Perfect Landing

Set along Connecticut’s Gold Coast in Westport, this waterfront residence was envisioned as a true forever home for a couple entering a new chapter centered around family, friends, grandchildren, and their dogs.
Rather than downsizing, the homeowners chose to create a home on the water that would feel elegant yet deeply livable. As noted in the article: “The clients had a dream to realize—a home on the water that would be as much a place for friends and family as for their dogs.”
The residence was designed to open toward Long Island Sound with flowing interiors, large windows, terraces, and lawns extending toward the water. Architect Sam Mitchell recalls the homeowners saying: “We have no ambition to own a vacation house. We want our home to be special, and we think this is the place where we can do that.”
Throughout the home, the emphasis remained on comfort, warmth, and practicality despite the scale of the project. David Kleinberg describes the residence as: “Though it’s grand in scale, it’s quite humble in design. It’s very pure.” One of the defining ideas behind the interiors came from the husband’s request: “The husband had one requirement—that he could lie down in every room.” The directive for the entire house was that nothing would be too precious.
Landscape designer Penelope Hoblyn incorporated wind-tolerant evergreens, salt-resistant grasses, white roses, and low hedges to preserve openness toward the water and integrate the property naturally into its coastal setting.
SBP Homes principals Doron Sabag and Jim Hoffman are mentioned as the project’s general contractors alongside the broader team involved in bringing the residence together.

In the end, the home reflects exactly how the family intended to live — elegant but relaxed, refined yet welcoming, where nothing feels off limits. As Mitchell recalls during one of his visits:“One of the dogs was lying on the back of a sofa looking out at the view. That’s where he likes to be.”

Architecture: Sam Mitchell and Bill Pollack Mitchell Studio
Interior Design: David Kleinberg and Terrence Charles, David Kleinberg Design Associates
Home Builder: Doron Sabag and Jim Hoffman, SBP Homes
Landscape Architecture: Penelope Hoblyn, Hoblyn & Co.

WRITTEN BY KELLY VENCILL SANCHEZ
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETER MURDOCK
EXTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM LENZ/OTTO |
STYLING BY DORCIA KELLEY