Property of the week: A ‘rare’ historic home along the Connecticut River is on market
The owners say they have never tired of the Connecticut River views, the beauty of the mist rising in the morning light and the spectacular sunsets.
Have you ever taken a cruise along the Connecticut River and imagined living in one of the revered homes along the waterfront?
Now, your dream can come true. An eight-room historic home and its cottage are for sale in East Haddam.
Nestled on almost an acre and a half, this quintessential New England Greek Revival-era home is a showstopper, inside and outside. The current owners have painstakingly restored and renovated all 2,372 square feet. They have constructed a separate detached cottage for entertaining family and friends, viewing the passing boats and immersing themselves in the natural beauty of the scenic river.
Owning a home along the Connecticut River is not an opportunity that comes along often. “It’s a rarity to have a property along the river,” says realtor Sacha Armstrong-Crockett, the listing agent. “It has been meticulously maintained. It is curated right out of a home design magazine.”
Built in 1850, the home has withstood the test of time thanks to widespread restorations, renovations and modern updates. The home offers a lovingly restored interior that retains original period details including hardwood floors, extensive millwork, high ceilings and a wood-burning fireplace.
“The owners did a beautiful job making sure everything flows well,” Armstrong-Crockett points out. “The craftsmanship, the millwork, the flooring, and then you add in these views.”
Centrally located at 45 Main St., the home is within walking distance of the historic Goodspeed Opera House, the Nathan Hale School House, the town library and other cultural assets.
East Haddam, a quaint and beloved community on the lower Connecticut River Valley, remains a desirable place to live and has been a part of various ‘favorite places’ lists. The town is renowned for its attractions including the Swing Bridge, Devil’s Hopyard State Park, Lake Hayward and Gillette Castle State Park. In addition, the town is steeped in history, old farmsteads, cultural arts and recreation.
For 27 years, the owners say they have never tired of the river views, the beauty of the mist rising in the morning light and the spectacular sunsets.
“They are looking for stewardship in the next owner,” Armstrong-Crockett says. “They are excited to see who will be next.”
Enter the front door into the large foyer. The formal living room showcases pocket doors and original molding. The dining room is window-lined and works for both formal entertaining and casual dining.
The chef’s kitchen offers timeless beauty with solid cherry wood cabinets (some with pullout drawers), stainless steel appliances, subway tile backsplash, black granite counters, a propane stove, a subzero refrigerator, a farmhouse sink and a coffee station.
Relax in the elegant family room with a wood-burning fireplace, views on three sides and new carpet. French doors open to the covered back porch made of solid mahogany decking.
Entertain year-round in the enclosed garden-level sunroom with cozy radiant heat flooring. The space opens to a covered patio and its stately columns that overlook the backyard and a private garden adorned by a water feature. Dine al fresco while watching beautiful sunsets over the river. The first floor also has a half bath.
The second floor offers three bedrooms including a luxurious primary with a balcony facing the river. An updated en suite bath features radiant heat on a timer, marble flooring, a soaking tub and a separate shower. Two additional bedrooms share a full bathroom.
On the top level, you will find a versatile bonus space which could be used as an extra bedroom, a play room, an artist’s studio, a game room, an entertainment center, a home office or guest quarters. There is also a half bath.
A large, walkout basement runs the length of the home and presents high ceilings, a half bath, large-scale storage capabilities and a plug-in generator.
Unique to this home is a 540-square foot summer cottage with a wall of windows overlooking the river. This stunning entertaining space is adorned by a wood-burning fireplace, cathedral ceilings, a sink, custom-built closets, French doors and a new roof.
“It’s a good entertaining space,” Armstrong-Crockett says. “The windows and doors open up and there are panoramic views of the water.” Also on the property is a custom Greek-Revival playhouse that could be used for storage.
The home is heated by oil except for the third level which uses electric heat. A 500-gallon propane, a public septic system and a private well service the home. A wireless security system has been installed.
Because one of the sellers was a master gardener, the professional landscaping and stonework were designed with the goal of framing Connecticut River views. All stone walls were constructed from local stone. Unique European hornbeams form aisles in the backyard. The upper garden is a combination of loose pebbles and benches that overlook the river and lower garden. An irrigation system uses water directly pumped from the river.
The backyard is wired for electrical conduits so a pool or an outdoor kitchen are feasible. A motorized lift or a dock for canoes may be constructed. Because the home is set back from the river and slightly elevated on the property, it is not situated in a flood zone.
The parking area for the home is constructed of Connecticut-sourced bluestone and it is entirely encased by boxwood shrubbery.
Armstrong-Crockett is currently giving tours of the home, priced at $1.4 million, and accepting offers. “This is really one-of-a-kind and I am honored to have this listing,” she adds.
For photos, a virtual tour with drone views and more details of this historic home and property, visit https://45mainstreet.com.
Info.:
45 Main St., East Haddam
Built: 1850
Price: $1.4 million
Style: Greek Revival
Rooms: 8, in addition to a separate cottage
Bedrooms: 3
Baths: 2 full, 3 half
Square footage: 2,372
Acreage: 1.39
Mill rate: 25.75
Best feature: Stunning water views
Contact: Sacha Armstrong-Crockett, (860) 538-7778, sacrockett@wpsir.com, https://45mainst.com
Karen A. Avitabile is a freelance writer based in Plantsville.