By Gretchen A. Peck

The modern marvel at 86-5 Joshuatown Road in Lyme, Connecticut, is on the market for $3.5 million. This is a one-of-a-kind residence, on a prime waterfront parcel—equal parts luxury home and idyllic retreat. Coldwell Banker Realtor Jodi Strycharz is the listing agent. She introduced Welcome Home to her client, Liz Gibbons, the homeowner, who retired here with her husband 20 years ago. “This is a home for someone who likes to entertain. We had many wonderful parties, with as many as 50 to 70 people,” she fondly recalled.

The 8.66-acre property has 900-feet of frontage on Hamburg Cove, with a dock for launching kayaks, canoes and small crafts. For buyers with larger vessels, there are several marinas within easy reach, by small craft or car. Cove Landing Marina and Hamburg Cove Yacht Club are just across the cove.

Hamburg Cove is a protected body of water on the Eight Mile River, which flows south to the Connecticut River and on to Long Island Sound.

The 7,062-square-foot house was designed by Architect Jonathan Isleib and built in 2004. Strycharz describes the property as “a piece of art.” It sits up high on the lot, among terraced gardens and pathways leading to the water’s edge.

The main level has open-plan design, with a great room as the show-stopping star. It has a vaulted, cedar ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows that visually break down the barriers between the interior living spaces and the natural, serene setting outside.

Keeping with the modern architectural theme, the kitchen is sleek, with naturally finished wood cabinets, natural stone surfaces, and stainless appliances. It has views in all directions, into the dining area, living room, and to an adjacent reading nook. Oversized windows deliver views of the grounds and out to the cove.

Plus, the floor plan affords a sunroom, which opens to a stone terrace—a perfect place for outdoor dining and watching boats glide by on the cove, the listing agent suggests.

The library is designed with a high, tray ceiling, a wood-burning fireplace and built-in bookcases.

With the primary bedroom suite part of the main floor, it’s possible to have a one-level-living environment. The three remaining bedrooms—all with private baths—are on the lower, walkout level, where there’s also a media room, a separate sitting room, and a home office.

Gibbons reported how blue herons and eagles can occasionally be seen on the river banks and soaring above the treetops. She appreciated having the luxury of land embracing the home.

“It’s very private,” she noted.

Founded in 1665, Lyme, Connecticut, is just 30 square miles—including unspoiled conservation land—with approximately 2,300 residents, the town estimates.

“I’ve really enjoyed this community,” Gibbons added. “It’s a great group of people—a very friendly, warm community.”

Property: 86-5 Joshuatown Rd., Lyme

Bedrooms: 4

Baths: 6

Square Footage: 7,062

Acreage: 8.66

Asking Price: $3.5 million

Seller’s Agent: Jodi Strycharz, Coldwell Banker Realty; Mobile: (860) 884-3011; Office: (860) 434-8600; jodi.strycharz@cbmoves.com