Homebuyers hoping to settle in Mystic — as a full-time resident or as a second homeowner — 340 Noank Road, Groton, combines relatively new construction, water views and proximity to Mystic's bustling downtown. Realtor Melinda Carlisle of Randall Realtors – Compass' brokerage in Mystic is the listing agent.

"This is not a suburban neighborhood," Carlisle said. "This is more about the style of in-town living."

The house was built in 2013 and still shows like new, with bright interiors, gleaming hardwood flooring and a kitchen that's visually striking and well-equipped. Robert Robotham built the house, and Carlisle said the now-retired builder's quality standards are renowned.

The house has 3,345 square feet of interior space, with open-plan living and dining.

"It has a nice center-island kitchen with granite counters and top-of-the-line appliances. There are lovely hardwood floors throughout the main and upper levels," Carlisle said.

As someone who's come to know the house well, Carlisle noted that it's so well insulated that it's both comfortable and quiet.

"That's one of the first things I point out to people who've walked through the house with me is that you can stand in the kitchen or living room and not hear any car traffic," she said.

The property also benefits from an energy-efficient geothermal system. It maintains consistent temperature throughout the year and "pays for itself" within seven or so years, Carlisle explained. For a little extra warmth and ambiance, the builder incorporated a woodstove-like fireplace into the main living area. It's powered by propane, so there's no muss, no fuss to operate it.

The house has four bedrooms and four full baths.

Each of the four baths has a custom design. They all have showers and two have tubs, as well.

In addition to the two-car garage, the lower level has a finished area with its own exterior access. It could be used for a playroom, family room or home office. "The lower level also has an enormous storage closet," Carlisle said.

For outdoor living, the house has two covered porches and an Ipe balcony deck.

"It's an easy, level walk into Mystic, and that's important because some of Mystic can be challenging and uphill," she said. "From here, it's an easy walk to everything. You can walk in for dinner or to Sift for your breakfast and coffee. Everybody loves Sift," she said. "There's also the Mystic Market, one of my favorite places to grab lunches or dinners to go. It's zip-in, zip-out convenience. It used to be that people would come to Mystic to shop. But now? Now, they come to Mystic to eat. We have so many great restaurants."

Noank's historic district, dining destinations and marina are also close by, as well as a number of other local marinas. Avid kayakers will appreciate several nearby boat launches to drop in and explore the River.

Carlisle noted something important to understand about Mystic — that it's not its own town, per se. Geographically, part of Mystic is in Groton, and part in Stonington, she explained. Still, Mystic has its own identity and personality. It's a charming seaside hamlet that welcomes droves of tourists during the summer and holiday seasons, but feels comparatively sleepy during the off-season.

Mystic is world-renowned for its historic drawbridge and shopping village; the Mystic Aquarium and a beloved cinematic pizza shop. But locals know it to be so much more.

"You can watch the boats come up the river heading toward the seaport," Carlisle pointed out. "Or you can walk downtown and sit in the park and watch the boats come through the drawbridge." An annual lighted boat parade brings out locals to the shore of the river to celebrate the holiday season, and Mystic has a full calendar of cultural, culinary and arts events throughout the year.

"This home is really all about Mystic," the seller's agent concluded.

Property: 340 Noank Rd., Groton

Bedrooms: 4

Baths: 4

Square Footage: 3,345

Acreage: 0.29 acre

Asking Price: $1.399 million

Seller's Agent: Melinda Carlisle, Randall Realtors – Compass; Office: (860) 572-9099; Mobile: (860) 460-8002; melinda@randallrealtors.com