Next to choosing a life partner and deciding whether, or not, to have children, buying a home is arguably a very important life decision. According to the trailblazing trio of Wendy Ryan, Libby Tritschler and Andrew Whiteley that make up the On the Harbor team at AFA/William Raveis, there’s an undeniable trend emerging: Nostalgia meets nouveau. “We’re seeing a bevy of younger, wealthier buyers injecting style and sophistication into many of the older, historic 1800’s Captain’s homes, and the 1920’s and 30’s era homes, that in many cases, had become functionally obsolete”, says Andrew.
It's no secret that the Covid pandemic created a mass exodus of city folk fleeing the urban jungle for bucolic suburbia. Since commuting time was no longer a deterrent, Fairfield, became the place to be. With its coveted coastal shoreline, top-rated public schools, and eclectic downtown, Fairfield went from being traditionally looked over to highly sought after. Especially for the buyer considering other locales on the water. “Fairfield is a year-round destination,” says Andrew. “And quite underpriced when it comes to comparable seasonal homes selling at much higher price points in places like the Hamptons and Nantucket.”
According to the team at On the Harbor, the new buyer is drawn to the look, feel and charm of Fairfield’s many historic homes, but isn’t willing to give up today’s modern amenities. And why should they? Whether it’s a large open family room off the kitchen, the desire for high ceilings, or the reality of needing two home offices instead of one, expansive renovations are deliberate, distinctive, and divine.
Here, the On the Harbor team gives us a peak into the stylish and sublimely modern updates:
794 Sasco Hill Road
Built in 1937, this kitchen was originally a servant's kitchen, deliberately separated from the formal living areas. It has since been updated, expanded, and now is one of the focal points of the home. Architect: Mark Finley
683 Pequot Avenue
Built in 1892, the original tiny bathroom was transformed to an expansive master bathroom with every modern amenity imaginable, completed during a full house renovation.
14 Willow Street
Jack Franzen was hired to renovate and expand this home, built in 1830. The owners created a stunning addition, including a light-filled sunroom to provide additional, informal living space with a private guest room above.
225 Old South Road
During a large renovation, the new owners added a private gunite pool, expansive granite patio, and built-in grill to this home that was originally built in 1824.
1100 Harbor Road
In 2020, the owners elevated the backyard space with a built-in hot tub, seating area, outdoor fireplace, vegetable garden, and outdoor shower.
