Last month when I started this feature, I talked about my love for homes, renovating, real estate, and architecture. Though I’m firmly committed to modern in my own life, I’m polyamorous when it comes to real estate. I can appreciate almost any architectural style, provided it has soul, structural integrity, a certain intelligence, and even wit. This latest round-up of my favorite Hampshire County homes for sale has all of those things — including a house that defies clutter, another that is an ode to light, and for wit, there’s even one with a tree bought by Mark Twain.
This 2009 four-bedroom is so pulled together, elegant, and efficient, with clean lines and a commitment to a single style, that it’s an anathema to clutter. If I let my mail pile up next to a Lego truck next to the library books that need to be returned with the new dog treats on top it would just feel wrong. Thus, I would love to live in a Japanese contemporary like this, with exposed brick, hardwood floors, black accents, and nary a crown molding in sight; its very essence would keep me Kondo’d. The 1.39-acre property also includes a central Japanese garden with stones, koi ponds, and plantings. And it all adheres to good Feng Shui, creating a home and property with harmoniously flowing energy. Mmmm. It costs $1,150,000. The realtor is Roy Johnson, Jones Group Realtors, (413) 237-7757.
First, I need to talk about the exterior. That upper stripe of magenta is what drew me to this beautiful, 1910 Victorian painted lady. (Because I dream of an all-magenta house, I’m currently trying to convince my husband that our modern home needs a magenta front door.) Second, it’s just naturally good-boned, with high ceilings, tons of light, hardwood floors, and an open floor plan. Third, the owners made recent upgrades to the roof, windows, and air conditioning. Fourth, it’s in downtown Amherst, with a porch that overlooks Amherst College’s Pratt fields—and an 11-minute stroll to Amherst Coffee (and the things other people love about Amherst!). It costs: $599,900. The realtor is Greg Haughton, 5 College Realtors, (413) 687-2710.
I’m not usually a French Country-outside-of-France gal, but I adore this 1900 place, with its green trim and stucco exterior and Goshen stone patio. It was built for George Washington Cable, a New Orleans-born author and activist, as a writing studio (!). Some of those sweet trees you see were gifts from pals like Mark Twain (NBD). Inside the four-bedroom home, you’ll find coffered ceilings, arched windows, two fireplaces, and a large kitchen-dining area with hardwood floors. The home is a short walk to the Mill River and is Smith College adjacent-ish. It costs: $1,200,000. The realtor is David Murphy at The Murphys Realtors, (413) 582-7190
Though I’m originally from New York City, I spent a summer in college as an intern at the Valley Advocate — aspiring journalist that I was. I rented a place at 76 Pleasant Street in Noho (and learned with my first local article that many passionate people call it Hamp). Ever since I’ve had a fantasy of living in the middle of the downtown action. Enter this Soho-esque, two-story, two-bedroom loft condo on Pleasant Street! The open floor plan, high ceilings, exposed brick, tin ceiling, and that huge arched window — and deeded roof access — have me in a real estate envy tizzy. Though I’m happy in my suburban spot, something about exposed brick and walking distance coffee makes me swoon. It costs $489,000. The realtor is David Santos, Coldwell Banker Upton-Massamont Realtors, (413) 362-9250.
If you’ve ever wanted to live in a wood-clad modern house with a shed roof and open interiors for days, this 1997 home might be your spot. The realtor compares the one-bedroom home to a cathedral, and to me it’s clear that the object of worship is light. Sun filters in through unusually placed and sized windows, and the main, large studio space positively glows. That space also has heated floors designed for yoga and dance — or they’re good for making art or music, or simply admiring the sunshine. Downstairs is a master, an open kitchen and dining rooms — also abundant with light. Set on 5.37 acres that have a pasture and apple orchard, when I pretend to buy it in my mind, I see yoga and art and dance retreats and people living their best, light-filled lives, while eating apples. It costs $395,000. The realtor is Jim Molyneux, Molyneux Realty, (413) 238-5324.