Sit in the shade of the wraparound front porch and feel the cool breeze off the water as you watch blue herons and ospreys soar and fish jump in the picturesque cove right in front of you, where you can swim, paddle board or kayak and enjoy the small private beach reserved for residents and guests. Just 15 minutes from the Amtrak station and the dining and cultural attractions of downtown New Haven, 10 minutes from Tweed Airport, and 90 minutes from New York City. The space While being just a short hop, skip, and a jump from the cultural life and dining of New Haven, the house is in a quiet and secluded neighborhood, surrounded by nature, with no through-traffic. This historic beach house cottage (historically named Idlewild) is newly furnished with thoughtful amenities to make your stay comfortable. It feels cozy yet has room for large families, with four bedrooms (two with queen-size beds—one of which has a twin-sized sleeper sofa for a child—one bedroom with two twin XL beds, and one with twin bunk beds) and dining inside for 8 or outside on the porch for groups of 10. The kitchen is well equipped with modern appliances (including dishwasher and in-sink garbage disposal), coffee maker with a selection of coffees and teas, toaster, gas range, new dining and cook ware, and spacious pantry. The living room has ample seating with all new furniture, a Roku TV, and a Bose speaker. The laundry room has a full-sized washer and dryer. Parking is available in the driveway for 3-4 cars (please do not park on the street, and the garage is reserved for the owners’ use). Working remotely is ideal on the porch or desk in the master bedroom’s sitting room overlooking the water. The front porch is also perfect for yoga or workouts. Stroll or jog along Short Beach, hike two forested nature preserves, and dine at the local Italian restaurant—all within easy walking distance. Even the back of the house has a stunning view of the marshland and river. There is a brand-new sunroom, constructed winter 2023, with more seating and another TV so that kids can watch and hang out in one room while adults hang in another :) The sunroom also has an area for yoga. Note that the fireplace is not for use by guests due to insurance rules. Also, new landscaping and a fire pit in the back yard (pics coming!) Guest access The entire house, yard, and driveway will be yours alone while you’re here (no shared spaces with anyone else). Other things to note Kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals are available (with off-site delivery) by Branford River Paddle Sports (branfordriverpaddlesports.com).