In June 2011, 108 Cross Highway came on the market. From all indications, it would be the next Westport teardown.
An uproar ensued. The 2-story “vernacular” — with a barn — on the well-traveled stretch between Roseville Road and North Avenue was built in 1805. Records indicated it was one of the few Westport dwellings constructed by a “free black man.”
(That assertion was later challenged. The “Henry Munroe House” may, in fact, have been built by an Indian.)
The usual Westport battle raged. On the one side were those decrying the destruction of a handsome old home — one with historic significance.
On the other side were those who say that property owners are free to do whatever they want. After all, it’s their money.
108 Cross Highway
A few months later, the house was taken off the market, and rented. It came back on last June. The listing price was $999,000 — reduced from the original $1.25 million.
Not long ago, Raveis realtor Amy Swanson was showing homes to Rachel Ember and Jeff Porter. They live on Eno Lane, but wanted something closer to their kids’ schools: Staples High and Coleytown Middle. They were thinking of contemporaries, but Amy took them to 108 Cross Highway.
They fell in love.
“It was so appealing,” Rachel said this morning. “It felt so pastoral and warm. And the barn is awesome. It’s a perfect place to hang out.”
Rachel and Jeff are the new owners of the old house. They closed on Monday (final price: $895,000).
The couple plan to renovate the kitchen and bathrooms, and do very minor touch-ups. But, Rachel said, “we definitely plan to keep it as is. It has so much character. That’s what we love.”
