Friday Front Porch Feature: A Historic Berkshire Property
DALTON, Mass. — Are you looking for a beautiful and historic property with room for a big family? Then this is the home for you.
Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 163 Cleveland Road.
The original structure of this Federal style home dates to circa 1790 and has five bedrooms and three bathrooms. It is 3,210 square feet on three acres.
This historic home has a past as an inn and stagecoach stop and still features the original era fireplace and more throughout, wide plank floors, and unique artifacts like a historic U.S. Mail horse bridle medallion.
The home includes a library, living room, family room and formal dining room.
The property also includes a detached three-car garage with a storage loft. The house recently got a new roof and has a nice front porch and back deck.
It is on the market for $825,000.
We spoke to Danielle Giulian with William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty, which holds the listing.
What do you think makes this house stand out in the current market?
What makes this property so special is its ability to offer something that is increasingly difficult to find: authentic New England character paired with modern comfort and flexibility. Set on approximately three picturesque acres in Dalton, the home has a rich history dating back to its days as an inn and stagecoach stop, yet it has been thoughtfully restored for today's lifestyle.
With five bedrooms, three full baths, multiple gathering spaces, and first-floor living options, it offers the kind of versatility that appeals to a wide range of buyers. Whether someone is looking for a year-round residence, a retreat for extended family, or an investment property with a proven rental history, this home provides opportunities that are rarely found in a single property.
Do you know any unique stories about this home or its history?
The home's history is truly remarkable. Long before it became a private residence, it served as both an inn and a stagecoach stop, welcoming travelers making their way through the Berkshires. Throughout the restoration process, artifacts connected to the property's past were uncovered, including a cannonball believed to date back to the Revolutionary War era. One of the home's most fascinating features is the original pre-Revolutionary War fireplace, complete with its crane arm and bread oven, which serves as a tangible reminder of the generations who have passed through these walls.
How would you describe the feel or atmosphere of this home?
Warm, welcoming, and deeply rooted in Berkshire history. There is a sense of authenticity the moment you walk through the door. The home feels both spacious and intimate, with a variety of gathering spaces that invite conversation and connection. Given its history as an inn, stagecoach stop, and more recently a place where families and visitors have come together, there is a natural hospitality to the home. It feels like a place where stories are shared, traditions are created, and people immediately feel at ease.
Are there any standout design features and/or recent renovations?
One of the most impressive aspects of the home is the way it balances preservation and modernization. Historic features such as the wide plank floors, exposed beams, and pre-Revolutionary War fireplace with its original crane arm and bread oven have been carefully maintained, while thoughtful updates have enhanced comfort and functionality.
The spacious first-floor bedroom, updated bathrooms, dedicated laundry room, and modern conveniences throughout allow buyers to enjoy the character of a historic Berkshire farmhouse without sacrificing everyday livability.
What kind of buyer do you see this home being perfect for?
The beauty of this property is its versatility. It would be ideal for someone seeking a full-time Berkshire residence, a buyer looking for space to host family and friends, or someone interested in continuing its successful history as a short-term rental. Over the years, the home has welcomed large family gatherings, wedding parties, and visitors looking to experience the Berkshires, making it an attractive opportunity for buyers who appreciate both its lifestyle appeal and income potential. It's the kind of property that naturally brings people together.
What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?
I'd tell them to imagine a home that becomes a destination. Picture family holidays around the dining table, summer evenings spent outdoors on the property, grandchildren exploring the grounds, or friends gathering for a Berkshire weekend getaway. For others, it may be the opportunity to continue sharing this special place with visitors, just as the current owners have done through its successful Airbnb operation. Whatever chapter comes next, this is a home that was built for connection, hospitality, and creating lasting memories.
Is the house move-in ready or in need of some updates?
The home is absolutely move-in ready. The current owners have invested significant care into restoring and maintaining the property while respecting its historic integrity. Buyers can enjoy the character and craftsmanship of a historic New England farmhouse without immediately facing the renovation projects that often accompany homes of this age.
What do the current owners love most about the home?
The current owners were initially drawn to the home's rich history and authentic character. They love the charm that comes with a true New England farmhouse — the wide plank floors, historic details, and all of the unique nooks and crannies that tell the story of a home that has evolved over generations. They are especially fascinated by its past as a stagecoach stop and the role it played in the history of the area.
More than anything, though, they speak about the feeling the home provides. As they describe it, "The thing I like best about this home is the peace that I feel when I am in it." Despite its size and ability to host large gatherings of family, friends, and guests, there is a remarkable sense of calm and comfort throughout the property. It's a home with a welcoming spirit — one that encourages people to slow down, settle in, and simply enjoy being there.
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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