Covington has view on two sides

Originally designed for construction on a picturesque canal, the Covington is a multilevel home with two fronts: a street front and a canal front. Fortunately, a canal-side lot isn't required. The plan's focus on exterior vistas will heighten appreciation of any attractive environment.

The main floor is a half-flight up from the three-car garage. Another set of steps climbs to an owners' suite, the only formal bedroom. Up higher still, the unique captain's quarters sits like a crown above it all. Two cozy dormers there offer views to the rear, while a bayed observatory looks out over the street and to the right.

On the main floor, the great room opens a wide diagonal swath extending from the bay-windowed front to window-bright kitchen, with plenty of space for a large dining table in between.

Off to the right is another naturally bright space, called the chart room. If you don't happen to need a whole room for maps, it can be furnished in countless other ways. But those who use it better like plenty of light because sunlight spills in through windows on two sides, as well as a set of skylights. Wide sliders provide direct access to the fore deck.

Notable features in the kitchen include: a step-in pantry, work island with veggie sink, and a built-in desk with shelves above. Standing at the main sink, you face into a solarium, glassed on the top and sides. Utilities, a bathroom and a sauna are nearby.

The Covington's vaulted owners' suite is rich in amenities. It boasts two walk-in closets plus a skylit bathroom with two basins, spa tub and oversized shower. Double doors open onto a private aft deck.