This charming home at 4384 North River Rd in Fort Gratiot, MI, exudes a timeless colonial architectural style, evident from its symmetrical façade, covered porch with strong columns, and multi-pane windows. Built in 1936, this historic residence seamlessly blends vintage elegance with modern comforts, having been featured on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens in the 1966 Christmas edition. The sprawling 3144 square feet of living space includes 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, designed with an open-concept layout combined with private rooms that suit both intimate family life and large gatherings. Recent renovations enhance the home’s reliability, including a newer roof installed within the last 5-8 years and a brand-new boiler system less than 2 years old. Set on over 2 acres of plush land, the property offers remarkable privacy surrounded by wildflowers, colorful vegetation, fruit trees, and abundant wildlife. Key outdoor features include a 24×36 barn for versatile storage and an inviting in-ground pool complete with a pool house/changing area and a 3/4 bath, perfect for entertaining. The main floor primary bedroom features an en-suite bath, and the updated kitchen along with a large 24×14 Florida room overlooks a charming courtyard patio that leads directly to the pool area. Listed at $449,900, this home promises a unique lifestyle where historic charm meets contemporary convenience.
Entryway Foyer
This entryway foyer features a classic, spacious design with soft sage green walls framed by cream-colored crown molding and decorative columns, adding an elegant architectural touch. The flooring consists of polished marble tiles accented with a black marble border, stepping down to a raised platform area. Two large, intricately patterned area rugs with floral motifs in muted earth tones provide warmth and texture. On the right, a simple folding table holds various supplies, suggesting the space is ready for personalization. Two sets of glass double doors on the left flood the foyer with natural light, enhancing its open and airy feel.
Living Room with Garden View
This bright, spacious living room features a large, floor-to-ceiling window that offers an unobstructed view of the garden and brick wall outside, bringing natural light into the space. The room is carpeted in a soft, neutral gray tone that complements the pale green walls, creating a calm and welcoming ambiance. On one side, white built-in cabinetry with classic paneling provides storage and display space, while a small hearth with a mantel suggests a cozy fireplace area. The layout gently leads to an adjacent stairwell and entryway with sliding glass doors, enhancing flow and connectivity.
Modern Kitchen
This kitchen features a bright and airy design with white cabinetry providing a clean, classic look. The space is anchored by granite countertops which extend through all surfaces, offering both style and durability. The layout is thoughtfully organized with ample cabinet storage surrounding the room, accentuated by stainless steel appliances including a side-by-side refrigerator, microwave, oven, and dishwasher. A compact central island with a glossy black countertop adds functionality for prep work. The light gray tile flooring complements the neutral beige walls, while recessed lighting and a ceiling fan with light fixtures enhance the practical ambiance of this modern cooking space.
powder room
This compact bathroom features a charming vintage aesthetic with floral wallpaper covering all walls, lending a cozy, cottage-like feel. A wood-paneled vanity with a cream-colored countertop and integrated sink lines the left side, while a white toilet sits flush to the right beneath a window with soft gauzy curtains that allow natural light to gently filter in. The floor contrasts boldly with deep green square tiles set in a grid pattern, adding a grounded, earthy tone. The room’s overall design is quaint and inviting, blending classic patterns with functional simplicity.
family room with Fireplace
This spacious living room corner centers around a traditional dark green wooden fireplace mantel with detailed molding and a large mirror above it, reflecting the room’s ambient light. The walls feature a two-tone design, combining a warm reddish upper section with a patterned wainscoting in complementary earth tones below, separated by a matching green trim. Two tall windows framed in the same green trim allow natural light to brighten the space. A classic grandfather clock stands between the windows, adding a vintage touch. The plush carpet is soft beige, enhancing the cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Bedroom Space
This cozy bedroom features slanted ceilings that create an intimate atmosphere, highlighted by a ceiling fan with four lights at the center. The walls are adorned with blue floral wallpaper trimmed by a delicate floral border near the ceiling, giving a vintage charm to the room. Natural light filters in through a small rectangular window on one wall. The flooring is a warm, medium-tone hardwood that adds richness and warmth. Baseboard heating lines the lower wall, and white trim around the window and baseboards offers a clean contrast to the patterned walls.
Attic Bedroom
This cozy attic bedroom features warm-toned wooden plank flooring that adds a comforting, natural touch. The sloped ceiling creates an intimate atmosphere, while the walls alternate between soft white and a pale buttery yellow, injecting subtle warmth and character into the space. Built-in closets with simple white paneled doors fit snugly under the eaves, maximizing storage in this compact room. The doorway opens to a hallway with similar hardwood flooring, suggesting continuity throughout the home. A modest overhead light fixture brightens the space, enhancing the room’s inviting, lived-in feel.
Attic Storage Space
This small attic area features an angled ceiling typical of upper-story spaces beneath the roof. It has a simple, neutral color palette with white walls and floorboards, creating a light and airy feel despite the low ceiling height. Baseboard heating lines the perimeter of the room, adding a functional element without detracting from the simplicity. The floor shows some wear with a patch visible near the center. A small door is present on the right side, suggesting access to additional storage or utilities. Minimal lighting includes a flush-mounted ceiling fixture providing soft illumination.
Bedroom Space
This bedroom features soft beige walls complemented by white crown molding and trim, adding a refined architectural detail to the otherwise simple room. Two large windows with white blinds bring natural light into the space, enhancing the neutral color palette. The floor is covered with a light brown carpet that unifies the warm tones, showing subtle impressions likely from previous furniture placement. A small open doorway leads to what may be a closet or an adjacent room, emphasizing the practical layout. The overall aesthetic is clean and understated, primed for personalized décor.
Bathroom Vanity Area
This bathroom vanity area features a spacious cream-colored cabinet topped with a marble countertop housing a single sink. A large wall-to-wall mirror above the vanity amplifies the light from elegant, vintage-style brass sconces with frosted glass shades. The space is framed by two classic white paneled doors leading to adjoining rooms or storage. Neutral tones dominate, including soft beige floor tiles and light gray walls, enhancing the room’s bright, clean ambiance. Accented by a richly patterned black and gold area rug, it adds warmth and a touch of traditional elegance to this functional space.
Bathroom Bathtub Corner
This serene bathroom corner features a built-in bathtub surrounded by earthy-toned tiles with intricate patterns, creating a warm and rustic ambiance. The tub is set beneath a window adorned with sheer white curtains, allowing natural light to softly filter in while maintaining privacy. The walls are painted a soft beige, complementing the natural stone hues of the floor and tub surround. Two simple wall sconces provide gentle, ambient lighting, enhancing the room’s relaxing atmosphere. The design merges functionality with understated elegance, perfect for unwinding in a calm and inviting space.
Backyard Swimming Pool
This inviting backyard space centers around a rectangular swimming pool with gently rounded corners, bordered by a neat row of red bricks and surrounded by a smooth, light beige concrete deck. Lush greenery lines the perimeter, including tall trees and a shrub-covered brick wall that adds privacy and charm. Potted plants with vibrant flowers bring pops of color along one side. Two Adirondack-style chairs positioned near the far end suggest a tranquil spot to relax. The scene is bathed in bright, natural sunlight, highlighting the clear turquoise water and creating a serene atmosphere perfect for outdoor leisure.
Backyard Barn and Lawn
This outdoor space features a charming rustic red barn with vertical wooden planks and natural wood double doors flanked by two small windows, set against a backdrop of leafless trees and a bright blue sky. The well-maintained green lawn stretches across the yard, bordered by a concrete pathway weaving through some low bushes. A tall utility pole with overhead wires adds a touch of rural authenticity. The overall aesthetic is a blend of countryside charm and natural simplicity, providing a peaceful, open area ideal for outdoor activities or gardening.
Rustic Workshop Space
This expansive workshop area features raw, unfinished wooden floors and sturdy exposed beams that create a distinctly rustic ambiance. Several workbenches line the perimeter, providing ample space for DIY projects or crafts. The lighting is simple, with exposed bulbs casting a warm yellow glow across the room. Windows on both sides allow natural light to filter in, balancing the dark tones of the wood. A small stairway at the back hints at an upper loft or storage area. The open layout is highly versatile, ideal for practical use with a charming, old-world character.
Listing Agent: Steven Marcero of Real Estate One Port Huron via Zillow