Enchanted living in Southport Village
Poised on one of the largest lots in historic Southport Village, 390 Harbor Road offers a one-of-akind combination of land and privacy along with a seamless blend of modern style and classic charm. The circa 1884 home has been completely modernized for today's lifestyle, combining historic charm with modern amenities to create formal and casual living spaces. All the desirable traits of a historic home are at hand among 10-foot ceilings, gracious entertaining spaces, multiple wood burning fireplaces, and elegant moldings. “The house is actually a Victorian that was ‘colonialized’ during the Colonial Revival era,” the owner explained. The home’s original front section included a gingerbread porch. The house retains authentic Victorian touches, like a fabulous butler's pantry and wonderful nooks and crannies. The property also includes a large antique horse carriage barn that could be used to create additional living spaces. “The house has a wonderful aura,” the owner said. “Many of our friends have remarked that it feels very European. It has charm but is totally modernized.”
It was the home’s grand entrance hall and the scale of the main rooms that attracted the owners. The extensive renovations included combining several rooms to make a large chef's kitchen, adding a wing that comprised the family room, library/office, primary bedroom suite, and garages, as well as updating the electrical, HVAC and plumbing. Gracious living spaces include a formal living room with marble fireplace, formal dining room, and a family room with handsome fireplace and floor-to-ceiling built-in shelves and cabinetry.
Address: 390 Harbor Road, Southport
Price: $3,000,000
Features: This five-bedroom, four and a half bath home sits on one of the largest parcels in Southport Village. The c. 1884 home offers historic charm and modern amenities among 10-foot ceilings, gracious entertaining spaces, multiple wood burning fireplaces, and elegant moldings. Features include a formal living room and dining room, chef’s kitchen, library, primary suite with fireplace and lower-level recreation room and wine cellar.
Schools: Mill Hill Elementary, Roger Ludlowe Middle School, Fairfield Ludlowe High School
Listing agent: A gorgeous chef’s kitchen boasts top-of-theline appliances, center island with breakfast bar, butler’s pantry, and dining area with French doors to the terrace. “We love entertaining, and this house was built for parties,” said the owner, who enjoyed hosting dinner parties in the living and dining rooms as well as fantastic garden dinners. “Some of our most important renovations provided access to the wonderfully private back yard where we installed extensive gardens and privacy plantings. In the summers, we'd set out a long table in the garden, surrounded by blooming blue forget-me-nots and roses. It was magical.”
Although ideal for entertaining, the home’s solid plaster walls and ample spaces provides plenty of room and privacy, beyond the main level library with walls of built-ins. “During the pandemic we had six full-time students and working adults in the house—and everyone had their own private space,” the owner added.
Upstairs are five bedrooms and four full baths. The primary suite offers a tranquil retreat among a fireplace, vaulted ceiling, extensive built-ins, dressing room, and finely appointed bath. Additional bedrooms are all bright, airy and generously proportioned. The versatile lower level offers the added flexibility of a recreation room as well as a wine cellar.
The home sits on 1.6 park-like acres just steps from shops, restaurants, train, and harbor. The acreage is rather substantial, given that the average house in Southport Village is typically one-half acre. “Southport Harbor is a magical area to live in,” said the owner. “We couldn't believe how picturesque the harbor and village were; they seemed like a page out of history. It seemed unbelievable that a classic New England Seaport village could be so close to New York City. There was nothing else like it on the commuting line and it is a true community where we know and enjoy our neighbors.”