It's the eve of a new year — a time to reflect, with the hope of looking ahead, a time to plan and aspire. Perhaps your new year's resolution is to gain new perspective, perhaps to meet new friends, or to broaden your community — all possible with a move to a new home. In the spirit of new possibilities, this week Welcome Home takes a look at two newly constructed homes scheduled to make their debuts in the new year.

The two-bedroom newly constructed ranch at 21 Ayers Point Road, Old Saybrook, is listed for sale, with an asking price of $899,900. Giselle "Gigi" Giordano Taylor, a broker associate with Page Taft - Compass, is the co-listing agent with her colleague, Michael "Mick" Marsden. Their client, the seller, custom designed this home. He's a builder with more than 35 years of experience in high-end single-family homes and condominiums, Giordano Taylor explained.

The construction of the house is ongoing. It was about 65% complete as Christmas approached. All of the mechanicals, the well and septic system are installed, but the interiors are still to be completed.

"It's an expanded ranch with a very open floor plan," Giordano Taylor said. The eat-in kitchen flows into an expansive great room. The seller chose timeless white cabinetry, a subway tile backsplash and stainless appliances for the kitchen.

A hallway off the great room leads to the primary bedroom suite, with a private bath and walk-in closet.

The house, sited on a 1-acre lot, will have a finished basement, which could be leveraged as a rec room or perhaps a home office. The second bedroom could also be an office.

The builder added a deck off the back of the house, with room for dining furnishings and a grill. It overlooks the backyard, which is flat and has a perimeter of mature trees.

"The location is ideal," the listing broker said. "It's minutes to Essex village and the same to downtown Old Saybrook and all the shopping. The state boat launch is a minute away. There Is a safe harbor marina at Ferry Point, just a mile or so down the road, as well." She also wanted prospective buyers to know that the Old Saybrook train station and access ramps to both Rte. 9 and I-95 are within easy reach, too.

New development in Ledyard

Brenda Engel is a Realtor with Kazantzis Real Estate and the listing agent for 159 Spicer Hill Road part of the new development, Chidley Way, in Ledyard. This single-family colonial will have four bedrooms, an attached two-car garage and 1.51 acres of land. The asking price is $449,900.

The house is not yet under construction, but the plans and specifications are available to interested buyers, who may appreciate that they can customize the home to their preferences.

"Buyers can pick their paint colors, carpets, tile flooring, and even the color of the granite countertops," the listing agent explained. "In addition, several upgrades are available. They can choose to add a fireplace or a bonus room."

The plans for the main level comprise an entryway, with the central staircase leading up to the second floor. To the right, there's a living room, and to the left, there's a room that could be leveraged as a first-floor bedroom or as a home office, the builder suggests. The family room has unimpeded flow into the kitchen and out to the backyard deck. The main level also has a bathroom, laundry area and access out to the attached two-car garage.

On the second level, there are three additional bedrooms, including the primary suite and two family bedrooms, which share a hall bath.

Engel appreciates this home's open-concept floor plan. "It feels warm and inviting, and yet spacious at the same time," she said. The 1,850-square-foot of interiors have 9-foot ceilings and oversized windows that invite natural light into the spaces.

Mt. Kineo Builders — owned by Robert Hohlfelder — is the developer. Engel pointed out that he has more than 25 years building high-quality homes.

"His attention to detail is unparalleled, as he builds each home as though it were his own," she said. "You can see several of his completed projects at mtkineobuilders.com.

In addition to 159 Spicer Hill Road, there are a number of other lots and architectural options available in the Chidley Way development.

"Ledyard is a quaint New England town that offers the convenience of nearby schools, restaurants and shopping," Engel said. "It's close to the beautiful Connecticut shoreline. You can experience beaches, historic Mystic and our award-winning vineyards. Several of the area's largest employers are only minutes away, including Mohegan Sun, Foxwoods, the submarine base, Electric Boat and Pfizer."