Late fall is not exactly high real estate season. It’s mostly high “snuggle in and wait for the holidays and snow to pass” season. And yet, wonderful options in Hampshire County and nearby abound, from a sweet house in Florence to a condo in a Holyoke Queen Anne to a hilltop Westfield escape — not to mention a modern-rustic place designed for local children’s book hero Eric Carle. Pretty fun stuff to window shop as the snow falls; here are some of my favorites that are currently for sale.
Anyone looking to buy a house in Northampton knows the stock is low, low, low. But that’s not the only reason it’s clear to me that this Florence-based, 1927 gem will get snapped right up. Sure, it’s the four-bedroom’s deeply efficient and lovely renovation, complete with new insulation, Energy Star stainless appliances, new electric, high-efficiency boiler, and modern, clean kitchen. It’s also because this house appears to have a beautiful soul. It shines through the restored floors and chunky period wood trim, and sweet little nooks, all the way to the backyard and its mature trees. Houses like that are the rarest. It’s $549,000. Jeanne Comeau, Jones Group Realtors, (413) 219-3744.
If you’ve ever wanted to be queen or king of your own mountain (and have the means to pull off that fantasy IRL), then welcome to this pinnacle home, set on 108 acres. The four-bedroom, 2004 brick colonial sits on the summit of Grindstone Mountain and has views of four states and 100 miles. The house is reached by a one-mile gated driveway and has a five-car garage. Inside the home, you’ll find hardwood floors, an open floor plan, and a floor-to-vaulted-ceiling stone fireplace. Plus, of course, views of sky, clouds, birds, airplane take-offs and landings, and a forest of trees. Outside are a brook, cleared pasture, and large steel outbuilding. It’s $1,250,000. Kevin Kennedy, Goggins Real Estate, (413) 374-4373.
There’s just something about this 1973, three-bedroom home — mainly the 1997 post-and-beam addition, I think. With vaulted, wood-clad ceilings, a wall of French doors, and ceiling-height windows, it just seems like the perfect room to settle into with a steamy mug of tea. The kitchen also has a Subzero SS fridge (dreamy), a bonus kitchen (!), and a Goshen stone terrace that leads to lawns, gardens, and trees that sprawl over more than three country acres. It’s $645,000. Alyx Akers, 5 College Realtors Northampton, (413) 320-6405.
I go on an annual friends gathering in Hawley at Stump Sprouts, ostensibly to cross-country ski, but more to gab and gawk at the gorgeous surroundings. This 1975 contemporary is set next door, in similarly lovely nature — 50 acres worth, in fact. The rough wood exterior of the four-bedroom home gives way to a surprisingly clean, modern interior — with vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, clerestory windows, a white brick fireplace, cozy lofts, and unadorned wood built-ins and cabinets. If it reminds you a bit of the Eric Carle Museum, that’s because this home was originally designed for Carle, and retains his personal studio. So it has a “the muse has been here” vibe, PLUS a sauna in the master suite. If I were able to grab a country estate, this would be it. It’s $485,000. Wanda Mooney, Coldwell Banker Upton-Massamont Realtors, (413) 768-9848.
Built in 1812, this colonial is perfectly historic, yet totally energy-efficient, with a fabulous new country kitchen to boot. The home has undergone a thoughtful, well-done renovation with new windows that have their original leaded panes, plus a beehive oven — and all new electrical and plumbing. That kitchen has chef’s appliances, soapstone counters, and a sweet eat-in area. Outside might be even better, with about 16 acres of fields, stone walls and terrace, an above-ground pool, and a fully-owned solar system. There’s also a two-car garage with upstairs storage. I feel like I can smell this place from the photos, and it’s redolent of wood and of home. It’s $599,000. Mary Cohn, Cohn & Company, (413) 772-9274.
This two-bedroom, top-floor condo is set in an 1891 Queen Anne Victorian, multi-family home. The condo has been recently renovated, with inset ceiling-level uplighting to emphasize the fact that you are living in an actual turret, with exposed beams and extreme height. The open plan kitchen has new appliances, and each bedroom features cool, quirky impressions of the classic roofline. Walking distance from downtown and close to the Connecticut River, plus two parks, this great deal is one of the most affordable ways to own a home in the Pioneer Valley. It’s $114,900. Paul Gallagher, Gallagher Real Estate, (413) 536-7232.