Friday Front Porch Feature: A Rustic Escape

LEE, Mass. — Are you looking for a home for a big family with lots of acres to enjoy? Then this is 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 a home at 135 East St.

The house was built in 1984 and has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. It is 2,732 square feet on 2.34 acres with an attached two-car garage. It comes with a dishwasher, built-in electric oven, washer, refrigerator, microwave, and dryer.

A long paved driveway leads to the rustic two-story home with a wide front porch, exposed beams and wide-plank paneled walls. It has a three-season room in the back that leads to a deck and pavered patio.

It has a listing price of $875,000.

We spoke to Lisa Kelley with MacCaro Real Estate, the listing agent for the property.

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?

The Berkshire market continues to be competitive especially with custom and acreage rich homes. Demand is especially strong for properties combining outdoor space, artistry and functionality. This home was built by a true craftsman and it brings a level of authenticity and quality that is highly prized in the area.

What was your first impression when you walked into this home?

The moment that I stepped through the door, I was immediately greeted by the warmth and character that only a truly custom-built home can offer.

Are there any standout design features or recent renovations?

The home was thoughtfully designed with exposed beams and natural wood finishes, with attention to detail throughout. A custom-designed fourth bedroom was thoughtfully added and designed with flexibility in mind and the space features vaulted ceilings, a charming Juliet balcony. Whether you use it as a private guest suite, expansive primary bedroom or light filled studio, it offers a quiet retreat with elevated design. This home offers spacious standout spaces, whether gathering in the custom kitchen, or sitting on the open front porch, capturing the mountain sunrise, every element reflects quality craftsmanship and design.

What are the unique or custom elements?

There is tons of storage throughout that includes clever use of nooks, alcoves and built-in cabinetry, thoughtful space-saving touches that you don't always see in modern builds. There is a beautiful cozy brick fireplace that is the centerpiece for the living room.

A double set of French doors invites you from the main living area onto the three-season screened-in porch, enhancing flow and function, offering easy access to the outdoor living spaces. Elegant concrete driveway with lighted stone pillars lead to the oversized attached heated two-car garage with a generously sized storage loft provides even more room and was thoughtfully integrated into the home's design, this area adds value and versatility.

Comfort is effortless year-round with central air conditioning and multiple sources of warmth for cooler seasons, including the wood burning fireplace and  a pellet stove that adds charm and efficiency. The home is designed to feel welcoming in every season.

What kind of buyer do you see this home being perfect for?

The beauty of a home like this is that it appeals across multiple buyer types. It is perfectly suited for someone who values craftmanship, nature and space. Whether it is a family seeking room to grow, a couple looking to settle into a peaceful, scenic setting or a remote professional or creative artist who draws inspiration from their surroundings, this home offers the kind of quality and character that's hard to find.

What is the neighborhood like?

It's located in the heart of Lee, often called the "Gateway to the Berkshires." Lee is a town known for its strong sense of community, local pride and welcoming atmosphere. The property has a countryside feel with the convenience of town life just minutes away.  Across the street is a picturesque farm with October Mountain in the backdrop adding to the charm and open feeling of the area, while a quiet cul-de-sac borders the property, enhancing privacy and limiting through traffic.

Cultural gems like Tanglewood, Jacob's Pillow and other Berkshire venues are within easy reach, offering access to world-class performances and events year round. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the proximity to hiking trails, lakes, nature preserves and skiing. While commuters and travelers will appreciate the easy access to the Massachusetts Turnpike.

You can find out more about this house on its listing here. 

*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.

Greenagers Founder Will Conklin Honored as Business Person of the Year

By Breanna Steele12:17PM / Saturday, October 03, 2026

Casey Pease of state Sen. Paul Mark's office presents William Conklin, right, with a state Senate proclamation.

EGREMONT, Mass. — The Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce honored a local businessman and nonprofit leader on Sept. 24 at Catamount Mountain Resort.

 

William Conklin was this year's Business Person of the Year, recognizing his work as founder and executive director of Greenagers, a nonprofit that helps youth and children engage in work in environmental conservation, sustainable farming, natural resource management, and vocational skills building. 

 

Conklin and his family also run Sky View Farm and he is a managing partner of Konkapot Tree and Timber, a small-scale forest products business.

 

"If you spent any amount of time in Southern Berkshire, chances are you've heard his name, whether you realize the connection at the time or not," said board member Sierra King Watson, who emceed the event. "You might be having a conversation about farming, a new barn or structure that was built, students learning hands-on skills in sustainable agriculture, or a family that receives donated firewood to help keep their home warm through a cold Berkshire winter, or maybe you're simply talking about one of those community leaders who somehow manages to show up, support everyone, and seemingly be everywhere all at once.

 

"Well, one name has a way of continuously popping up, and that is Will Conklin."

 

Board President Mark Rulison said the region has more than 1,200 nonprofits. One in four jobs in the county is in the nonprofit sector, which ranks 27th nationally for nonprofit employment. He said the economic impact on the community is huge, thanking those who help.

 

For the event on Thursday, Conklin requested that as much of the food as possible was sourced locally. Most of it came from Greenagers, Sky View Farm, Indian Line Farm and Fancy Feast Supper Club, creative dinner series.