Tolland State Forest Expanded With 840-Acre Purchase

Staff ReportsiBerkshires
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TOLLAND, Mass. — The state has bought up 840 acres of forest and fields in Tolland to add to Tolland State Forest. The $3 million purchase will create a 5,000-acre preserve just over the border in Hampden County.

The parcel includes an 81-acre lake and extensive forest habitat. The acquisition, which greatly expands Tolland State Forest, is the largest state land acquisition since 2008 and was completed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation this week.

"What we protect is just as important as what we build," said Gov. Deval Patrick in a statement. "In pursuing this opportunity, the commonwealth turned an economic downturn to its advantage, preserving a beautiful forest at a great price to taxpayers, while increasing the conservation legacy we are leaving for future generations."

DCR purchased 782 of the 843 acres in Tolland from Twining Lake Properties Inc. for $3 million in capital funds – significantly less than the land's estimated value of $5 million. The property was being offered at $6.95 million for the development of more than 200 building lots. A conservation restriction on an additional 61 acres was conveyed to the agency at no cost, protecting the property from development in perpetuity. Equal the size of 17 Boston Commons, the parcel was scheduled to be sold by auction last fall, and DCR worked closely together with the sellers, Tolland officials and other parties to secure the property.

State environmental officials say the property is unique in its interior location, pristine condition and undeveloped lake shore.

"Large, unfragmented tracts like this one support wide-ranging wildlife species such and bear and moose and reduce the stress of habitat fragmentation, a significant threat to endangered and threatened wildlife species," said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Mary Griffin in a statement.


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The Twining Lake tract includes approximately 2,700 feet of frontage on the Farmington River; more than 6,000 feet of frontage on the shallow Twining Lake; existing trails for pond access and wilderness-style recreational opportunities; habitat for a variety of large mammals, and interior forest nesting bird species, four hilltops forested with a variety of hardwoods, pine and hemlock, and a fast-flowing, rocky stream leading from the lake to the Farmington River.

It is designated a "Critical Natural Landscape" on Fish & Game's BioMap 2, representing the largest, and least fragmented forests in the state.

"This is wonderful news. I applaud the DCR and the governor for their continued commitment to preserving and protecting our natural beauty," said Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli, whose Berkshire district adjoins the forest. "When we lose these precious lands, they are gone forever."
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Friday Front Porch Feature: Allendale Pines North

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Are you looking for an inexpensive home to raise your family in? Then this might be the home for you. And if not, there's a couple other options.

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week we are showcasing model homes at Allendale Pines North.

Teton Management is opening its new manufactured housing development next Allendale Pines at 395 Cheshire Road, and has three different model homes to choose from.

The Monroe with a full porch and with a half-porch, and The Aspire are available to move into in March. 

All the models have three bedrooms and two baths in 1,280 square feet, and include two parking spaces. The Monroe full-porch is on the market for $194,900, Monroe half-porch $189,900, and The Aspire for $204,900. View a video tour here.

The lot rent is $550 a month and it includes trash removal and recycling, as well as water and sewer. Tenants are responsible for their own utilities and lawn care/snow removal. Dogs and cats are allowed, for up to two pets.

We spoke with Val Whaling from Teton Management about the new homes.

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market? 

The three models — Monroe Full- Porch, Monroe Half -Porch, and The Aspire — are Titan Home products manufactured by Champion Homes and stand out in the current market because:

  • The purchase price of these homes is well below current market rate single-family homes in Berkshire County.

  • The 5 Star Energy-Efficient rating (featuring energy-efficient windows and high- performance insulation) and one-year warranty on the home, sets these homes apart from older, stick-built homes.

  • These homes are built to strict HUD standards and include structural integrity in order to meet federal standards for durability, safety and wind resistance.

Are there any stand-out design features? 

Stand out features include: open concept floorplan, covered porches, stainless steel appliances, large laundry room /mudrooms, and large glass walk-in showers.

What kind of buyer do you see this home being perfect for? 

First time homebuyers/ professionals preferring home ownership vs. renting, empty nesters wanting to downsize, and cost-conscious individuals preferring the affordability of these homes.

What's the neighborhood like? 

Allendale Pines North will be comprised of 22 brand-new homes, on individual lots, set on beautiful property, neighboring the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. The property is located at 395 Cheshire Road, Pittsfield, offering proximity to retail shopping and dining. Additionally, Allendale Pines North property is well managed by a reputable owner/operator. (All adult community residents are approved via community application approval process.).

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space? 

"Imagine the cost savings of owning a brand-new, energy-efficient home, easy to maintain and allowing the convenience of modern day and easy living, in a quiet, well-managed community."

What does the home come with? 

Included are: Stainless steel Whirlpool appliances (refrigerator with icemaker, dishwasher, and gas stove/oven), and closets equipped with shelf/hanging rod. Plus an 8-by-10-foot Amish built shed, two wooden entrance stairs with wooden handrails and black wrought iron spindles, two-car driveway, sidewalks and brand-new water/sewer infrastructure.

You can find out more about these homes on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

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