Historic charm with modern amenities

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 master bath has a waterfall shower and separate tub.