July/August 2018 | view this story as a .pdf

Yes, you can have it all: a saltwater farm almost in-town.

By Colin W. Sargent

Did you really mean it when you said you were looking for an intown river showcase in Kennebunkport? Found it, hidden in plain sight. With its white clapboards, dark green shutters, and “wicked party barn that used to be an antique store,” according to listing agent Heidi Maynard, Bass Cove Farm at 64 North Street enjoys views of Cape Arundel Golf Course (beloved to President George H.W. Bush “41”) and a private “finger” of the Kennebunk River, perfect for kayaking and fishing.

Outside, it’s the wraparound porch of this classic farmhouse that charms, pretty as a picture with the barn with cupola. But the real secret is the lush green approach to the river behind this nine-room, four-bedroom retreat, with gardens and an elevated back deck and rear screened porch. Push off from the shore of this dock, and your mind sails, just looking at it.

“This is a gardening and kayaking paradise, which brings together two of my loves,” says seller Jan O’Neill. “It’s why we bought it 16 years ago. The previous owners (one of whom is still alive at 99) tried to make it modern,” but O’Neill has gone back to basics with a decorator’s eye, blending farmhouse chic and rustic charm by exposing the house’s original structural design, revealing hand-hewn planks and beams and playing up original elements like the wheel-cut glass on the front door.

“This was the milking room,” O’Neill says of the extremely comfortable and welcoming den off the kitchen that connects the house and barn. Windows look directly onto the driveway and gardens. A convenient second stairwell leads directly to the master suite.

The kitchen is bathed in light. A magnificent stone fireplace in the parlor has doubtless warmed many family holiday gatherings. Guests will also fall in love with the second dining area that looks out the bank of windows on the garden.

The sellers have lived here since 2002. There are three floors at this 1.29-acre estate, listed at $1.2M. It’s fantastic for entertaining, even in a neighborhood legendary for entertainers.

Because at this dream listing, fascination lies just across the street. Scenic Blueberry Hill Farm is home to chanteuse Jane Morgan, who made the song “Fascination” a world hit in 1957. The nightclub and Broadway star has six gold records. Kind of a fun person to borrow a cup of sugar from. Taxes are $5,331.