Luxury Real Estate: Perched atop a hill on four protected acres on Block Island, Swede Hill House takes in grand panoramas of Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. The 3,000-square foot home is among the first in Rhode Island to register under the LEED for Homes program and is seeking silver certification from the United States Green Building Council.

Newport, Rhode Island based design+build firm Aquidneck Fine Properties and award-winning architects Estes/Twombly collaborated on the project that promises to stand as a shining example of sophisticated coastal living. The low-profile four-bedroom home and separate guest suite with rooftop solar panels boast elegant spaces complemented by pristine natural surroundings. Clad in white cedar shingles, indigenous stone and copper, Swede Hill House draws inspiration from the traditional New England farmhouse vernacular and features connected sheds and a barn wrapped around a courtyard. The living room, dining room and gourmet kitchen invite casual living and stylish entertaining.



Impressive "green" design elements include solar-heated swimming pool, domestic hot water and some interior heat, heat recovery ventilator, rain water cistern for irrigation, low flow toilets and shower heads, efficient HVAC systems, compact fluorescent and LED lighting and locally sourced stone and reclaimed wood.

Construction is slated to be completed by summer 2010.

By Nick Downes