(Wiqan Ang for The Boston Globe)
Home of the week
Lake views, gazebo enhance grand antique
(Wiqan Ang for The Boston Globe)
This grand antique house is just yards away from the tempting waters of Wakefield’s Lake Quannapowitt. But swimming is not permitted in the lake. No matter, because the house includes a contemporary Gunite pool with a screened gazebo and a romantic footbridge connecting the two. A screened portico with grand columns affords seasonal views of the lake, as do a few of the bedrooms.
Despite its large footprint and high ceilings, the inside of the home is comfortable and cozy. All lower rooms have crown molding, with the dining room featuring original crown, window, and doorway moldings made of oak.
The oak theme carries into the pantry, where elaborate glass-front cabinets line a corner, with the original icebox at the other end. Floors are all pine, some with an older parquet styling. The kitchen has been updated to include a six-burner Viking stove, Subzero fridge, and an undermount freezer. Cabinets are painted white with glass fronts, to keep with the feel of the era, but the countertops are granite and there is a large moveable breakfast island. A lower-level library has built-in bookcases.
Most bathrooms have hexagonal tiles and pedestal sinks, some original, and there’s a slate roof and copper drain pipes. Listing broker Annette Gregorio of Re/Max Heritage points out that the exterior stucco and grounds need a bit of work. Some rooms inside could use refreshing or updating, too, but overall it is in good shape.
© Copyright 2009 Globe Newspaper Company.
