Lyme, CT
Nestled on an expansive 18-acre estate in Lyme, Connecticut, this extraordinary 5,800-square-foot home represents the pinnacle of contemporary design and sustainable living. A masterpiece by renowned architect Stephen Jacobs and interior designer Andi Pepper, the property is a symphony of modern minimalism, thoughtful luxury, and environmental consciousness.
Perched on a dramatic cliff overlooking the Connecticut River, the residence is approached via a long, winding driveway that offers a grand entrance befitting the serene natural surroundings. The environmentally green home, built with the highest-quality natural stone and wood, features oversized triple-glazed windows and meticulously calculated brise soleil fins. These exterior elements are expertly designed to regulate solar heat gain throughout the year, making the home remarkably energy-efficient, achieving near-zero energy consumption while maintaining an air of understated opulence.
Powering this home’s sustainability credentials is a cutting-edge 10KW photovoltaic solar system, paired with a geothermal system that provides efficient heating and cooling. Every aspect of this home has been designed to harmonize with nature while offering the utmost comfort and luxury.
Upon entering, the foyer unfolds into a striking living room where a dramatic 18-foot wall of glass invites uninterrupted views of the river and the surrounding landscape. Complementing this vista is an equally impressive natural stone wall, which serves as a sophisticated focal point. A gas fireplace and wet bar imbue the room with warmth and invite both formal and informal entertaining, making it an ideal space for hosting intimate gatherings or large celebrations.
The state-of-the-art kitchen is an entertainer’s dream, equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, including a Sub-Zero refrigerator, and centered around a large island that provides casual seating. The open layout seamlessly flows into a formal dining area that comfortably seats 12, offering a perfect blend of casual elegance and functionality.
The primary suite, conveniently located on the first floor, serves as a private retreat with luxurious finishes and expansive views. Ascend the open staircase or take the in-home elevator to the second level, where two additional bedroom suites await, each thoughtfully designed with meticulous attention to detail. The elevator continues to the third floor, leading to a serene library lounge and a rooftop deck. This elevated perch offers breathtaking views of the property’s heated saltwater pool and the expansive Connecticut River beyond, reinforcing the home’s seamless connection to its environment.
Lyme, Connecticut, known for its pastoral beauty and quiet sophistication, provides the ideal backdrop for this exceptional property. With its proximity to cultural hubs while offering the seclusion of New England’s countryside, the location perfectly mirrors the balance of natural serenity and luxurious living that this home so effortlessly embodies.
Tucked along the eastern banks of the Connecticut River, the town of Lyme offers an understated elegance that resonates with those who appreciate the quiet sophistication of rural New England living. A short drive from the shimmering shores of Long Island Sound, Lyme blends an effortless charm with coastal allure—where weekend escapes to the beach for sailing or seaside dining feel like second nature. Here, unspoiled landscapes echo a New England of centuries past, a sanctuary for those seeking respite from the intensity of city life.
Lyme’s appeal lies not in ostentation, but in the quiet grace of its natural surroundings. The town is dotted with state parks and preserves, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore its miles of trails and waterways. Kayaking through the scenic Hamburg Cove or stand-up paddleboarding on the federally designated Wild and Scenic Eight Mile River feels like stepping into a painting—one that hasn't changed much in generations.
But beyond the outdoor pursuits, Lyme embodies a sense of thoughtful stewardship. Its long-standing tradition of sharing its land with the community speaks to a deeply rooted commitment to preservation, ensuring the town remains a haven for those who value both beauty and responsibility. This is New England at its most refined—a place where time slows, and the landscape itself becomes an extension of a well-lived life.