(Michele McDonald for The Boston Globe)
Home of the Week
Old farmhouse, up-to-date features
(Michele McDonald for The Boston Globe)
What could be better than a big, old, rambling farmhouse with up-to-date features, a front porch, and a five-minute walk to the lovely downtown shops of Winchester, the elementary school, and the commuter rail into Boston? Even this stretch of Mystic Valley Parkway sees most of its traffic during commuter hours and is otherwise peaceful. Set back a bit on the property, this white house with black shutters is alluring from the curb, with a peaked and arched portico featuring a terra cotta double door with glass pane insets. It all seems to say, “Welcome.’’
Inside, the front-to-back living room has a large bay window and, at the rear, a cozy window seat surrounded by bookshelves. Floors here and in the adjacent den are wide knotty pine. The dining room’s unique maple-and-walnut hardwood floor is striking enough that it excuses the large dip toward the sitting area, which some would define as antique character. The kitchen keeps the period feel, with white cabinets and polished nickel pulls, yet it’s contemporary, with plentiful honed granite counter space, a slide-out pantry, and modern stainless appliances.
The main and secondary staircases rise to multiple bedroom or office spaces, and the master -with deep, mirrored closets - goes front to back with loads of windows. Bathrooms, in great shape, include some fun features: One has faux bookshelf wallpaper for “the reading room,’’ and another has a porthole as a shower window. “A lot of the décor is period-specific but not offensive - it’s neutral and soothing,’’ says Camille Murphy, a broker with Shanahan Real Estate Group. Listing broker is Nan Shanahan. There will be an open house today, from 1-2:30 p.m.
© Copyright 2009 Globe Newspaper Company.
