Wooden It Be Nice?

440 Martins Pond Road, Groton

Square footage 2,500

Lot size 22,581 square feet

Bedrooms 4

Baths 2 full, 1 three-quarter

2009 taxes $5,444

Last sold for $225,000 in 1997

PROS The screened porch, which runs the length of the house, is a huge plus, as is the pastoral setting, with old-growth trees and a partially fenced-in yard. The living room is large, with a fireplace and beamed ceiling, while the kitchen and dining room, toward the back of the house, are open and sit beside a bedroom and full bath. Upstairs, the three bedrooms -- one a large master -- have cathedral ceilings and share a hall bath, while the finished basement (which has a three-quarter bath and laundry) adds plenty of family space. CONS The kitchen and baths need updating. CONTACT Margie Mitchell, RE/Max Landmark Realtors, Acton, 508-572-4671, margiemitchell.com

$394,000

59 Livingston Drive, Plymouth

Square footage 2,341

Lot size 22,651 square feet

Bedrooms 4

Baths 2 full

2009 taxes $4,665

Last sold for First time on market

PROS This 1989 house with a wraparound porch is serenely situated on a wooded lot with private access to Island Pond and a dock. Its cathedral-ceilinged main room -- encompassing living, dining, and kitchen -- has beautiful views, as does the walkout lower-level family room, which could easily be converted to an in-law apartment. On the main living floor, two bedrooms share a hall bath, while the master, with en suite bath, large closet, and private balcony, is off a sitting room in a loft over the great room. CONS Finishing touches and updates are necessary. CONTACT Joe Tominsky, JDS Realty Group, Weymouth, 617-620-1949, jdsrealtygroup.com

$720,000

151-157 Pine Street, Norton

Square footage 4,495 (main house)

Lot size 8.87 acres

Bedrooms 5 (in main house plus

outbuildings), plus loft in main

Baths 6 full (total in all buildings)

2008 taxes $13,797

Last sold for First time on market

PROS This unique property, part of the estate of jeweler Lloyd Balfour, can be sold as one parcel or subdivided. It has great potential, either as a family compound or as a camp, and it abuts two 100-acre parcels that may also be available. There's a large main house with indoor pool and two fireplaces, two small guest cabins, a cabana with kitchen and fireplace, and a two-bedroom servants' cabin with a cathedral ceiling and sleeping loft. This could be a stunner. CONS All of the buildings require total restoration. CONTACT Selma Newburgh, Keller Williams Realty, Chestnut Hill, 617-751-4726, kw.com/kw/