When Jami Krause first visited this tiny stone cottage in Wickford, the homeowners were sitting on their front porch in rocking chairs.
“I thought: ‘This is not real. This is out of a fairy tale,’ ” says Krause, “and then you see the water.”
There’s something magical about this place — so much so that the neighbors call it “the Disney house,” says Krause. And, like the sweet cottages from fairy tales, its magic comes from its timelessness. Its charms aren’t limited to the exterior, either. Soapstone counters in the kitchen, stained glass windows and knotty hardwood floors are just some of the tangibles that, when pieced together, are wholly evocative of the past without betraying the present.
The homeowners worked hard, for more than two decades, to make it this way. From the glasswork to the antique doors, many elements reflect years of collecting and of artistry. They shared the space with their children, then their grandchildren. And now they’ll share it with another family. Krause, of Island Realty’s Coastal RI Team, listed the house five days ago.
To be sure, the cottage is not without its quirks, says Krause. It’s small, that’s a given. There isn’t much headroom in the loft. No washer or dryer. And to get out to the second-level porch, you have to climb through a casement window. But doesn’t that seem just right? Should you be able to sweep through French doors in a house like this? No: You should crouch first, then behold. The element of surprise and, yes, the effort, only imbue the view — and the house itself — with more wonder.
Here’s your fairy tale House Lust:
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34 Enfield Ave., Wickford, is on the market for $459,000. It has one bedroom (with an additional lofted sleeping space) and one bathroom. (Photos by Michael David Photography)
34 Enfield Ave., Wickford, is on the market for $459,000. It has one bedroom (with an additional lofted sleeping space) and one bathroom. (Photos by Michael David Photography)
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The home, built in 1940 and renovated over the last two decades, is about 600 square feet in total. It's within walking distance to Wickford village.
The home, built in 1940 and renovated over the last two decades, is about 600 square feet in total. It's within walking distance to Wickford village.
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A small sitting area and dining table share space with a spiral staircase, which leads to the upstairs loft.
A small sitting area and dining table share space with a spiral staircase, which leads to the upstairs loft.
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Another view of the living area toward the kitchen.
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The kitchen features an antique farmhouse sink and soapstone countertops.
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A view into the bedroom space.
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The bedroom was added on by the current homeowners.
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Stained glass panels were crafted by the homeowner. The window affords views of the water. An antique stained glass door leads to the brick patio out back.
Stained glass panels were crafted by the homeowner. The window affords views of the water. An antique stained glass door leads to the brick patio out back.
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The bathroom with shower.
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A catwalk leads to a casement window, which opens to a wood deck overlooking the water.
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A view of the loft space.
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A view of the patio. Exterior storage for kayaks is sited underneath the bedroom.
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The back brick patio overlooks the yard and the water.
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A view of the grassy yard. Opposite the house is undeveloped land within Wilson's Park.
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A private dock leads to the water, which is an inlet connected to Mill Cove, Wickford Harbor and Narragansett Bay.
A private dock leads to the water, which is an inlet connected to Mill Cove, Wickford Harbor and Narragansett Bay.
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A two-person hot tub is off the kitchen.
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The outdoor shower is off the bedroom.
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