The True Value of Historic Preservation

Finding buyers for historic New England homes can be a challenge borne out of a change in today’s taste. In years past buying and restoring historic properties were popular avocations. New Englanders have long had a tradition of seeking out historic properties and then artfully furnishing their restored homes with period antiques and fixtures. Anyone who has seen This Old House on Public Television knows that there is an entire industry of craftsmen, art and antique dealers, and realtors who work in this field.

Many today, however, are more interested in living in a contemporary environment. Marketers of fine antique homes, art galleries, and auction houses have had to be resourceful in fostering markets for their wares. As a Certified Historic Homes Specialist and Attorney I have had the pleasure of successfully marketing many fine historic estates here in Boston and the environs.

Every historical property faces its own set of unique challenges. This fine estate on Mount Vernon Street on Beacon Hill in Boston I sold was built in 1823. It had been in the same family for generations. And yet no modernization had been done since 1911, when basic plumbing and electricity had been added. None!

Knowing that the buyer would have to be someone who fell in love with the "historical" value of the home, I went to the State House and Registry of Deeds. As an attorney I was able to do a title search right back to the original Land Grant in the 1600s from the King of England to the Rev. Blackstone. I wrote up a full history on the land, the home and its owners over almost 200 years.

It turned out that the land had also owned by the painter John Singleton Copley, who maintained that portion of Beacon Hill as an apple orchard. A monarchist, Copley fled Boston for London at the outbreak of the Revolution. After the War he sold the parcel to land developers. The merchant family that first owned the home was involved in the China tea trade. In fact, the wall paper in lady's dressing room was made of the silver foil linings of the wooden tea boxes from China! Doing research online I was able to find images of portraits of all the original owners of the home.

In the end the historical sleuth work paid off. The buyer had read the full history online and wrote a full price offer - after only seeing the front parlor!  

Our Latest Offering

400 STUART STREET | THE CLARENDON - UNDER AGREEMENT!

Rarely available two bedroom, two bathroom home at The Clarendon. This home was formerly the model unit when the Clarendon was originally being marketed. Located in the heart of Boston’s exclusive Back Bay, this classically elegant 33-story luxury building was designed by world-renowned Robert A.M. Stern Architects.

This corner unit in Boston’s premier full-service building features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and every luxury amenity including doorman, concierge, elevator, Equinox gym, outside terraces, library, conference room, private function rooms and garage parking. Offered at $2,200,000. TheClarendon-21B.com

Today's Market and Historic Properties
 

For those with an interest in historic properties and how they are faring in today's market, check out this recent article: Historic New England Homes Versus the Real Estate Boom

Where's Ahab?!
 

Ahab is a proud graduate of Puppy Kindergarten at the Animal Rescue League. Download a PDF of the Dog Training for Summer 2015 schedule. Find out more about animal adoption at their Adoption Center.

• Every adoptable animal at the ARL receives spay or neuter surgery, vaccinations, a microchip, and other veterinary care - all included in the adoption fee!
• Dogs in the shelter receive basic obedience training while they are staying at the shelter as part of a personalized enrichment program.
• The ARL has three shelters locations in Boston, Brewster, and Dedham with many adoptable animals from which to choose.
• In 2014, the ARL found permanent homes for more than 4,000 animals through all of their shelters.