Dropping Anchor

Valerie Grassano knows exactly what she wants in a home – so much so that she has overseen the construction of five of them over the past 30 years.  

“I love the process of building,” says Grassano, standing in the thoughtfully appointed great room of the two-story modern British West Indies-style residence she and her husband, Alan, now call home in The Moorings waterfront community. “We’re very particular about what we need and want in a home. Building from scratch ensures that we get everything on our wish list.”

Those wish-list items, the fifth time around, included a spacious home office for Alan, who oversees the family’s extensive real estate interests; a dedicated room for fishing and diving gear for boat trips to the Bahamas; and an upstairs with plenty of space for visiting family and friends. 

Instead of a formal living room, the Grassanos opted for a generous great room with a bar, kitchen and breakfast area opening to the riverfront backyard, as well as a separate formal dining room for larger gatherings. Throughout the home, floors and fabrics were carefully chosen to withstand the claws of four-legged family members: Oliver, an 11-year-old bearded collie, and three cats.