North River Oasis

Scenic marsh and water views enliven the spirit, even in January, when Northeast winds blow through New England. Situated on 6.2 acres of North River waterfront, near Norwell’s old Turner Farm neighborhood, 85 Harbor Lane gives the feeling of living inside a painting.

With large pines on one side and marsh and river on the other, this Norwell home embodies country living, while still being convenient to Boston and touting some of the best public schools in Massachusetts. Most of the home’s rooms face the marsh and deliver spectacular water views. Three walls of floor to ceiling windows bring natural color and light to the great room. Outside, two tiered viewing decks and a large brick patio overlook the marsh. A long, narrow deck spans the length of the house, expanding the living space to an outdoor eating area that is used in warmer months.

The house is a 1984 contemporary, built in a refreshing architectural style. Entering the kitchen from the side door, a large kitchen island with a stainless hood and gas stove offers a cozy, yet spacious countertop that faces stools where kids can do homework or guests can chat with the cook. Like the rest of the house, the kitchen has views of the marsh from across the breakfast table. Beyond that, a glass slider exits to a spacious deck.

On the main floor, just off the formal dining room, is a large office with two walls of streamlined built-in desks. Painted a soothing brick red, which offsets the forest and lawn colors on one side, the office offers double pocket doors that can be pulled shut for privacy, or left open to experience the marsh views.

The dining is also basked in light and opens into the living room, where cathedral ceilings rise up to a loft. The highlight of the house is the living room, which has a wood burning fireplace and is surrounded by windows that create the feeling of being
outside. Lightly stained oak flooring fills the main portion of the house, continuing a natural essence.

Down the hall, the serene master suite awaits. A sitting area accompanies a second fireplace, this one gas, and a flat-screen television with glass doors leading to the deck. A walk-in custom built closet provides easy organization. The recently renovated master bath has a beveled granite countertop with double sinks and nickel hardware atop cherry cabinets. Ceramic tile lines the bathroom floors as well as the graciously sized glass shower with double showerheads.

On the second floor, three smaller bedrooms provide private living for a large family. A narrow library loft overlooks the living room, and adjoins a large storage room above the master suite, which can easily be transformed into a family room. At the other end, a cozy sitting room provides community space on the second floor. A traditional tub and shower in the family bath is paired with black granite counters and mahogany stained hardwood cabinets. A view of treetops is visible from a window located on the slant of the roof. One of the bedrooms overlooks the marsh, while the other two have similar windows, angled with the roof, which display the oversized pine tree canopy.

Perched 750 feet from the North River, the home comes with rights to build a boardwalk dock across the marsh. A deep-water mooring may also become available, as the current owner has two.

Once the site of shipbuilding, the North River is now a recreational resource,
perfect for kayakers and all recreational boating except for sailboats as the North River Bridge prevents sailboats due to height restrictions.

Because it is a tidal river, the views constantly change. At high astronomical tides, and full and new moon tides, the river covers the salt marsh grasses. The marsh itself is a wildlife corridor, where deer, coyotes, cranes, egrets, owls, and waterfowl are often sighted. While this parcel abuts the river, insurance companies do not require flood insurance as it sits high enough away.

Overall, this house is a nature lover’s dream. Just over two miles from the Greenbush Commuter Rail, all of the perks of the city are available, however the natural setting envelops the home in peace and serenity.