In a way, Westerly, Rhode Island has two seasons. There's this half of the year when tourists flock to its shoreline and pristine beaches, or some of its popular destinations, like the Ocean House, and then there's the sleepier off-season, when life seemingly slows and a tranquility falls across the region anew.

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, approximately 23,359 people call Westerly home, and it's easy to see why. There's the natural beauty, the coastal setting, the rich history and colonial-era architecture that's been preserved.

To better understand Westerly's residential real estate market, Welcome Home reached out to a Realtor who knows Westerly well — Lori Joyal, who is the sales manager and broker at Lila Delman-Compass in Watch Hill. The brokerage also works with clients across the state's mainland, as well as Block Island.

"The Westerly housing market continues to be attractive to a wide variety of people, as we are considered a destination," Joyal explained. "With the beach areas, Watch Hill, Weekapaug, Misquamicut, we are a respite from the Hamptons and are a hidden gem that is within reach of New York City and the 'bedroom communities,' such as Greenwich, Darien and New Canaan.

"In addition, we see an influx from Boston, as well, as we are a less-traveled journey than to the Cape," she suggested.

It wouldn't be accurate to suggest that everyone can afford to buy a home in Westerly, but above the $275,000 price point, there are, in terms of location, square footage and the size of the lot. Properties in the Watch Hill community typically are at the top of the price range.

"The Watch Hill area remains an attraction with the Ocean House and all the fantastic seaside boutiques, while the downtown area is reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell setting," the broker said.

Currently, the highest priced property for sale is $18.5 million, and Joyal is the listing broker for the seller.

Known as "Treasure Hill," the seven-bedroom stone-and-shingle New England colonial at 2 Kidds Way, Westerly, sits high on the 1.08-acre property, which Joyal noted is the second-highest point in Westerly. It provides the property with expansive views across Block Island Sound to the Atlantic Ocean.

The 11,256-square-foot house, built in 1988 and updated in more recent years, is an impressive architectural marvel, with generously proportioned rooms, bright interiors and a wealth of on-property amenities.

The outdoor living and recreational spaces are equally as remarkable. There's a gunite pool and spa, expansive lawns, tiered gardens and private beach access, Joyal pointed out.

"Price points vary through our wonderful town, which is in and of itself a beautiful thing," she said. "The areas surrounding the beaches are more affordable and have lovely homes, which attract those who are working remotely and yet still have the privilege to go to our wonderful town beaches and enjoy all we have to offer."

Joyal is also the listing broker for 30 Avondale Road in Westerly, another distinctive property with an asking price of $8.95 million. "The architecture's timeless design adheres to a contemporary coastal sensibility, with the seamless transition from the exterior to the interior," she describes the six-bedroom home in the listing description. At deadline, the property had been on the market for just five days, and Zillow alone had logged more than 1,930 views; 59 users had saved the property for future reference.

The six-bedroom main house — with geothermal and solar systems — is complemented by a pool and a barn.

The 1.34-acre lot sits across the street from the bank of the Pawcatuck River. The homeowner has access to 10-feet of frontage for launching kayaks.

Photos & Captions

Photo: 2 Kidds preview

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: The seven-bedroom stone-and-shingle New England coastal colonial is listed for sale. The seller is asking $18.5 million for the property. Lori Joyal, the broker and sales manager for Lila Delman-Compass in Watch Hill, represents the seller. Photo courtesy of Lila Delman-Compass.

Photo: 2 Kidds Way, Westerly

Caption

: "Treasure Hill" is aptly named. The luxury home sits high on its site, with views out to Block Island Sound and Atlantic Ocean. Photo courtesy of Lila Delman-Compass.

Photo: 2 Kidds Way, Westerly 3

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: This expansive living room at 2 Kidds Way has plenty of room for multiple seating areas, all of which can enjoy the panoramic views. Photo courtesy of Lila Delman-Compass.

Photo: 2 Kidds Way, Westerly 2

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: The kitchen at 2 Kidds Way in Westerly is a striking space, with a large bay window and charming window seat, room for a breakfast table, a large center island and art-piece pendant lighting. Photo courtesy of Lila Delman-Compass.

Photo: 30 Avondale, Westerly 2

Caption

: Lila Delman-Compass' Watch Hill brokerage is the listing agency for 30 Avondale Road in Westerly, a six-bedroom home and possible equestrian property overlooks the Pawcatuck River and enjoys access for launching kayaks. Photo courtesy of Lila Delman-Compass.

Photo: 30 Avondale Road, Westerly 4

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: At 30 Avondale Road in Westerly, luxury-market buyers looking for a coastal home will discover custom-designed interiors, with striking details like beamed ceilings, a custom kitchen, oversized windows and a cozy fieldstone fireplace. Photo courtesy of Lila Delman-Compass.