintertime, when the leaves are down from the trees and because of the orientation of the house, you have sunlight all day, from sunrise to sunset," Piacenza said. The passive solar derived from the solarium complements the split-systems that heat and cool the 2,887-square-foot home.

"Conversely, in the summer months, when the trees have all their leaves, and because the house is situated in a uniquely wooded lot for a New London house, the trees help cool the home," she said, noting the sellers have rarely had to use the split system's cooling features. Besides the solarium's energy-efficient benefits, the listing agent said the room is striking from a design standpoint, with a stone floor, the living tree and wall-to-wall windows.

The house was built in 1980 on a 0.34-acre lot, which is special for two reasons. Many of the trees on the property have been nurtured and retained, creating a private, shady setting. Plus, it enjoys close proximity to Alewife Cove, a tidal estuary that meets Long Island Sound between Ocean Beach Park and Waterford Beach. It's a popular spot for bird watchers and for neighborhood kayak and paddle-board enthusiasts.

Though the property doesn't have direct access to the Cove, several entry points are close by, including a boat launch at Waterford Beach.

The main level floor plan begins with a small foyer that opens to the solarium, and to the right, to an expansive open-plan living room, dining area and kitchen. The first floor also has a bonus room, which could be any number of things. The homeowner is currently using it as a home office, but it could also be a strategically positioned playroom.

Another room, which has been used as an art studio, presents a second option for a home office or distance-learning room.

Two of the four bedrooms are on the second level, each with its own bath. The primary bedroom suite and the fourth bedroom are on the third level.

The house connects to a carport, which is attached to the one-car garage; its second level has been fashioned into a guest suite, with a private entrance and deck.

"The neighborhood is near the Pequot Colony. It sits on a sloping area that leads down to Alewife Cove," Piacenza said.

"It's very rare to see something like (this lot), which is so wooded," she pointed out.

This House of the Week is not only close to the local public beaches, but it's also convenient to area public schools. For example, the Nathan Hale Arts Magnet School, for grades K-5, is less than a half-mile away. Getting to local town centers, like New London, Waterford, East Lyme and Niantic, takes mere minutes.

"A lot of people are looking at New London," Piacenza said, noting the recent interest by out-of-state buyers.

What's drawing people to New London and the surrounding towns is the coastal perspective, but also the active lifestyles made possible here — kayaking, biking, hiking, even cross-country skiing, Piacenza said. Plus, this region of southeastern Connecticut provides a wellspring of cultural events, shopping and culinary destinations, and green spaces to explore.

The asking price for 85 Cove View Road, New London, is $495,000. At press time, the seller had accepted an offer.

Property: 85 Cove View Road, New London

Bedrooms: 4

Baths: 3

Square Footage: 2,887

Acreage: 0.34

Asking Price: $495,000

Seller's Agent: Alice Piacenza, William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty, Niantic brokerage; 860-572-6400 office; 917-660-5524 cell; apiacenza@wpsir.com