Karen Hanson is the broker-owner of Stonington Realty, LLC, and she recently introduced 184 Farmholme Road, Stonington to the market — a four-bedroom shingle-style single-family home with nearly 3,300 square feet of living space and a bountiful 5.63 acres of land. Hanson represents the seller, who has asked $1.2 million for the property. She describes the home as having "classic and timeless design."

Michael McKinley and Associates, LLC — an architectural firm based in Stonington, with offices also in Charlestown, Rhode Island, and Vero Beach, Florida — designed the home, which was built in 2000. Its exterior is ideally suited to its Stonington setting, with iconic New England cedar shake shingles, but the 3,293 square feet of interior space offers a pleasant surprise. Inside, the floor plan is decidedly open, with soaring ceilings, lots of windows and skylights to welcome in natural light, and a contemporary-leaning aesthetic.

Hanson pointed to a few examples of the craftsmanship and quality design choices: "The sheetrock was screwed instead of nailed. There's a skim coat of plaster over the sheetrock walls. In the kitchen, they chose Danby marble from Vermont for the island top. There are travertine tiles in the bathrooms, and stainless-steel counters in the kitchen."

White oak hardwood floors contribute to the light and bright vibe.

Two of the bathrooms were hand painted by local Stonington artist Karen Oakley.

A wet bar has been built into the first-level floor plan — a great little feature the buyer will certainly appreciate when entertaining. And there's a Rumford-style wood-burning fireplace in the living room. "One of the agents who came to tour the home said those throw off a tremendous amount of heat and could probably heat the whole house," Hanson said.

The open-plan design of the main level incorporates comfortable and stylish living and dining areas. A "California open-air porch" sits off the back of the house, extending the functional living and dining space when weather and temperatures permit.

One of the second-level spaces — a loft-like room that overlooks the great room below — has proven a good spot to place a desk and establish a home office. One of the other four bedrooms might also be leveraged as home office or homework space, should the buyer require more than one.

The home has four bedrooms in total, including a primary suite, with a sitting area and private bath.

The seller had hoped to add on to the house at one point, creating a first-floor in-law apartment and the opportunity for multigenerational living. Though they didn't execute on the project, the plans are available to the buyer if they'd like to pursue that expansion in the future, Hanson noted.

This home is sited on 5.63 acres of land, partially wooded It backs up to undeveloped conservation land, the listing agent pointed out. With the proper permits in hand, the buyer has room to add a barn or garaging to the property.

Hanson remarked on why newcomers look for homes in Stonington and in southeast Connecticut, noting the region's many compelling attributes, including the coastline on Long Island Sound and simple conveniences.

"We are so close to so many things, like the beaches in Connecticut and Rhode Island. We have train stations and ferry stations, and we're close to places like Block Island and Newport. Stonington is a great location with easy access to other very nice places," she concluded.

Editor's Note: At deadline, an accepted offer was in place; however, backup offers may still be accepted.

Property: 184 Farmholme Rd., Stonington

Bedrooms: 4

Baths: 4

Square Footage: 3,293

Acreage: 5.63

Asking Price: $1.2 million

Seller's Agent: Karen Hanson, Broker, Stonington Realty LLC; Mobile: (860) 961-4937; khanson@stoningtonrealty.com