Tucked within a neighborhood, the home stands as a symbol of how thoughtful design and community programs can bring new life to a city’s architectural landscape.
Originally built in 2011 by the Northside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance, or NINA, the four-bedroom home in Hartford’s historic Asylum Hill was the organization’s first entirely new construction — designed from the ground up to reflect the neighborhood’s classic character.
The colorful home at 33 Sargeant Street wears all the ornaments of a grande dame Victorian and earned NINA the 2012 Hartford Preservation Alliance Award for outstanding in-fill construction, a testament to its seamless blend of tradition and innovation.
More than a decade later, the home has evolved into something even more special. “It’s a pure example of what good can come of putting money into a property,” says Melissa Guerrero, realtor with William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, who is representing the sale. “My client purchased it as part of the NINA program back in 2011, and since then, they’ve done amazing upgrades while staying true to its original charm.”
The exterior reflects Hartford’s historic architecture — stately, symmetrical, and replete with whimsical details — while the interiors feel refreshingly modern. The home spans four bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, including a serene primary suite complete with a connected primary bath with deep tub for soaking away the week and a separate, glassed-in shower for busier mornings. Throughout, light pours into spacious rooms with newly refinished floors and crisp, contemporary finishes. Among the latter, you’ll find a wood-paneled feature wall in the living room, sleek open shelving in the kitchen, and a matching, eye-catching wood-paneled range hood in the kitchen.
Guerrero points to the kitchen as one of her favorite features. “I love the kitchen — it’s just spectacular,” she says. “The bold blue cabinetry with golden hardware, the new flooring, the backsplash — it’s all so tastefully done. It’s that perfect mix of modern luxury with timeless character.” The open-concept layout connects the kitchen, dining area, and living room, creating a natural flow that’s ideal for entertaining. A stained-glass window at the stairwell adds a touch of artistry that nods to Hartford’s Victorian legacy.
Upstairs, each bedroom feels airy and inviting, while the unfinished third floor offers endless possibilities — perhaps a family room, office, or guest suite, depending on the next owner’s vision. “You could even turn it into a theater or playroom,” Guerrero says. “There’s just so much space, even in the basement, which could be used for storage or finished for an extra living area.” And forget what you might think about unfinished basements. This one’s ready to turn into the space of your dreams or used for storage. Think: Christmas decor, seasonal clothes, and everything that needs to be accessible but neatly stashed away. If you don’t like the clutter of life’s necessities taking up space next to your sweaters, this basement space is for you.
In addition to its elegant design, the home carries a meaningful legacy. As part of NINA’s affordable homeownership initiative, it is subject to an income restriction that ensures long-term accessibility for buyers who meet program requirements. “The program is really special,” Guerrero explains. “It makes it possible for hardworking, blue-collar residents to buy beautiful homes and invest in Hartford. It’s proof that revitalization can be done tastefully and sustainably.”
Guerrero’s enthusiasm for both the home and the city is palpable. “Hartford real estate is up and coming,” she says.
Just like its homey, cozy interior, the home’s exterior and outdoor living potential is made for spending time with loved ones. There’s a sweet wraparound porch that feels just right with the home’s architecture, and a fenced-in yard.
The location offers convenience and community in equal measure. Just minutes from downtown Hartford, residents can easily access restaurants like Trumbull Kitchen and the shops along Main Street, while still enjoying a quieter neighborhood feel. Car commuters will appreciate the off-street parking space for up to four cars.
As for Guerrero, she’s thrilled to help shepherd the next chapter of 33 Sargeant Street. “This is a Sotheby’s house,” she says with a smile. “We pride ourselves on white-glove service for every client, and I’m genuinely excited to represent this one. It’s modern, it’s elegant, and it tells a story about what’s possible when people believe in a city’s potential.”
At 33 Sargeant Street, that story continues — one of craftsmanship, community, and the enduring beauty of Hartford’s renewal.
Info Box:
Built: 2011
Price: $380,000
Style: Colonial
Rooms: 10
Bedrooms: 4
Baths: 2 full; 1 half
Square footage: 2,158
Acreage: 0.16
Mill rate: 68.95
Best Feature: So many extras. “Every detail has been thoughtfully updated to the nines, from the gorgeous kitchen and fresh finishes to the spa-like primary suite,” Guerrero said.
Contact: William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty
Melissa Guerrero
860-970-8274