616 e front street

Welcome to the Blades House, an Italianate-style home with River Views & a stunning example of 19th-century architectural elegance blended with modern luxury. Known as ''The First Blades House'' & located on one of Downtown's most prestigious streets, the home was renovated by one of New Bern's most well-respected preservationists who enhanced the home's timeless beauty with contemporary updates including a 1st floor ensuite. With a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, ~3100 sq ft owners' home along with 2 apartments (1141 sq ft & 612 sq ft), this property provides many options. One of Downtown's most historically significant properties, the lot was owned by JB Clark & Company (a lumber business operated by JB Clark & William & James Blades). Originally a duplex & completed around 1892, the home overlooked their lumber mill on the river. This property stayed in the Blades family until the 1940s & retains many of its original features, creating a unique & beautiful home. Greeting you is the home's exterior with its symmetrical façade, tall, narrow windows with crowns, & a low-pitched roof with eaves supported by decorative brackets. Side porches, adorned with ornamental columns, create the perfect access to the interior with its entrance hall that contains a late 19th century stair with a turned walnut newel, a molded handrail, & turned balusters. When touring the home, you see high ceilings, bay windows, exquisite moldings, & light-filled transom doors. Featuring an updated kitchen with a great room with double doors, the back of the home opens to a patio & lush gardens. Fine historic features continue upstairs with 2 bedrooms, a full bath, & an enclosed porch with views. With plenty of off street parking, every corner of this home tells a story, offering a perfect blend of history & modern convenience. Total sq footage does not include 233 unheated sq ft on the 2nd floor of the owners' home & 2 apartments (~1753 sq ft) - enjoy rental income or keep all residences for yourself!