Saugatuck

Saugatuck is the Indian word that means “mouth of the river.” And there is no better way to be introduced to Westport’s charming character and seaside life style than experiencing first hand this enclave.

The Saugatuck River ebbs and flows effortlessly towards Long Island sound and that abeyance sets up a true New England experience that can make one feel like they’re truly home.

Saugatuck’s deep-rooted heritage will stay with you wherever you go. Time passes but one can always count on it being as authentic as you’ve always remembered.

Restaurants:

Some of the best dining in town is located here. Eatery’s such as Viva Zapata’s’ (who’s original founder Duke Mernegar borrowed the money for his liquor license from Paul Newman) has been a landmark watering hole for two generations! The Black Duck and Mario’s are also well known landmark establishments that haven’t change in over forty years.

Saugatuck offers world-class waterfront living at its best. Just off Railroad place sits Stony Point Road, which was once owned by William Phelps Eno’s personal banker. Eno invented the traffic sign and lived across the way on Saugatuck Avenue in a thirty-two-room great Gatsby style mansion.

Local Highlights:

Things haven’t changed so much in 100 years. Amazing Nantucket style homes by Michael Greenberg and Peter Cadoux now gracefully command the landscape.

Sailing has always been an important part of Westport. Prominently situated at the head of the river is the Cedar Point Yacht Club. Its junior sailing program is renowned in New England. Wednesday night competitive sailing is considered a requirement for potential new membership. The club is on a peninsula known as Saugatuck Shores.

A charming arched hand hewed bridge welcomes you to this tight knit family neighborhood. Quaint beach cottages and contemporary homes with deep-water docks set the stage for an active waterfront lifestyle experience.

Even the heart of Saugatuck has an interesting history. Ricky Ricardo and Lucile Ball even made it an integral part of their move to the Country from NYC. They lived in Westport and rode the Metro North railroad too. The fictional characters from the popular TV sitcom “Bewitched” Darren and Samantha Stevens also called Westport home.

The charming stationhouse is in keeping with the 19920’s architecture, but has been modernized recently with handicap access and increased parking availability. Approximately forty-five miles from New York City’s Grand Central Terminal, the Westport commute is convenient for commuters and day-trippers.

The modern day Saugatuck is alive and well. Riverside Avenue winds its way along the river to Main Street and downtown. Here you’ll find some unique business establishments with a colorful history.

The Saugatuck Rowing Club is a jewel by anyone’s standards. The entrepreneur Howard Winklevoss founded it because his sons were both avid rowers. You may have heard of his twin sons? Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss were the true creators of the Facebook business model at Harvard. They recently received more than sixty-five million dollars as a settlement from Facebook. The club is styled after a Nantucket colonial and offers the finest fitness, rowing and training programs in North America.

The rowing head coach Olga Vengerovskaya is well known on an International basis. She is a recruiting ambassador. Many junior rowers at the club go on to row for Ivy League schools including Harvard, Yale Princeton and Brown.

Other well-known companies were founded on the banks of the Saugatuck River as well. Marketing Corporation of America, which was founded by Jim McManious, Save The Children and yes-even Martha Stewart the diva of home economics, got her start at 1232 Saugatuck Avenue.

Saugatuck is the gateway to Westport. From the “Great Gatsby” estates of the past to the new Nantucket colonials of today it blends the history of yesterday with the modern day lifestyle. It offers everything one could want in a convenient, safe and easy to navigate location. Weather its fine dining, boating, fishing or family seaside living Saugatuck fits the bill.

If you’re considering Westport as a community to live I’d love to share my passion, knowledge and experience with you. Please feel free to call me at 203-814-6100 or email me at livingwestport.com to set up an appointment so you too experience the allure of this special place so many of us are proud to call home.