Essex, CT —
Welcome to Essex and Bon Voyage!

Ah, Paris! No doubt Paris is a romantic city but I have mixed feelings about it. Do I miss Paris? Yes, for the memories of visiting it with my family. Yes, for my favorite museum, the Musee D’Orsay where I immersed myself in Camille Pissarro’s beautiful paintings. Yes, for all the breathtaking architecture I saw while I was on the Bateau Mouche along the Seine River. But, a definitive NO for the scary traffic and the crowded atmosphere everywhere.

Now, I’ve found a substitute for Paris right here in Essex, Connecticut. It’s called the Savour Café and Bakery. This café embodies the charms of Essex and has become one of the go-to landmarks. Essex is comprised of two small villages of Centerbrook and Ivoryton. The Essex village itself is loaded with small town charms and the main street is full of unique shops and restaurants and I don’t need to write about it all over again. But my following recommendation sums up pretty well, I hope, about Essex.

"Instead of Seine River, cruise through the peaceful Connecticut River on the Riverquest."

Voila, here are your itineraries. Instead of Seine River, cruise through the peaceful Connecticut River on the Riverquest. You will fall in love. Instead of Louvre Museum, (where I could not even look at Mona Lisa’s smile up close due to swarms of tourists) go to the Connecticut River museum and immerse yourself in the paintings of floating boats and artifacts. Instead of Moulin Rouge, go to Ivoryton Play House to enjoy the plays and musicals in the intimate settings. Looking for locally-made cheeses and aromatic coffee? Go to The Cheese Shop of Centerbrook. Enjoy reading the Hartford Courant instead of Le Monde in the parks off the main street. These small shops bring a great quality of Paris right here to Connecticut in the relaxing ambience. This is written within my own experience travelling the globe. Welcome to Essex and Bon Voyage!

"Instead of Moulin Rouge, go to Ivoryton Play House to enjoy the plays and musicals in the intimate settings."

Featured Listings

1043 Poquonnock Road, Groton, CT

$899,000

Welcome to this unique opportunity. You can own this completely renovated and aesthetically designed house along with the commercial restaurant building that was completed 2 years ago. All of the mechanicals have been updated, including gas heating, central air, new siding, new electrical, a new roof, on demand water heater, new windows, a covered deck, and hardwood flooring throughout the main level and upstairs. The primary bedroom, with private entrance has an L-shaped, partially covered deck, walk-in closet, a full bath with a Jacuzzi and a stall shower and an office that is accessed from the Primary bedroom or living room. The primary bedroom has potential as an B2B for short stays. The kitchen was renovated with granite counters, center island and breakfast bar. The kitchen leads to a breakfast nook and the dining room and is easily accessed from the rear deck through a sliding glass door. The living room has a working wood burning fireplace with front door leading to a foyer and 2 coat closets, one of which is set up for shoes. Upstairs, there are 4 generously sized bedrooms and a full bathroom. There is a 1-car detached garage with new siding and new roof. The spacious parking area is very rare in the shoreline area. The property is beautifully designed both inside and outside, providing a pleasant atmosphere. The property must be purchased with the commercial building which is currently operating as a popular Sushi Restaurant. But can be set up as almost any type of restaurant with building dept. approval. Perfectly located close to to EB, Marinas, Pfizer, schools, hospitals and shopping malls. Its also listed as commercial listing MLS #170592612.

1 Fenwood Drive, Old Saybrook (Knollwood), CT

$4,900

Lease begins on JANUARY 2ND, 2024 as a short term lease until May 15, 2024, fully furnished. Welcome to one of the desirable beach associations in Old Saybrook. Located on the corner lot, you can enjoy the direct ocean views! All of 3 bedrooms upstairs have fantastic ocean views too! This charming New England cape boasts over 3500 sq with 5 bedrooms, 3 full bath and a half bath. This home also features 2 attached car garage, porch and deck off the kitchen. It's a perfect place to walk your dog in the quiet neighborhood. Short drive to Main St and you can enjoy the shoreline life style that Old Saybrook has to offer. One of owners is a real estate licensee.

Author

Sang Ah Jee