New Haven Register (Sunday) (New Haven, CT)
Charming federal replica
Newer Guilford home evokes the past
This Federal-style colonial bespeaks an earlier time. Built in 2000, 308 North River Street is in an enclave of homes designed to conjure the historic fabric of downtown Guilford while offering fresh structures and modern amenities.
“I think what’s unique about these homes is that they did a tasteful interpretation of theses historic homes,” said Moira Rader, listing agent from William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty. “Each of the five homes is a little slightly different and they all reflect something else that you can find in downtown Guilford.”
Christine Cohen, who purchased the home with her husband in 2007, had previously experienced “the labor of love that goes into the true historic home,” and said she was attracted by the turnkey aspect of this one.
When they drove down the driveway the first time, they immediately fell in love with the home.
“The pear trees along the fence were all in bloom and I remember pulling up thinking, oh this is so beautiful,” she said. “Here’s this fabulous Federal style replica with all the charm and style we love without the headache.”
With an open floor plan, high ceilings, hardwood floors, beautiful high end construction and caches of bright sunlight, the home immediately gives a newer vibe, Rader said.
“There are windows on both sides of the house,” she said. “You get light flooding into these open spaces.”
When Cohen is putting away groceries or doing dishes, her family will gather in the kitchen round the wraparound counter or sit in the breakfast nook.
The kitchen flows into the living and dining rooms. In the middle of the home, they are its heart and the spaces where people celebrate the holidays, sitting around the fireplace, playing piano, competing at cards or board games and “feeling very connected.”
“That’s where we all are,” Cohen said. “That’s where the Christmas tree is, that’s where we all are as a family.”
The family also enjoys meals on the patio in the tranquil backyard, which is also a gathering spot for the neighborhood potlucks.
Cohen recalled the weather turning during one such party.
“We were all outside, the kids were playing kick ball, the sky opened,” she said. “When the sky opened up and there was a pop of a thunder storm we all gathered in the living spaces and it was just so much fun.”
The spacious second-floor master suite has office space, a sitting area, a huge walk-in closet and a bath with a waterfall shower and separate tub.
“We renovated our bathroom to really give us a spa feel,” Cohen said. “Just really clean and fresh and crisp, that white robe feeling.”
Cohen’s three children keep busy and entertain friends in the finished basement, which has high ceilings and is painted in bright colors. An in-law or au-pair suite, the large space includes a den, bedroom and bath.
“You never really feel like you’re in a basement because of the high ceilings and bright colors,” Cohen said.
With Mill Pond just steps from the house, the family enjoys kayaking in summer and ice skating or playing hockey in winter.
“The town always has the bonfire going. It’s just one of the quintessential New England activities,” Cohen said. “I just have so many great memories of my kids being bundled up in their snow suits and their skates on their shoulders and being able to step off the ice and toast marshmallows. You sort of sit up there and say, pinch me because I feel like I’m in some sort of New England movie.”
Listing agent: Moira Rader, William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, 203-836-9098, mrader@ wpsir.com