By Thane Grauel

WESTPORT — A modest pre-war home overlooking the Saugatuck River was recently razed and its replacement will be quite a bit larger.

In April, the new LLC owner of the 1930 Colonial Revival home at 1 Riverview Road got permission to tear the structure down. It last sold for $3.3 million.

Riverview Road, on the east bank of the river, is off Maple Grove Avenue, which is off Imperial Avenue. It’s roughly across the river from Sylvan Lane and Pasacreta Park.

An adjacent, narrow lot at 0 Riverview that was never developed has been merged with the site, which is now 1.2 acres.

Plans to replace the former 2,500-square-foot house have been filed with the Planning and Zoning Commission and the new structure will be considerably larger, with three levels and a larger footprint.

The project area lies entirely within the Coastal Area Management boundary so it will need P&Z approval, though it might not need a public hearing.  

The lower level would have amenities including a gym, sports court, golf simulator room and gaming room.

The main floor would have a living room, kitchen, dining room, one bedroom, garage, office and more.

The second floor would have a primary suite with bathroom and his-and-hers closets, four other bedrooms with baths, a laundry room and “flex” spaces.

Outside, the plan includes an in-ground swimming pool, patios, fire pit and a pickleball court.

A Planning and Zoning Department staff report said the commission has the authority to schedule a public hearing. “Planning and Zoning staff do not perceive this to be necessary,” Planner Amanda Trianovich wrote.

Thane Grauel grew up in Westport and has been a journalist in Fairfield County and beyond for 35 years. Reach him at editor@westportjournal.com. Learn more about us here.