Garden Party
These homes have beautiful outdoor spaces, giving you plenty of reason to celebrate.
$334,900
50 LAKESHORE DRIVE, MARLBOROUGH
SQUARE FOOTAGE 1,886
LOT SIZE .26 acre
BEDROOMS 3
BATHS 2 full, 1 half
2008 TAXES $3,681
LAST SOLD FOR $290,000 in 2002
PROS This contemporary, with partial water views, sits at the top of a hill and has terraced gardens all the way up, along with a larger plot at the top, near the patio and deck, and more space for plantings in the backyard. The living room has a cathedral ceiling with balcony, and the large master bedroom could accommodate a second upstairs bath and a walk-in closet. The lower level, with separate entrance, bedroom, and full bath but no kitchen, could be used as an in-law apartment. CONS The house needs work to reach its full potential. Contact Paula Grace O'Connell, Prudential Prime Properties, Marlborough, 774-249-5190, prudentialprime.net.
$459,000
62 MAPLE STREET, ACTON
SQUARE FOOTAGE 1,760
LOT SIZE .68 acre
BEDROOMS 4
BATHS 2 full
2008 TAXES $6,967
LAST SOLD FOR $85,000 in 1976
PROS In a semi-rural area where many homes have gardens, this farmhouse stands out, with its harmonious plantings, winding paths, three-tiered fountain, and koi pond with waterfall. As bonuses, the side yard has two trees spaced just perfectly for hammock hanging and the back has a vegetable plot and planting shed. Inside, the house is funky, with beamed ceilings, a narrow, skylighted sunroom, and a family room with a spiral staircase leading to the master suite. A large back deck overlooks the yard and fields beyond. CONS The kitchen and baths could use updating. Contact Lynn Warren, Cowley Associates, Littleton, 978-273-9531, cowleyassoc.com.
$799,000
248 ATLANTIC AVENUE, SWAMPSCOTT
SQUARE FOOTAGE 4,567
LOT SIZE .41 acre
BEDROOMS 3
BATHS 3 full, 1 half
2008 TAXES $9,177
LAST SOLD FOR $668,000 in 2003
PROS This glamorous Hollywood Regency-style mid-century modern has lush perennial beds in both the front and back and a shady side yard as well, including ornamental grasses, a variety of evergreens, and colorful blooms along with mossy walkways and an enormous koi pond. The house itself has high ceilings and large rooms, including a front den separated from the living room by Moorish-inspired bi-fold doors, a kitchen with breakfast nook, and a full master suite. CONS The lower level needs some work to be used as an in-law or au-pair suite. Contact Patricia Kane, Tache Real Estate, Salem, 978-745-2004, tache.com. 