Stonington, CT 06378
At the edge of Stonington Harbor, where sailboats move slowly through the water and the village wakes each morning to the rhythm of the tide, 88 Water Street offers a rare opportunity to live directly within one of New England’s most beloved coastal communities.
This historic home dates to 1840, yet today it feels distinctly current following an extensive renovation completed in 2022. The result is a residence that respects its heritage while embracing the ease and openness expected of modern coastal living. Inside, more than 3,400 square feet of thoughtfully reimagined space unfold across multiple levels, with views of the harbor appearing at nearly every turn.
The home’s central living spaces flow naturally from one room to the next, creating an environment designed as much for relaxed daily life as it is for hosting friends and family. A spacious kitchen anchors the main level, centered around a generous island and complemented by casual gathering areas that invite conversation long after dinner ends. Nearby living and dining rooms retain the warmth and character expected in a home of this era, anchored by a traditional fireplace that brings a sense of intimacy to the space.
Upstairs, the primary suite enjoys its own private outlook toward the water, with direct access to a deck that feels perfectly suited for quiet mornings overlooking the harbor. Additional bedrooms provide comfortable accommodations for family and guests.
The uppermost level offers a particularly versatile arrangement: a private guest retreat complete with its own sitting area, kitchenette, bedroom, and bath. Whether used for visiting guests, extended family, or a creative workspace overlooking the water, the space functions almost as a residence within the home.
Outdoors, the property embraces its waterfront setting. Terraces and covered outdoor areas extend the living spaces into the fresh coastal air, creating natural places to dine, gather, or simply watch the harbor activity unfold. A private dock allows direct access to the water, making boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding part of everyday life.
The property also includes a detached garage and off-street parking, an uncommon convenience in the historic Borough.
Perhaps most remarkable is the home’s location along Water Street, the village’s iconic waterfront corridor. From the front door, it is an easy walk to the restaurants, cafés, galleries, and boutiques that give Stonington Borough its distinctive character. The harbor lighthouse, duBois Beach, and the town docks are all just moments away, creating a lifestyle defined by walkability, coastal scenery, and an enduring sense of place.
In Stonington Borough, homes are not simply addresses... they become part of the village’s long maritime story. At 88 Water Street, that story continues at the water’s edge.
Stonington Borough, often simply called “The Borough,” is one of Connecticut’s most charming and historically preserved seaside villages. Set on a narrow peninsula between Stonington Harbor and Little Narragansett Bay, the village offers a rare blend of maritime heritage, natural beauty, and a vibrant cultural landscape. It is also designated as the Stonington Village Cultural District, reflecting the Borough’s long-standing role as a gathering place for artists, writers, sailors, and creatives drawn to its distinctive coastal setting.
Stonington is uniquely positioned in Connecticut history. It is the only town in the state with direct access to the Atlantic Ocean, and its legacy is deeply tied to maritime life. From early fishing and whaling industries to the global voyages of Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer, a Stonington native credited with helping discover Antarctica, the village has long looked outward toward the sea. Today, that heritage remains visible in the working harbor, historic homes, and enduring connection to sailing and waterfront life.
At the center of the Borough is Water Street, widely considered the village’s main street and one of the most iconic waterfront streets along the Connecticut shoreline. Lined with historic homes, locally owned boutiques, art galleries, cafés, and acclaimed restaurants, Water Street creates an effortlessly walkable lifestyle. Residents can step outside to enjoy morning coffee, browse shops, dine along the harbor, or take an evening stroll past sailboats and fishing vessels returning to port.
Life in the Borough moves at a relaxed coastal rhythm. Locals gather at Cannon Square, watch the sunset from duBois Beach, or explore the historic Stonington Harbor Lighthouse Museum, which anchors the tip of the peninsula with sweeping views across the water toward Watch Hill and Fishers Island.
The village is also home to an impressive collection of cultural and community institutions. The La Grua Center hosts lectures, performances, and local events, while The James Merrill House honors the Pulitzer Prize–winning poet who once lived and worked in the Borough. Maritime education and waterfront exploration thrive through New England Science & Sailing, while nearby destinations such as Saltwater Farm Vineyard, Stone Acres Farm, and the artist studios of The Velvet Mill contribute to the region’s creative and culinary scene. Nature lovers can explore the nearby Avalonia Land Conservancy’s Dodge Paddock & Beal Preserve, offering scenic trails and protected coastal landscapes.
Despite its intimate village scale, Stonington Borough is ideally located just minutes from the restaurants, shops, and attractions of nearby Mystic, including the Mystic Bridge Cultural District, adding even more cultural depth to the surrounding area.
With its historic architecture, thriving arts community, walkable waterfront streets, and unmistakable New England character, Stonington Borough offers something increasingly rare along the Northeast coast: a true seaside village where maritime history, culture, and everyday life converge. Living on Water Street places you at the center of it all, where the harbor, the shops, and the rhythms of coastal living are just steps from your door.
88 Water Street
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