TV appearance led to kitchen makeover for Acton home

(Jonathan Wiggs/Globe Staff)

46 Nagog Hill Road, Acton
Price $698,500
Style Greco Italianate
Built 1850
Square feet 2,766
Rooms 11
Bedrooms 5
Bathrooms 3
Sewer Septic

When HGTV's "My House is Worth What?" scrutinized this home in early 2007, the recommendation was to upgrade the kitchen to raise the value some $40,000 to $780,000. The owners went ahead with the suggestion and converted a dining room into a new kitchen, complete with granite countertops, cherry cabinets, and a center island. They exposed original beams, to keep the old feeling, and turned the original kitchen into a working pantry. A small sitting room became the dining room, which opens into the kitchen and is complete with woodstove. The owners also fixed up the pine floors throughout and completed many other improvements, such as upgraded electrical, and repaired foundation sills. Still, in this downward market, the TV show's suggested price was unrealistic.

The home's charm is evident from the outset. It is freshly painted in a deep sky blue, with red doors and white trim, and the barn red garage has eye-catching carriage house doors. The street is pretty, with a row of fruit trees lining the driveway across the street, and it's only a short walk to historic Acton center. While mostly in keeping with its original style, an addition built in 1965 includes an entryway with stairway; living room with fireplace and massive bow window with mullions; master bedroom; and heated two-car garage with bathroom, utility sink, and hot and cold running water. The bathrooms are simple and small, but in good shape. The older bedrooms are ample, but most could use a fresh coat of paint, as could an older library and the risers on an original staircase. Some upper floors feature original knotty pine with random width boards.

The foundation from an old barn, once attached to the house, remains in the backyard. The grounds are lovely, with mature perennials throughout, and lots of back and side yard space. There is also a finished basement with working fireplace.

The listing broker, Ann Shaw of Keller Williams Realty, Concord, is holding an open house today from 2 to 4 p.m.

MINDY POLLACK-FUSI