Friday Front Porch Feature: Rejuvenate a Historic Mansion
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Are you looking for a restoration project on a historic mansion? Then we have the house for you.
Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing the popular mansion at 116 Church St., one of three historic homes on the tree-lined street in need of serious TLC.
The 1882 mansion has seven bedrooms and six bathrooms. It is 4,244 square feet on 0.77 acres. The asking price is $53,000.
The low price is because this Queen Anne is in dire need of renovation after sitting vacant for years, giving someone the rare opportunity to restore this piece of North Adams history.
The estate has many elegant 19th-century elements including a grand staircase, hand-carved wood work, fireplaces, pocket doors, and granite accents. It's located in the heart of downtown North Adams so you're not far from local amenities including an elementary school, library, restaurants, and museums.
The Hodge mansion was described as "one of the most elegant and desirable homes in North Adams and North Berkshire" when it was built. The mansion and its sisters have received a lot of attention on old house Facebook groups since being listed late last month. All three are being listed as a package for $177,000.
We spoke to Pam Tworig with Bishop West Real Estate, which is handling the listing for the city of North Adams. The city took the properties for delinquent taxes earlier this year.
What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?
The low price is attracting a lot of interest. But what really makes it stand out is the exceptional architecture and the irreplaceable craftsmanship and workmanship seen in the brickwork and carved granite, the fireplaces, and the hand carved woodwork that still remains in this once magnificent home.
Are there any restrictions on what can be done with the property?
The homes are listed in the city inventory of historic homes, but are not on the National Historic Register. There are guidelines as to how the Historical Commission and city would handle the homes on their historical inventory.
What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?
Imagine living in a spectacular restored mansion on iconic Church Street in the heart of downtown North Adams. Being part of the vibrant arts scene and rebirth of a wonderful small city, close to restaurants, churches, shopping, Mass MoCA, and an amazing local library with features similar to the homes themselves. All while being able to hop into the car and take a short drive to the Clark Art Institute or the many other cultural and outdoor attractions that the Berkshires has to offer.
There are many reasons why people are flocking to North Adams ... once you experience it, you'll understand!
How did you come up with the pricing of the home?
Price was set based on consultation with the city of North Adams.
What was your first impression?
Wow! How sad to see this truly wonderful home in this condition. I hope that it will be restored and made beautiful once again.
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What buyer do you see this home being perfect for?
Anyone who values the arts scene, culture, and the natural beauty we are blessed with here. This restoration is not for the faint of heart ... or resources ... so the ability to take on something like this is the biggest thing.
What will need to be addressed after purchase?
The roof must be addressed and the building dried in ASAP. Once that is done, the top to bottom interior work can begin.
You can find out more about this house on its listing.
*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.
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