Settling Into the North End
The sun porch is my favorite spot in the apartment. Jon Hull
In mid-August, I moved into my new apartment in Middletown, nestled on the North End on the second floor of an old cape. My entrance is around the back and leads up some stairs into a sun porch. At about 1,000 square feet, it’s a comfortable space, though it took a bit of time to settle. Now that it’s clean and full of houseplants—cacti, figs, sword ferns, and more—the place feels more like home.
There were quirks when I first moved in. Bumper stickers from the 60s and 70s plastered the windows on the sun porch, old bug carcasses filled the window sills, and the bathroom featured a pink toilet seat.
I scraped the windows, vacuumed the bugs, and swapped out the toilet seat for a standard issue. Slowly but surely, I’ve taken care of most of the little stuff. It’s cozier now, more inviting.
I haven't gotten around to hanging up paintings, prints, or mirrors but the plants lend a feeling of permanence to the space. Jon Hull
Jessica’s presence is unmistakable here. Nearly all of the decorations were chosen by her—baskets, tablecloths, and a peach-dotted duvet cover on my bed are some of her many touches that make this space feel more connected to us both.
It still has its imperfections, but I don’t mind. This is a stepping stone to something more substantial. For now, the location in Connecticut is ideal.
My mom, sister, and several friends have already visited a few times as they passed through town. When I want to go see a potential house along the Connecticut River, it’s a short drive down Route 9. In walking terms, I am eight minutes from two breweries, ten minutes from my favorite café, and just a bit farther from Wesleyan’s campus.
With every batch of coffee I brew, as autumn soups simmer on the stove and visitors come and go, the apartment feels more like mine.
