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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Colonial Home Fit for Founders

The property sits on a hill above the center of Monterey, not far from Lake Garfield. 

MONTEREY, Mass. — Are you looking for a historic home in the hills that perhaps a local founding family used to live in? Then look no further, this is the house for you.

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are discussing a colonial house at 6 Tyringham Road.

The 4,188-square-foot home dates to 1780, with additions built over the last 250 years that include an indoor pool and two-car portico. This house was once home to the Bidwells, the founders of Monterey. William and Jessie Bidwell had operated the estate, Ledgehurst, as a summer resort and inn in the early 1900s.

The house has four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a study/bonus room, and comes with a dishwasher, refrigerator, range, washer and dryer. There's also a three-bay detached garage and two-bay garage on the 1.10 acres. It is only a short walk to the town beach on Lake Garfield or to the town center and the library, town hall and post office.

The asking price is $675,000.

We spoke to Christian Deckert and John Burns with William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty, the agents for the property.

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

Deckert, Burns: There are many historic homes for sale, but this property has the significance of being the home of the Bidwell family, founders of the town of Monterey. It was a former boarding house and has been home to countless stories and traditions of yesteryear. There aren't many historic offerings with an indoor pool, multiple outbuildings and the main home offering this much size and opportunity for restoration.

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

Deckert, Burns: Former boarding house, and current owners are a racing family with a heritage of winning (I hope they did!)

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

Deckert, Burns: The feel is like stepping back in time but still retains conveniences for modern living. Of course, a buyer would like to update some things, but the home has been adored for generations and could continue to be enjoyed without too much legwork. The atmosphere lends to wanting to gather with loved ones and friends. Kick back by the pool and entertain.

Are there any unique or custom elements?

Deckert, Burns: Plenty of unique elements! The primary bedroom balcony overlooking the pool, an indoor firepit in the pool hall, steel I-beam construction and walls of floor-to-ceiling windows to create the feeling of being outdoors.

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

Deckert, Burns: Standout design features are the way the current owners seamlessly blended the pool house addition to the historic home. 

There are also many period details in the home such as antique moldings, fireplace, stove, etc. 

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

Deckert, Burns: Discerning buyers can realize the potential without having to sacrifice living in the home for an extended period of time. The home is large enough that you can live in one portion while reimagining another. 

Imagine living in a historically significant home, offering walk to town, Lake Garfield, multiple garaged outbuildings, and brimming with period details and classic New England charm.

Buyers will love the abundance of storage and endless possibilities!

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

Deckert, Burns: My first impression was jaw dropping! Never have I seen a home in the Berkshires showcasing what this property has to offer. A rare blend of location, history, potential to reimagine, and quality craftsmanship.

This home has been standing proud for a long time, and the right person can ensure that it will for generations to come. 

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.

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