The past few years, defined by the start and lingering of the global pandemic, have seen many people spend much more time at home. It's caused us all to think about what we need to survive, to be comfortable, to be entertained, what we want our home-life experience to be like, and how we want to spend our summers. It translated to shifting priorities for home buyers, who newly appreciate at-home luxuries and amenities — like backyard pools, for example, which have become "must-haves" for a growing percentage of buyers, local Realtors have reported to Welcome Home. Besides home offices, at-home amenities like home gyms and pools are high on priority lists.

There's bad news and good news for buyers searching southeast Connecticut for a home with a pool. First, the bad news: There's not many homes on the market with pools right now. The good news: Out of the few properties that do have pools, there are some fine examples, poised for summer to set in.

Take, for example, the backyard pool at 231 Wintechog Hill Road in North Stonington, a four-bedroom, 4,002-square-foot single-family residence on 4.55 acres. Michelle Wininger, a Realtor with William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty, represents the seller, who is asking $650,000 for the property. The pool is nestled off the back of the oversized raised ranch, adjacent to the back deck. Wininger refers to it as an "outdoor oasis" when the pool opens for the season.

The kidney-shaped pool has depths between 4-feet and 8-feet, and it's illuminated at night. This property is "coming soon;" private showings may be scheduled for when the listing goes live.

Buyers touring the home may also appreciate its other amenities, including a spacious home gym and a built-in bar area in the lower level.

"I believe that the way people live has changed dramatically since the onset of the pandemic," Wininger said. "Many buyers are now searching for homes that feel much like staycations, with plenty of space, both inside and out. Most definitely, the demand for homes with pools has increased, in my opinion. I find, more so now, buyers shopping specifically for a home that offers a pool whereas before, it was about 50/50. With construction prices on the rise and supply-chain issues at hand, a home that offers the ability to move in and has a pool is a huge bonus for home shoppers today."

The backyard pool at 20 Jordan Cove Road, Waterford, was installed in 2018 — saltwater pool, heated by solar.

Beth Brucker, a Realtor with William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty in Old Lyme, is the listing agent for the property, which recently went under contract, though back-up offers may still be accepted. She describes the property as a "waterfront paradise." As the street name implies, it has frontage on Jordan Cove, with a dock.

"The house was built in 2011, with many well-thought-out features," she explained to Welcome Home in an email. "The sellers are very creative people, and there is something special at every turn. It is sited to take in the expansive water view out to Long Island Sound from all rooms except one bedroom."

The 2,880-square-foot interiors have fine details, like hardwood flooring, a fieldstone fireplace, tray ceilings and custom bathrooms.

Brucker's clients custom-built the house, after determining that an antique home previously on the property could not be effectively renovated. It is sited on a lot that spans 1.07 acres, with a landscaped yard.

Realtor Luis Rodriguez with Coldwell Banker Realty is preparing to introduce a new listing — 12 Craig Road in Old Lyme, a four-bedroom colonial with a detached two-car garage on 2 acres. Rodriguez describes the property as a "private country retreat with park-like grounds."

The home has a wealth of compelling features, including a remodeled kitchen, oversized windows, a solarium-like breakfast room, hardwood flooring, an expansive deck and a backyard pool.

"What's special about this pool is that it's saltwater and heated," Rodriguez noted, requiring none of the harsh chemicals associated with chlorinated pools.

This listing won't go live until Saturday, April 23, 2022, so interested buyers are not yet able to tour the property nor make offers until then, but Rodriguez has planned a public open house at the property on April 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.