Quincy Tudor has an elevated status

Just a brisk walk from where John Adams lived stands a red brick fortress with its own tower capped by a conical roof and a weathervane. The main entry is through the round tower, giving a circular beginning for a journey through the three-story home with a slate roof. The first-floor rooms - a living room, dining room, and study - have crown molding and darker hardwood floors. The study is a study in dated beige paneling. The living room is large enough for a grand piano. The five bedrooms on the second floor radiate out from the central staircase. The master is good-sized with its own shower and two closets. A curved room with curved bookshelves built in and smaller rectangular windows, completes the second floor. Many of the original doors throughout are made of gumwood.

The third floor has its own bath and could easily be an au pair or teen suite. Like several other parts of the house, the third floor is in need of a freshening. The house is built on the second level of a three-tiered bluff. A winding driveway leads to the two-car garage and a granite stairwell then leads to rear door and a retaining wall of stacked stone turned green with age. On the third tier is the backyard, with privacy bushes and gazebo - at this elevation literally a spacious plateau.

Gus Confalone of Century 21 Annex Realty in Quincy is holding an open house today from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.