You expect a turret to hide secrets — shadows, whispers, maybe a spiral staircase — straight out of a storybook or even an episode of “The Traitors.”

This one, however, does the exact opposite.

The home at 101 Tennessee Ave. in Port Colborne is listed for sale at $1.75 million.| Ruzycki Real Estate

Rising beside a multi-pitched roof, its light siding contrasted by red shutters, the turret is framed by mature trees that lend the property a charming, cottage feel. Step inside and sunlight falls upon original hardwood floors, streaming through wall-to-wall lakefront windows — the turret forming a curved alcove in the living room.

While it may not be out of a gothic tale, this architectural nod hints at the neighbourhood’s history, recalling turn-of-the-century cottages along Tennessee Avenue, where wealthy Americans once travelled north to spend their summers along the Lake Erie shore.

According to the Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum, cottagers would flock to the area every summer from the 1890s to the 1920s, many heading to the exclusive Humberstone Club resort.

Garages to the home of 101 Tennessee Ave., for which the rear of the house fronts the street. | Ruzycki Real Estate

The road running through the community became known as Tennessee Avenue, a reflection of the Memphis, Tenn., roots of many of its American dwellers.

With sunlight and lake views, the home is more summer postcard than secret lair.

Today, the property sits on a spacious lot stretching toward Gravelly Bay, a full waterfront setting listed on the market for $1.75 million.

Main living room. | Ruzycki Real Estate

Listing agent Frank Ruzycki said the estate is on a desirable street, with the home — built in 1880 — having been carefully preserved and updated.

“It’s always been an attractive area and this home is a gorgeous home, completely redone. It’s got all the charm of the older home but with all the modern amenities,” said Ruzycki.

The kitchen. | Ruzycki Real Estate

“It’s been known as an exclusive street since I was young and there (are) historic gates off Sugarloaf Street as you pull into Tennessee Avenue … a gorgeous lakefront home on a beautiful tree-lined street with city services.”

With more than 3,300 square feet of living space, the four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home features a formal dining room with garden doors leading to a lakeside deck, a bright kitchen with white built-in cabinetry, an adjoining breakfast nook and a library finished with board-and-batten accents for readers looking for a quiet spot.

The library. | Ruzycki Real Estate

On the second floor, atop an oak staircase, the primary suite takes up much of the rear of the home, with windows offering lake views, a gas fireplace, a private spa-style ensuite with a clawfoot tub and a walk-in closet.

The second floor includes three additional bedrooms and a laundry closet.

“It’s turnkey. You wouldn’t really have to do anything to it. The present owner has done a beautiful job updating everything,” said Ruzycki.

The primary bedroom. | Ruzycki Real Estate

Expansive lawns feature tiered gardens, stone patios overlooking Lake Erie and a shoreline retreat with a double-sized boathouse, beach area and protected waters for kayaks and paddleboards.

The property lot extends past the house’s break wall, with a small beach that goes into the water.

“You’re not right on top of the shoreline — it’s set back nicely so you get a buffer from storms. They’re not going to tear your property, flood your house. You’ve got a couple feet of buffer there,” he said.

An aerial view of 101 Tennessee Ave. | Ruzycki Real Estate

While it used to be a street of American owners, the area has seen less of that in recent years, particularly following a moratorium put on international buyers purchasing Canadian properties.

With the higher price point, Ruzycki said the home can be used as an everyday property or as a cottage for people wanting to spend their summer months on the water — just as they did more than a century ago.

The view of Lake Erie. | Ruzycki Real Estate

“A four-bedroom home, mature trees on the property, beautiful location. This is a home you wouldn’t really have to do anything to immediately. You can move right in,” he said.

“A unique, lakefront character home on historic Tennessee Avenue.”

The main yard of the home. | Ruzycki Real Estate

PRICE: $1,750,000

101 Tennessee Ave., Port Colborne

Bedroom/bathrooms: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms

Living space: more than 3000 square feet

Lot size: 88′ x 500′

Features: Single-family home with original hardwood floors, wall-to-wall lakefront windows with views of Lake Erie and a double-sized boathouse

Neighbourhood: In the historic and highly sought-after Tennessee Avenue in Port Colborne, extending straight into Gravelly Bay.

Listing Agent: Frank J. Ruzycki (Ruzycki Real Estate, RE/MAX Niagara Realty Ltd.)