The cover article in the December issue of Down East Magazine sets the mood for an idyllic small town, New England holiday, worthy of a Norman Rockwell painting. The article, written by Virginia M. Wright and photographed by Benjamin Williamson, introduces the seaside town of Rockport with a quintessential scene: a lone red lobster boat bobbing in the harbor and shoreline ledges rising to the village behind where one of Rockport’s most iconic residences is prominently sited above the town.
This is Rockport Harbor Views, a unique, contemporary residence, currently listed for sale, that features panoramic views of the Harbor and the village below. The house, originally a Methodist church built in 1875, was converted into a residence by Nancy Talbot, founder of Talbots clothing stores. Today the home offers comfortable and elegant living spaces that are bright and open, yet warm and cozy; and where historic details mingle attractively with sleek modern accents. High-end amenities include a four-story elevator, a whole home generator, a practical mudroom with a luxurious dog bath, and garage space for three cars. The professionally maintained and irrigated landscaping has a soothing Japanese garden with a waterfall and a cobblestone driveway.
The centrally located living room is the anchor of the house with soaring nineteen-foot ceilings and cathedral-style windows as well as a wood-burning fireplace. There are four bedrooms in the main house (one currently serves as a sizeable, two-person office with ultra-fast fiber-optic broadband) and another two bedrooms in the recently updated and expanded apartment. With over 9,500± square feet of living space and multiple decks and patios, there is plenty of space for all your needs. The historic bell tower, which lights up at night, is accessible via a modern spiral staircase and offers an ideal vantage point to enjoy the world-class views!
The current owners further improved the residence when they completed a significant expansion in 2017, creating what is now an extravagant great room with an adjacent chef’s kitchen. The gourmet kitchen features professional Wolf and Sub-Zero stainless steel appliances, a vast kitchen island with leathered granite countertop, a six-foot, custom-built linear propane fireplace, butler’s pantry, full-size wine cooler, and Wood-Mode custom cabinetry. Perfect for entertaining a crowd of family and friends during the holidays or enjoying a cozy winter night in front of the fire!
“Rockport Harbor Views is urban luxury in a seaside village”
THINGS TO DO IN ROCKPORT VILLAGE
The short stretch of buildings that constitute the center of the village feature some of the best dining and cultural options in the Midcoast. 18 Central Oyster Bar & Grill is popular with tourists and local alike. Next door, chef Sara Jenkins serves up Maine + Mediterranean-style food at Nina June, a gorgeous restaurant overlooking Rockport Harbor. Enjoy a concert at Bay Chamber Concerts or peruse Ralston Gallery featuring Peter Ralston’s Maine photographs and Wyeth prints. A short stroll away is Rayr The Wine Shop. Ask the owner, Jason, to custom curate a case of wine; or enjoy the weekly cafe menu specializing in local ingredients with a French flair.
ALSO AVAILABLE IN ROCKPORT
11 Church Street is a fully-renovated historic residence with lovely views of Rockport Harbor out to Penobscot Bay. This property was originally the Rockport High School dating back to approximately 1865 and has stunning historic details with sophisticated and comfortable living spaces.
Moon Tide Cottage is a private waterfront property with stunning views of outer Rockport Harbor, Beauchamp Point, and Indian Island Light. The main house was recently built with a classic Shingle-style exterior, and a thoughtfully designed layout; and the property is protected by a conservation easement that ensures the continued privacy and natural scenic character of the land surrounding the house.
Nimaha is a fully-restored historic waterfront residence in the Beauchamp Point neighborhood with stunning views of Penobscot Bay. The house retains many of its original historic details while incorporating high-end finishes such as a gourmet kitchen; and the classic grounds include a pebble beach and a deep-water dock.
For more information on these properties, please contact Joe Sortwell, jsortwell@landvest.com or Terry Sortwell, tsortwell@landvest.com in our Camden office, 207-236-3543.
Header image: Rockport Harbor Views, Rockport ME
