By Geb Masterson – William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, Serving Watch Hill • Weekapaug • Stonington and the Coastal Corridor from Mystic to Narragansett

A New Era of Luxury Living by the Sea

There’s something timeless about life along the Rhode Island and Eastern Connecticut shoreline - the soft salt air, the ever-changing light over the water, the sound of waves that mark the rhythm of the day. But while the setting may be timeless, the way people live in their coastal homes is evolving rapidly.

Across Watch Hill, Weekapaug, Stonington, and neighboring coastal towns, today’s luxury homeowners are re-imagining what it means to live well by the water. They’re investing in thoughtful upgrades that go beyond aesthetics - improvements that enhance comfort, sustainability, and long-term value.

For many, the goal isn’t just to create a beautiful home, but to create a personal sanctuary that fits the way they actually live today.

The “Why” Behind the Trend

Over the past few years, lifestyle has taken on new meaning. Home has become more than a place to return to - it’s the heart of our daily lives, our work, our family connection, and our sense of well-being.

Buyers and current owners alike are prioritizing wellness, flexibility, and experience. They’re less interested in excess and more interested in intention. A large house with rooms that sit unused no longer defines luxury. Instead, luxury is about how a home lives - how light flows through it, how it connects to nature, how easily it adapts to entertainment or solitude.

In coastal New England, this philosophy translates beautifully. Our region’s architecture and landscape already lend themselves to balance and serenity. The new wave of upgrades reflects that - blending modern comfort with classic seaside character.

1. Outdoor Living, Elevated

The line between indoor and outdoor living continues to blur, and coastal homeowners are leading that trend. With our temperate climate and breathtaking coastal views, it’s only natural that the most coveted “room” in the house is often outside.

What’s driving it: A deeper desire for connection - with nature, family, and friends.

What homeowners are doing:

• Expanding decks and terraces with built-in seating, fire-pits, and full outdoor kitchens.
• Installing retractable glass walls and screened porches that make entertaining seamless year-round.
• Adding heated pools and spas that extend the outdoor season well into October.
• Creating “micro-escapes” on the property - quiet nooks for reading, yoga, or morning coffee, often oriented toward sunrise or sunset.
  
  

The “when” for this trend is now. Outdoor improvements continue to show one of the strongest returns on investment, particularly in coastal communities where lifestyle and view are integral to property value.

The “how,” however, depends on the property itself - orientation, elevation, and even local zoning can all influence design decisions. That’s where personalized guidance becomes invaluable.

2. Wellness and Sanctuary Spaces

Luxury buyers are increasingly drawn to homes that nurture wellness in every sense - physical, emotional, and environmental.

Wellness features gaining traction include:

• Dedicated spa bathrooms with steam showers, soaking tubs, and natural materials.
• Home gyms and yoga studios with ocean views.
• Cold plunge pools, saunas, and infrared therapy rooms.
• Enhanced air and water filtration systems for cleaner living.
  
  

Coastal living already lends itself to calm and balance, but these spaces transform that feeling into a daily experience. They also make a home more appealing to buyers who see wellness not as a luxury, but as a necessity.

3. Thoughtful, Flexible Interiors

Another powerful trend is the shift toward multi-purpose spaces that can easily adapt as life changes.

Post-pandemic, many homeowners continue to work remotely - at least part of the time. But beyond home offices, flexibility means rooms that can convert from guest space to creative studio, from media room to private gym.

Why it matters: Homes that can evolve with their owners tend to hold value longer. Buyers today aren’t just purchasing a floor plan; they’re buying adaptability.

Local insight: In the Watch Hill and Weekapaug markets, many older coastal homes were designed for a different era - one with larger formal rooms and fewer everyday living areas. We’re now seeing a quiet renaissance: intelligent reconfiguration that maintain character but open up space for modern living.

Knowing when and how to make these changes - without diminishing architectural integrity - is where experienced local guidance truly pays off.

4. Sustainability Meets Sophistication

Coastal living comes with an inherent awareness of the environment. As sea levels and storms influence building standards, homeowners are investing in sustainability not only for ethical reasons but also for resilience and long-term cost savings.

What’s trending:

• High-efficiency HVAC and solar integration for year-round comfort.
• Coastal-grade materials that resist corrosion and minimize maintenance.
• Smart irrigation systems that conserve water.
• Native, low-maintenance landscaping that enhances beauty while protecting dunes and soil.
  
  

Sustainability isn’t a passing fad - it’s the new benchmark for intelligent ownership. The “why” is self-evident, and the “when” is now, as municipalities increasingly reward energy-efficient design with rebates and incentives.

As for the “how,” it varies widely depending on the age and construction of your property - something best navigated with a knowledgeable team of professionals who understand coastal building codes, elevation requirements, and insurance implications.

5. Smart Homes with Subtle Tech

Technology in luxury homes has matured beyond flash. Today’s buyers want integration that enhances life quietly - not gadgets for their own sake.

Current upgrades include:

• Smart thermostats and lighting that adjust automatically to occupancy and time of day.
• Whole-home audio systems that blend invisibly with architecture.
• Remote monitoring of temperature, humidity, and security - a must for seasonal homeowners.
• EV charging stations integrated seamlessly into garages.
  
  

While technology evolves rapidly, the key insight is this: the smartest homes are those where the tech disappears into the background. Achieving that balance - especially in historic or architecturally significant homes - takes experience and nuance.

6. Kitchens That Entertain Effortlessly

In coastal New England, the kitchen has always been the gathering place. But its design priorities have shifted from formality to function wrapped in beauty.

Trending features:

• Dual islands - one for prep, one for serving.
• Butlers’ pantries and sculleries for hidden storage and catering.
• Natural stone counters paired with hand-crafted cabinetry in coastal hues.
• Large windows or doors opening directly to outdoor dining areas.
  
  

The “why” is clear: entertaining has become more casual and experiential. People want to cook, converse, and connect - not shuttle between rooms.

If you’re planning a renovation, timing and design coordination are key. Certain updates add value, while others may not align with local buyer expectations - the “how” is where tailored advice makes all the difference.

7. The Return of the Guest House

With multi-generational living on the rise and friends visiting more often, the guest cottage or carriage house is making a quiet comeback.

Beyond hospitality, these structures offer flexibility - an office, studio, or future caretaker suite. In many coastal towns, accessory dwellings can also serve as short-term rentals within local regulations, providing additional income or offsetting maintenance costs.

However, when and how you add or convert such a space depends on zoning and property layout. In markets like Westerly or Stonington, regulatory nuances are critical - an experienced local advisor can guide you through that process.

8. The Emotional ROI: Creating Spaces That Endure

Ultimately, the greatest trend in coastal living isn’t about design or technology - it’s about meaning.

Homeowners are thinking long-term again. They’re asking: What will make this home a joy to live in for the next twenty years? What will make it a place our children want to return to?

The upgrades that matter most are those that strengthen a home’s emotional and experiential value - spaces where family gathers after a long day on the water, where laughter carries through an open kitchen, where sunrise views are shared with someone you love.

That emotional return on investment is what defines true luxury - and what keeps coastal homes like those in Watch Hill and Weekapaug timeless across generations.

Why Timing Matters

We’re at an interesting point in the market. After several years of volatility, inventory across Rhode Island and Connecticut’s shoreline remains tight. At the same time, high-end buyers have become more selective. They’re no longer purchasing for size alone; they’re purchasing for lifestyle.

For current owners, that means strategic improvements made now can elevate a property’s desirability - and value - when the next wave of buyers returns in full force.

For buyers, it means focusing not just on location but on potential: finding homes that can evolve with your lifestyle through smart, intentional upgrades.

The “How” - Where Expertise Matters

Every home is different. Its exposure, age, design, and setting all dictate which investments make sense - and which do not. There’s no universal formula for coastal improvement.

That’s where my role comes in. Whether you’re considering a renovation, preparing to sell, or looking for a property that aligns with your next chapter, understanding how to balance lifestyle, design, and long-term value is what separates good decisions from great ones.

A Personal Note

If you’re curious which upgrades would make the most difference in your home - or if you’re wondering how today’s buyers are responding to certain features - I’d be happy to share what I’m seeing across the market.

A short conversation often brings clarity and can help you prioritize your next steps.

Because while anyone can read about trends, applying them intelligently in our unique coastal markets takes experience - and that’s where I can help.

Warm regards,

Geb Masterson - Broker Associate, William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, cell/text: 714.473.8530, email: [email protected] , Sotheby's International Realty
Watch Hill • Weekapaug • Stonington