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Historic Brookline and Newton
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Historic New England Properties
 559 Boylston
 12 Balcarres
 68 Monmouth
 170 Chestnut |
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Newton was
originally settled in 1630, as part of Cambridge, and later incorporated as a
town in 1688. Later in 1873 it became a city. Newton Corner, and Upper and
Lower Falls were the first settlements, encouraged by the establishment of
early mills near the Charles River.
Early on, Brookline was a rural community
consisting in the 1630's as farmland allotments to Boston citizens. In 1686,
inhabitants of the Muddy River hamlet were granted exemptions from Boston taxes
and allowed to manage their own town affairs and maintain their own school. In
1705, the town became a separate entity, named for the brooks that form natural
boundries with its neighbors.
Alan Cohen is a certified Historic
Homes Property Marketing Specialist
One of the joys of selling homes in this
New England marketplace for a history fan like me is the opportunity to market
some of the finest examples of 19th (and 18th) century architecture available.
I have lived to tell about the blessings and burdens of renovating a Victorian
home, and have been certified as a Historic Homes Property Marketing Specialist
for Hunneman, by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Peabody
Essex Museum in Massachusetts. Hunneman also offers a separate Historic Homes
Division to take proper advantage of special marketing venues
available.
Both Brookline and Newton showcase a wide
assortment of older homes, many of which are acknowledged on the National
Register of Historic Places. While many neighborhoods feature exceptional
examples of distinct historic houses deemed worthy of recognition, not all are
subject to local preservation requirements. The National Register is the
nation's official list of building, districts, sites, structures and objects
important in American history, culture, architecture, or archaeology. The State
Register of Historic Places, maintained by the Massachusetts Historical
Commission, is a master list of all designated historic properties in the
Commonwealth. Listing in the National or State Registers does not restrict the
right of property owners to alter, manage, or sell their property.
Brookline and Newton both have local
historic preservation commissions to consider, advise, regulate and oversee
building alterations in its local historic districts. In Brookline, the
neighborhoods of Pill Hill (High Street Hill) and Cottage Farm are protected,
and in Newton parts of Newton Upper Falls and Chestnut Hill carry certain
restrictions with respect to alterations. In these neighborhoods, building
permits will not be issued for visible alterations or repairs unless proper
certificates are received from the Preservation Commission.
For more information about local historic
commissions, contact The Jackson Homestead in Newton at 617.552.7238, and/or
the Preservation Commission in Brookline at 617-730-2089.

Cosmetic Improvements >Sunshine Sells
When your home is being shown, you want prospective buyers to feel good as soon as they step into the living room. It pays to give special attention to maximizing the amount of light in your home because dark homes are depressing to many people. When prospective buyers give real estate agents feedback on the homes that we show, they often cite a light, airy feeling as a major attraction.
Begin your preparation for showing your home by cleaning the windows and curtains thoroughly. Open the drapes and blinds to let the sunshine in. Even on a bright day it helps to turn on some lights in the main rooms of the house. If you are using shades or heavy drapes to eliminate a less-than-perfect view, you may want to consider replacing them with translucent curtains in a light color. Sunshine definitely helps to sell homes!
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| Q |
Which estate has two pools--one on the east side for the morning sun and one on the west for afternoon enjoyment?
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| A |
The former estate of John Lennon in Palm Beach has two pools plus guest quarters. |
See More Real Estate Trivia > |
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