Suburban Appeal

Text by Lisa Cavanaugh

This year has been a time of flux, especially in Real Estate, and while some folks have been eager to stay in the city, others have sought more space and distance outside of urban centers. A few Boston area suburbs have proven to be even more popular than usual this fall. Here are our quick takes on three suburbs that are currently hot:

Framingham

“Framingham has really seen an uptick, especially in the trend of high-end properties,” says David Ferrini of Coldwell Banker Realty in Sudbury who attributes much of this to the value a buyer can get for their money here. “It is kind of a hidden gem, with considerable savings possible without giving up any luxury.”

He specifically highlights northwest Framingham, which he calls an “under discovered” area of town. “It is really quite beautiful here, with lots of rolling hills, equestrian centers and open space.” One property in the area that Ferrini has listed is 737 Edmands Rd., a stunningly remolded 100-year-old home. “The previous owner had a real vision for the house, from everything from the blue stone patios, to luxurious bathroom finishes, to an exquisite custom kitchen that was inspired by a trip to Manhattan,” he says. The house is sited above the road, with an expanse of lawn, mature plantings, and a small pond, lending it both complete privacy and delightful views from the interior. There are four ensuite bedrooms, and a full guest suite with its own fireplace living room on the walk-out lower level.

Another unique thing about the home is its two central hallways, one on each level. “They are spacious but also cozy,” says Ferrini, “with seating areas perfect for relaxing with a book.” With decks, balconies and a complete home gym attached to the primary bedroom suite, the home offers grand amenities within a historic frame. “It really is a lot of luxury house for the price, in a great location,” says Ferrini. “There are some really spectacular things going on in here in Framingham.”

https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/ma/framingham/737-edmands-rd/pid_37948784/

Lincoln

Twenty miles northeast of Framingham sits Lincoln, another sought-after suburb of approximately 6,400. “Last year at this time there were 49 listings available in Lincoln; today there are only 24,” says Peggy Dowcett, Sales Associate at Senkler, Pasley & Dowcett of Coldwell Banker Realty in Concord. “So there are less than half the listings available than in 2019.”

Dowcett points out that many of the sales have been in the latter months of this year because of the slowdown during the early part of the Covid-19 pandemic. ”It’s no wonder late summer and fall have been so busy in Lincoln,” she says. “And it’s predicted that the real estate market will stay active right through the fourth quarter.”

Among the available properties in Lincoln Dowcett and her team are listing is a beautifully private family compound on seven acres surrounded by woods.  This home at 83 Page Road features exceptional style, eco-friendly design, and the finest in both finishes and systems. “One significant plus are the three premier Executive-Work-From-Home spaces in the property,” says Dowcett, “allowing for ample room for everyone to comfortably accomplish remote work or distance learning.”

With 5,000 square feet of luxurious living space in the main house, including a first floor master suite and a Great Room with a Tulikivi Soapstone fireplace and stunning two-story windows framing outdoor views, the home is ideal for both families and entertaining. “Surrounded by walls of glass, the state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen flows seamlessly into a spacious dining room,” adds Dowcett, “and a four-season sunroom leads to outdoor patio with a built-in BBQ center, spacious yard, gardens and serene woodland views.”

Two additional living structures, a one-bedroom guest house and a separate carriage house, each including kitchenettes and full baths, make 83 Page Road a spectacular offering with unlimited options for expansive living in a desirable suburb that is still part of the greater Boston metro area.

https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/ma/lincoln/83-page-rd/pid_34843054/

  Manchester by the Sea

Heading over to the coast, suburban buyers could also consider the perpetually popular Manchester by the Sea, a small ocean town of 5,500 residents. “Manchester has a wonderful feel to it,” says Coldwell Banker Sales Associate Lynda Surdam, “The people here are very, very welcoming, there is easy access to Boston via commuter rail, and, as far I’m concerned, our beaches are the prettiest in the world!“

Surdam says that once Covid hit, her market took off. “People started thinking, if I have to stay sitting at home, how nice to be able to walk to the ocean, or even better yet, see the ocean from my house.”

One home with views and proximity to the sea is 602 Summer Street, a unique contemporary property that features interior reflections of what had once been a stone water tower. “The tower provided the architectural fulcrum for the home,” says Surdam, “and you can see the beautiful field stone accents in most of its rooms.” The focus of the house is on the third floor which has a spacious fireplaced living room surrounded by expansive wrap-around deep decking, that allows for exterior living with ocean breezes.

There is also a private ocean-view balcony off the large primary suite, and an expansive eat in kitchen with island, separate desk nook, soaring ceilings, and multiple picture windows. The kitchen opens to a charming family room that also includes the home’s signature fieldstone detail.  “You can cook and entertain and have everyone together,” says Surdam, “while there is also plenty of room for more privacy, such as the cozy library and wine cellar, both on the first level.”

Rounding out the property of over sixteen acres, is a two-car garage, lush rolling lawns, specimen plantings, perennial borders and woods. Add to that Manchester by the Sea’s appeal, and you have an unbeatable offering. “This is such a well-run town, with a low tax rate, great schools, and wonderful parks,” says Surdam. “It is really such an attractive place to live.”

https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/ma/manchester-by-the-sea/602-summer-st/pid_37107738/

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