Lovely move-in-ready Colonial with guest cottage, minutes to downtown Great Barrington. Built in 1773, the entire house was renovated from top-to-bottom and expanded in 2006. The first floor has a full bathroom, foyer/mudroom, laundry room, great room/dining area, and kitchen which overlooks a large den that walks out to deck. The stunning expansive primary suite addition, built in 2006, overlooks the yard with access to the deck. The second floor contains two bedrooms which share a bathroom. A bonus space on the main level could be used as a fourth bedroom. The two-bedroom guest house has great rental history. Gorgeous period details like wood floors and exposed beams seamlessly blend with new conveniences like central air and high-end appliances. Set on 3 + well-manicured acres.
What’s the most compelling thing about this property?
This house is an interesting mix of new and old. The exterior is a classic 1773 Colonial while the inside was massively renovated and expanded in 2006. Original details like exposed beams and wide-board floors are combined with newer electrical, plumbing, stainless steel appliances, and modern conveniences such as central air, updated bathrooms, and a primary suite addition. The move-in-ready house is suitable for 2023 living with major period charm.
For whom is this house perfect?
This house can work for many different lifestyles. The main house is fitting for a family while grandparents or a nanny can live in the guest cottage. The cottage would also be great for someone who works from home or needs space for clients, such as a therapist’s office. Additionally, the main house is ideal for anyone who wants one-level living with all living spaces and the stunning primary suite situated on the first floor.
What’s the most fun thing to do within five miles of this house?
Downtown Great Barrington! The house is minutes from Main Street yet sited away from town to afford quiet and space on three acres. Berkshire Waldorf School and Simon’s Rock Kilpatrick Athletic Center are also nearby. Additionally, the neighborhood is a lovely place to walk, with Berle Farm down the road and many mountain views and scenic pastures.
If this house could talk, what secret would it tell about its history?
16 Seekonk has had a prominent place in Great Barrington’s history. Previous owners were the Nail family, well-known civil rights activists. The Nails were often visited by Great Barrington’s most notable resident, W.E.B. Du Bois. The Nail’s son-in-law was James Weldon Johnson, the field secretary for the N.A.A.C.P and writer/composer of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Johnson lived down the street. Another frequent visitor at 16 Seekonk was Louis Armstrong; he was a close friend of the Nails and was known to play his trumpet when visiting. And this isn’t the house’s only music connection; Arlo Guthrie’s 1969 film “Alice’s Restaurant” was filmed nearby and the afterparty was held at 16 Seekonk.
