By G.A. Peck

The oppressive heat blanketing southeast Connecticut this week may have you thinking: Thank goodness we have beaches as a respite. The lapping waters and the comparatively cooler breezes coming off Long Island Sound provide some comfort during the height of summer. Homeowners who have the good fortune to make their homes right on bodies of water — the Sound, the rivers that meet it, the salt marshes and estuaries that fill during tidal changes — know that “salt life” doesn’t end with summer; it’s a year-round state-of-mind.

This week, Welcome Home takes readers on a tour of the coastline, highlighting several waterfront properties and available at different price points.

The One Team at William Raveis Real Estate in Niantic is representing the seller of 35 Marshfield Road in Niantic. Broker Mary Poola describes the property as a “kayak and bird lovers paradise.” The year-round cottage is a modest and manageable 1,020 square feet, with two bedrooms and one full bath. It’s part of the Giants Neck Heights association, which entitles the owner to use of a private beach and association clubhouse.

“The house is nestled privately off a dead-end street, minutes to a private club and association beach,” Poola noted.

The property borders the marsh, delivering enchanting views of tidal shifts and water birds. Plus, it gives the homeowner direct tidal access to Long Island Sound. “Four seasons of changing beauty can be enjoyed,” Poola added. “Plus, there’s plenty of room to park, and it’s being sold furnished, for turnkey living.” The asking price for 35 Marshfield Road, Niantic is $345,000.

The four-bedroom home at 47 Oswegatchie Hills Road in Niantic is also on the market. Market Realty Broker Judi Caracausa is the seller’s agent.

“This is a spectacular four-bedroom, four-bath custom contemporary home nestled on 1.37 manicured acres, with 160-feet of water frontage on Smith Cove,” Caracausa explained. “It’s just down the street from Three Belles Marina on Smith Cove, the Oswegatchie Hills Club, and directly across the street from Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve with great hiking trails.

Designed for entertaining, the house is appended with expansive decks and a stone terrace with a gas-powered fire pit. There’s also a convenient secondary kitchen on the lower level. A solar system is in place, as well as a backup Generac generator, which can power the whole house in the event of an electrical outage.

“The property is just a short distance to the vibrant center of Niantic for shopping, dining and strolling on the boardwalk,” Caracausa added.

“Welcome home to your direct waterfront property in Waterford,” Susan Hinebaugh suggests to buyers. Hinebaugh is a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, New England Properties, and the listing agent for 56 Shore Drive, Waterford, on the market for $560,000.

Sited on 0.11 acre, with direct frontage on Alewife Cove, the house has three bedrooms, two baths, and 1,453 square feet of living space. The house has been completely renovated, with a brand-new kitchen and first-floor laundry, Hinebaugh noted. This home also has a screened porch overlooking the backyard that leads down to the water’s edge.

“Walk to Ocean Beach, Harkness State Park and the Eugene O’Neill Theater,” Hinebaugh added. “It is located in an indescribable setting.”