KENNEBUNK – During a recent visit to this splendid home in the town’s highly desirable, oceanfront Great Hill Road  neighborhood, an older gentleman strolled past, and engaged in conversation, mentioned that he and his family had been spending May through December here since 1946, when he was a boy.

Truly, the seaside enclave is one to return to decade after decade (or never to leave, if you’re lucky enough to be a year-round resident). Since homes here do not often come on the market, this grey-shingled cottage-style classic represents a special opportunity.

Built in 1928, the cottage was later winterized, and more recently expanded to its present 3,020 square feet. There are five bedrooms, including one on the first floor with a full bath handy, so single-level living is an option.

Also on the main level: A spacious kitchen with island, and a water-facing dining room whose wood-burning fireplace has a beautiful, nature-themed painted surround. Next door, the living room flows into a gorgeous (expansion) sun room, with cathedral ceiling, cottage-character paneling, and of course, ocean views. The adjacent den features a floor-to-ceiling fireplace made of locally collected stone.

There’s also a big, daylight laundry room that could be reconfigured to create a third bathroom.

Upstairs, around a wide landing, are three good-sized bedrooms; an updated full bath with soaking tub, shower enclosure, and a delightful Swedish sauna; and a wonderful master suite that has a separate-level sitting area with a fireplace, and a private balcony looking out to the ocean.

The top floor holds a cool surprise: A children’s bunk room, pine-paneled.

Southeast-facing on its 0.43-acre, sweetly landscaped corner lot, the home enjoys glorious sunrises and abundant all-day light. Across the street is preserved waterfront land with a path leading the Strawberry Island and the adjacent cove, to which this property has a deeded right of way. An easy walk away are Mothers’ Beach, and the facilities of the Kennebunk Beach Improvement Association, which provides summer recreation – sailing, arts and crafts, etc. – for kids. The Webhannet Golf Club and the Mousam River (great for kayaking) are also a stone’s throw away.

The home at 31 Great Hill Road, Kennebunk, is listed at $2.15 million by by Gail Arnold and Marissa Gagne of Kennebunk Beach Realty, and is being shown by appointment. Please contact Gail or Marissa at 967-5481, gail@kennebunkbeachrealty.com, or marissa@kennebunkbeachrealty.com.

Produced by the Marketing Department of the Portland Press Herald, the Home of the Week is provided at no cost.

Photos by David Murray (aerials); and Keith Andrews, Maine Video Tours.

Please send feature home suggestions to jrolfe@pressherald.com.

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