Coastal living carries unbreakable summer ties, but truth be told waterfront homes are a year-round love affair. Catching the change of seasons by the seaside is a borderline surreal experience, casting a new and exciting hue over everyday life that keeps the magic afloat any time of year. Our listings in Westchester, Connecticut and the Hudson Valley add another exciting attribute: commutability to New York City, for many blurring the line between beach house and primary residence.
Here's why we think waterfront living in winter is immensely underrated:
The views get better
Who cares how the trees look when the main attraction is the water? Bare branches only widen your lens for taking in those breathtaking coastal vistas.
Top: 46 Byram Drive in the tony Belle Haven section of Greenwich. (Listing: BK Bates). Bottom: 10 Pilot Rock Road in Old Greenwich boasts a putting green and infinity edge pool, both bordering a private slice of beach. (Listing: John Bates)
Coastal microclimates
Ever noticed it's often a few degrees warmer by the water? Thanks to basic thermodynamics, temperature differentials between air, land and sea work to our benefit as those precious BTUs follow the path of least resistance, because science.
The historic owner of Orienta Point, Standard Oil partner Henry Morrison Flagler, was the first coastal "snowbird," trading time on Mamaroneck's Sound Shore with the crystal waters of Palm Beach. 1340 Flagler Drive lies on now lies on this property. (Listing: Kim Arenas)
Water is fun to look at even when you can't jump into it
h20 is evergreen scenery: from ships and birds to ice, icebreakers (when the Hudson freezes over) and even ice sailboats, there's always something interesting to watch.
Top: At 3 Sackett Landing, panoramic views of Long Island Sound, Port Chester Harbor and Tide Mill Pond conspire to create a kaleidoscopic waterfront landscape that inspires and mesmerizes each passing day—amplified by the change of season. (Listing: Barbara B. Haynes). Bottom: The conservatory and front patio of 647 Milton, an old whaler's house on Rye's historic yacht harbor, stretch a swoon-worthy canvas for everyday living less than an hour from Manhattan's bustle. (Listing: Marianna Glennon)
The sea air is always therapeutic
Regardless of temperature.
14 Philips Lane, set on the end of a cul-de-sac, is a good neighbor to its coastal landscape: it's LEED certified, with geothermal and solar installations, along with dynamic windows, that make it as low-maintenance as it is eco-friendly (Listing: Lisa S. Murphy)
