Hop, Skip, and a Jump
Living close to the center of town will inspire you to ditch your car and walk to dinner.
25 Washington Street, Marblehead
 4 Pacific Street, South Boston |
 83 Stedman Street, Brookline |
$565,000
25 WASHINGTON STREET, MARBLEHEAD
SQUARE FOOTAGE 1,518
LOT SIZE 3,093 square feet
BEDROOMS 3
BATHS 1 full, 1 half
2008 TAXES $4,564
LAST SOLD FOR $500,000 in 2005
PROS Just two blocks from the center of town and two from the harbor, this house is ideally situated. Among its standout charms is a cozy street-side enclosed porch and a peaceful back patio with a perennial bed and a close-up view of the landmark Old North steeple. The place is on the small side but is laid out efficiently, with a new kitchen, a spacious dining room, the living room, and a half bath on the first floor, and three bedrooms sharing a full bath on the second. CONS Like many houses in Marblehead, this one is built right up against the street, so it does get some traffic noise. Contact Krista Finigan, Coldwell Banker, Marblehead, 781-479-4542, marbleheadrealestate.com.
$719,000
4 PACIFIC STREET, SOUTH BOSTON
SQUARE FOOTAGE 2,600
LOT SIZE 1,080 square feet
BEDROOMS 3
BATHS 2 full, 1 half
2008 TAXES $4,279
LAST SOLD FOR $645,000 in 2004
PROS With four levels of living space - including a loftlike formal living/dining space on the main floor and a huge open family room on the garden level - this single family offers plenty of room to spread out. Renovated in 2004, its kitchen is large and open to the living room, while the two second-floor bedrooms with shared bath and the whole-floor master suite above are sparkling and spacious. From the walkup roof deck, you can see the entire city skyline and leafy Thomas Park. The house is just a two-block walk to the bustle of Broadway and Dorchester Street. CONS There's no bath on the main floor. Contact Michael O'Hagan, Coldwell Banker, South End, 617-834-3298, newenglandmoves.com.
$1,248,888
83 STEDMAN STREET, BROOKLINE
SQUARE FOOTAGE 3,100
LOT SIZE 5,876 square feet
BEDROOMS 5
BATHS 2 full, 1 half
2008 TAXES $10,521
LAST SOLD FOR $18,000 in 1955 (estimated)
PROS This 1888 three-story single family has many grand features, including a large foyer with first-floor rooms radiating around it, high ceilings, original moldings, and fireplaces. With several decks, a small grassy yard, and a skylighted third floor that could be converted to an in-law or au-pair suite, the place would be ideal for a large or extended family. Though there's parking for four cars, you probably won't be driving much, since it's just a few minutes walk from busy Harvard Street. CONS The kitchen and baths need renovation. Contact homeowner Ken Jacobson at 617-277-0684.
