North Berkshire Contra Dance to Hold Monthly Event in Williamstown

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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The North Berkshire Contra Dance will host its monthly community dance on Saturday, January 11, at the First Congregational Church, 906 Main St., Williamstown.

The event will feature live fiddle music and dances led by caller Julian Blechner.

The dance will take place from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the church's Community Hall. Admission is pay-as-you-can, with a suggested contribution of $12 to $20. Barter, including assistance with cleanup, is also accepted.

New dancers and families are encouraged to arrive at 7:30 p.m. for an introductory lesson. Participants can attend with or without a partner, as dancers typically rotate partners throughout the evening.

Music will be provided by fiddler George Wilson and pianist Selma Kaplan. Wilson, known for his Cape Breton and French Canadian-influenced style, has been performing since the late 1970s. Kaplan is a pianist, composer, and arranger frequently sought after by dance events along the East Coast.

A pre-dance calling workshop will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Williamstown Public Library. Participants can bring a dance to practice or attend as dancers to assist others in the session.

The event’s respiratory illness policy advises attendees to stay home if they feel unwell or display cold symptoms. Masks are appreciated but not required.

For more information, visit www.NorthBerkshireDance.org.

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Friday Front Porch Feature: A Cozy Place to Be

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Are you looking for a move-in ready home close to the downtown area? Then this just might be the house you're looking for.

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 193 Cold Spring Road.

This 1950 single-family has four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The house is 2,184 square feet on a little less than an acre of land. The price is $469,900.

The house not only comes with a 3.5-car basement garage but also a detached two-car garage with additional storage space above. The house includes the kitchen appliances like the dishwasher, range, and refrigerator, and has a fireplace, screened porch, and back deck. The home is also generator-ready.

We spoke to Suzette Lyons with Burnham and Gold Real Estate, which has the listing.

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

Lyons: Location, location, location!! This property is a short distance from downtown Spring Street. It's nestled conveniently away from the road and provides substantial privacy. Plus, the home has a well-maintained exterior and interior.

What was your first impression when you walked into the home? 

What a gem! The workmanship is lovely and shows the home has been loved. There is an abundance of space with four bedrooms for family or work/home office space.

The opportunities are endless.

Do you know any unique stories about the home or its history? 

The home was built in the mid-1950s by the owner of Yeadon Farm Dairy on the edge of the farm, now the Thornliebank/Buxton Hill neighborhood, with lumber cut from the property.

Along with thick plaster walls and ceilings on the first floor, quality craftsmanship is abundant throughout.

The house has been owned by the same family who built it and the grandson has made every effort to match the original design and style with all of the renovations, including custom-milled natural woodwork for the private second-floor primary bedroom suite. Family pride in ownership is evident in every space of this well-constructed and maintained house now waiting for a new family to call it "home."

What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for? 

This home appeals to many buyers. There are four bedrooms sufficient for a full-time family, singles or second homeowners. Opportunity for in-law suite. Also, ample room for a home/office business. Lots of storage space with 3 1/2 garages and additional storage space above the oversized two-car garage.

Are there any standout design features? 

Lots of personal touches with natural woodwork throughout, freshly painted light colors to maximize natural light, new flooring in several rooms. Spacious four-season room for relaxing or home/office use. Also, offers a beautiful primary suite on the second floor.

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

A peaceful retreat in the woods. Cozy up to the fireplace on winter nights, enjoy the morning coffee on the back porch or the four-season sunroom. Spend the afternoon gardening in your beautiful yard and connecting with nature. A pet-friendly home offering a fenced yard and durable flooring. A family friendly home directly on the school bus routes.

How would you describe the atmosphere or feel of this home? 

The home has a welcoming feel with natural elements offering a place of comfort and belonging.

You can find out more about this house 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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