Posts Tagged ‘historic’

North Bennington is a picture perfect New England village with cupolas and church steeples dotting the quaint and historic rooftops.  It is the home, past and present, of well-known authors, musicians of national note and poets of international reputation as well as home to Bennington College.   Main Street in its entirety is on the National Historic Register and many of the homes have been lovingly restored by families who appreciate the special quality that this village offers to their children.  North Bennington retains its separate village autonomy and the North Bennington Graded School is one of high parental involvement.   Where else can your children ride their bikes to a small, pristine lake that is maintained by a volunteer board?

If you are looking for a special place to raise a family or to enjoy your retirement - or any stage in between – please click here to see the listings currently available in this very special community.

For some of us, the opportunity to be the owner and caretaker of an historic property is exciting and irresistible.  Add to that the idea of taking something and giving it new life through a new use and we’re hooked!  Such an opportunity presents itself in the former Harwood Hill School House of Bennington that we currently have listed for sale.  Built in 1829, this brick one-room school house was in use until 1960 when it was purchased by Stanley and Marguerite Burnham and converted to their home.

Harwood Hill School was a one room school house for first through eighth grade.  From the late 1930’s through the mid 1940’s there were between fifteen and twenty students enrolled, mostly from nearby Bennington farms.  The school was heated by a coal stove in the back of the room and there were two outhouses, one for boys and one for girls.  A hand operated pump in front of the building provided water.

The property is now a charming two bedroom, one bath home with hardwood floors, exposed beams and a fireplace.

Over the years, I have been privileged to have ben the listing agent for several of Old Bennington’s historic homes including the Jedediah Dewey home (the first minister at Old Bennington’s First Congregational Church), the Governor Robinson manse the Govenor Tichenor residence.  I have also been involved in the sale and listing of both Robert Frost properties in Shaftsbury and many, many other prominent and non-prominent historic properties, all of which have been amazingly sound and historically preserved.  It is a joy to work on these properties from the 18th and early 19th century and to share our knowledge of them with new buyers.

Bennington’s Victorian homes are truly splendid, although many of them were built not far from the industry of their original owneres and as time has progressed, have become a part of our business district.  You will see some of these fine homes now converted to law offices, professional buildings, convalescent centers and Bed & Breakfast use. If built a little later in the 20th century, they may still be in use as residences although they may be situated on a surprisingly small lot for the size of the home.  They remain very popular.  The Arts & Crafts cottages are easily spotted in our fist settled village residential areas and they offer tremendous character and solidly built frames.  They add grace and history to our oldest residential streets.

I could go on and on about the summer homes in Old Bennington built at the turn of the century, including “The Priory” that belonged to Mary Sanford on Monument Circle.  I sold this property in 2001 and the new owners have lovingly restored the entire 3-story home along with returning the gardens to their original splendour – they are spectacular!

Every single historic home has a story; why wouldn’t I love to represent these properties and their very special buyers and sellers?

There are many such fine homes listed in the Bennington area. For more information click here.