There's a certain mystique to rivers that make them good fodder for art, prose and cinema. Think of the countless number of tales crafted around a lazy or roaring river that's not just a setting or backdrop, but an integral role essential to the plot. In a way, having a home on a riverbank or in a community that saddles up next to one of southeast Connecticut's many precious waterways — the Connecticut, Mystic, Niantic and Salmon rivers, to name a few — becomes about more than just having a beautiful view.

The Saunders Point association sits right on the west bank of the Niantic River. It's a charming riverfront setting, with an association-maintained beach, dock and swim club. The two-bedroom ranch at 30 Saunders Drive, Niantic — part of the Saunders Point community — is currently listed for sale. The asking price is $549,000 for the updated home and detached one-car garage.

"This home was built in 1926, so it has the charm of that era, with the [fieldstone] fireplace, detailed ceilings and hardwood floors — with all new structural and mechanicals updated," Broker Kevin Rockoff described the property to Welcome Home. He's the broker-owner of Rockoff Realty in Amston, Connecticut, and the listing agent for 30 Saunders Drive.

This home also has an updated kitchen with custom cabinetry, granite surfaces and stainless appliances. Every room has a water view, the listing broker noted.

Rockoff said his client has appreciated the water views here — boats moored just offshore, sailboats gliding up and down the river, and the magnificent homes on the other bank, illuminated at night and "magical."

The Realtor noted that area residents access the river for any number of water pastimes — sailing, fishing, riding jet skis, or paddling about in kayaks and canoes. "Also, the Oswegatchie Hills Club, which this home is a part of, has year-round social activities for all ages," Rockoff said.

In Old Saybrook, there's an eternally charming Victorian coming up for sale at 116 College Street, which enjoys close proximity to the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound.

"116 College Street has the best of both worlds," according to Realtor Kathy Schellens of William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty in Essex. She's preparing to debut the property to the market on May 9, when the listing "goes live." The asking price for the home is $1.375 million.

This three-bedroom home dates back to 1898, but recent renovations have elevated the interiors, including the kitchen. Schellens describes the result as a balance of "Victorian era with every modern 21st Century convenience."

The 0.25-acre lot is deep, partially fenced, landscaped and appended with a stone patio.

"The owner loves living at the mouth of the Connecticut River, where the river meets Long Island Sound," she told Welcome Home via email. "She takes daily walks to the river and then crosses the causeway to Fenwick, which of course is a fabulous area on the Sound where Katharine Hepburn used to live. Her home is a minute's walk to the historic Fort Saybrook, circa 1635-1647 — one of Connecticut's oldest settlements and first military forts. It is also a quick walk to the Saybrook Point Inn and Spa, and the Fresh Salt restaurant." Plus, the seller noted that there's a boat launch in North Cove where residents can drop in kayaks or jet skis.