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The property is 2,820 square feet with 4 acres. It comes with a dishwasher, washer, dryer, gas oven, refrigerator, range, and range hood.
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The property has a river rock fireplace, and two sunrooms to relax in
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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Lincoln Log Haven

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
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The house has three bedrooms and three bathrooms, and was built in 1989.

BECKET, Mass — Looking for a lincoln log home where you can feel cozy and private? Then this house is for you.

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are discussing a log house at 236 Surriner Road.

The house has three bedrooms and three bathrooms, and was built in 1989. The asking price is $735,000.

The property is 2,820 square feet with 4 acres. It comes with a dishwasher, washer, dryer, gas oven, refrigerator, range, and range hood.

The property has a river rock fireplace, and two sunrooms to relax in. A spiral staircase will take you to the primary suite and bathroom with a walk and shower and claw foot tub.

We spoke to Leslie Claus Van Hise with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Barnbrook Realty.

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

 

Claus Van Hise: True log homes are a rarity in the Berkshires, and this one stands out for its exceptional craftsmanship. From the moment you step inside, you can see the care and pride of ownership from the original builders. It’s a home that was thoughtfully created and lovingly maintained.

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

Claus Van Hise: "For a millennia, it was a forest," so begins a short story written by one of the owners. He chose the lot because, as he put it, "Each time I visited my son in this wooded mountain hamlet, a special calm and tranquility would overcome me..." With his daughter, they cleared much of the homesite and path into the woods themselves and built an 800 sq/ft Lincoln log cabin as a summer retreat. A decade later, they expanded it with a 2,000 sq/ft addition. 'Little by little, the house was complemented with things of beauty and convenience that brought pleasure, peace, and happiness" —earning its beloved name, the 'Log Mahal'.

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

Claus Van Hise: Whether a buyer is looking for a full-time or part-time living or even as a part time rental to offset costs, this home is ideal for the buyer with discerning taste—someone who values exceptional craftsmanship, craves the serenity of nature, and appreciates the warmth and timeless character unique to a true log home.

What was your first impression when walking into this home? 

Claus Van Hise: From the moment I stepped onto the front porch and through the double doors, I felt an immediate sense of welcome. The warmth, character, and exceptional craftsmanship of the home were instantly apparent—it truly felt like home.

Are there any standout design features and/or recent renovations? 

Claus Van Hise: Standout features include the striking natural river rock fireplace with integrated log storage, a charming loft on the main floor, and a spacious second-floor primary suite. The suite is crowned by a cupola designed as a private sanctuary, offering tranquil 360-degree views—a truly unique retreat

Have you heard any memorable reactions or feedback from visitors? 

Claus Van Hise: Visitors often respond with an immediate 'Wow,' especially when they see the stunning river rock fireplace. Despite the open floor plan, many remark on how the home seems to 'hug' you with its warmth and cozy, inviting atmosphere.

What kind of neighborhood is it? 

Claus Van Hise: The town of Becket is a rural, arts-centered community celebrated for its natural beauty and cultural gems like Jacob’s Pillow. The neighborhood reflects this charm, with wooded hills, abundant wildlife, and close proximity to hiking trails and year-round outdoor recreation.

You can find out more about this house on its listing.

*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.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice or an offer to sell. If you're interested in having your property featured, please contact our sales department at sales@boxcarmedia.com.


 





Tags: front porch,   Real Estate,   

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Berkshire South Sees $1M Earmark for Expansion

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass.— The Berkshire South Regional Community Center was earmarked for more than $1 million to expand its north wing. 

On Thursday, Congressman Richard Neal sat with Executive Director Jenise Lucey, board members, and other staff at the center to see how those dollars will help expand childcare, among other areas.  He announced a $1,015,000 earmark for the project. 

"As you can see, we are really, really busy and really busting at the seams," Lucey said while showing the congressman plans. 

"So your advocacy to make this happen, so that we can really move on to the next steps and serve our community, couldn't be better timed, and we're just so grateful for your support." 

The 6,000-square-foot addition will add about 20 spaces for infant and toddler care and increase the 40,000-square-foot building by about 15 percent.  It will also allow BCRCC to expand its fitness center, upgrade its HVAC system, and relocate administrative offices. 

BCRCC sees about 200,000 visitors per year and is licensed to welcome 100 summer campers, running a nine-week program during working hours.  Childcare programming runs year-round, with the center serving about 240 youth annually. 

Open since 2002, the community center will soon celebrate its 25th anniversary.  The allocation was made through Congressionally Directed Spending from the Rural Housing Service with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

Neal said that childcare was one of the biggest issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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