KENNEBUNK – Whether considered as a primary residence, or as a second home in the heart of this very desirable coastal town, this grey-shingled house offers buyers one of the most sought-after qualities in residential real estate:

Beneath a newer roof, it’s practically maintenance-free, because it’s essentially new, having been completely rehabbed down to the studs over the past few months. Maximum efficiency is ensured by new windows and blown-in insulation, and a new, forced hot water heating system.

Yet at the same time, dating from 1840 and retaining some original features, there is considerable period charm and character here, too. The flooring is wood throughout – much wide pine, and a fair amount of fir, complemented by new oak in the center of the downstairs.

At 1,248 square feet, the Colonial is not large, but all the available space has been well-used. For instance, ceilings have been adroitly “raised” by exposing the beams, so that they appear multi-coffered, with beadboard inset.

In the kitchen, instead of upper-wall cabinetry, European-style shelving is used, to keep the “open” feeling. The upstairs full bath was created galley-style, to ensure room to include a soaking tub among the fixtures. The first-floor bathroom, which has a shower enclosure, is spacious enough that it has a laundry area (not yet applianced).

The kitchen is a beauty, with gorgeous honed-granite counters and stainless Whirlpool appliances, among them a French door refrigerator. A wide bar with overhang for seating sets off the dining area. The other side of the first floor is occupied by the big living room.

Up the central stairs, the large master bedroom is on the west side; second and third bedrooms are good-sized, and the former has a walk-up to the storage attic.

The southerly-oriented lot, at 0.04 acres, is also pretty care-free (again, a boon for second-homers). The front yard consists of a paved driveway, and a small grass section where one can put a table and grill. The “back yard” extends only two feet in back of the house. The home sits side-to on its private street (only two houses); adding a garage may be possible (please consult the town).

The home at 2 Cross St., Kennebunk, is listed for sale at $279,900 by Maia Additon of Reali Realty in Portland.

For more information or to schedule a private viewing, please contact Maia at 807-5243 or at maiaadditon@gmail.com.

Produced by the Marketing Department of the Portland Press Herald, the Friday feature home is provided at no cost.

Send feature home suggestions to jrolfe@pressherald.com.

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