Carriage house in Topsfield: Just add family
By Miriam Schwartz |
The 1902 carriage house at 125 Main St. in Topsfield is the embodiment of the old adage that great things come in smaller packages.
Turns out, it's true for real estate, too. Lovingly restored, the home sits on a tree-lined lot, peeking behind a stone fence. A gambrel roof, dormers, and shuttered windows come together for a charming, typically New England setting, all just a few minutes' drive to the village and the commuter rail into Boston. Families looking to plant roots on the North Shore will find the ideal nexus of cozy and comfortable here, with sizable outdoor space that can be enjoyed year-round.
Setting itself apart from similar Dutch colonial style homes, the home's first-level restorations included opening up the space — way up — to form a breezy, laid-back space that's much more suited to today's family.
Still, we suspect that the kitchen's always been a popular spot for congregating at any point in history, and that also holds here. Designed for families who love to cook and host, the kitchen's all-star is an oversized island with a professional grade drop-in Viking range, and bar seating on the other side. Updated custom cabinetry and all kinds of storage space, plus a sunken farmhouse sink, make up a standout space. Thanks to the open layout, running from the living room to the kitchen for a snack happens without missing a beat. Sliders that lead to a deck and stone patio are right there, too, for summer cookouts.
Coffered ceilings, handsome built-ins and wainscoting dot the home in an elegant, thoughtful manner, and although it's not huge at 2,100 square feet, there's a study and a bonus sitting room on the first floor, as well as three bedrooms on the second floor. The master bedroom is served by a sparkling master bathroom outfitted with a walk-in marble shower.
Outside, the 0.7-acre lot features a stone patio with a fire pit and a raised deck with seating for a sweet vantage point to watch the seasons come and go.
Open house hours are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday. The sale of the home is being handled by Betty Slatko with Windhill Realty, 978-337-2311.
Home Showcase:
Address: 125 Main St, Topsfield
Price per square foot: $364
Annual taxes: $10,382 in 2019
Location: Close to commuter rail
Built in: 1902 with modern restoration
The Appraisal:
Picturesque, large lot
Less interior square footage
Miriam Schwartz