Truly a “the whole is greater than the sum of all its parts” example, this one-of-a-kind residence built in 1905 is a remarkable grande dame. Graciously large rooms with countless amenities are within an incredibly well-planned traffic layout that works wonderfully for daily life and, also, is an entertainer’s dream come true — inside and out.
By Barbara Forster GateHouse Media
ADDRESS: 118 Atlantic Ave., Swampscott
BEDROOMS: 5
BATHROOMS: 4 full; 1 half
LIVING SPACE: 4,225 sq. ft.
PRICE: $1,200,000
Truly a “the whole is greater than the sum of all its parts” example, this one-of-a-kind residence built in 1905 is a remarkable grande dame. Graciously large rooms with countless amenities are within an incredibly well-planned traffic layout that works wonderfully for daily life and, also, is an entertainer’s dream come true — inside and out.
What to see
Pause to linger (but only for a moment) on the broad wrap-around porch with a rotunda at one end — it is fabulous. Still, going through the wide front door with leaded glass sidelights does not disappoint.
Everything about the open foyer is inviting from the staircase with decorative turned spindles to the sumptuous millwork. Double crown molding with deep dentil trim, robustly trimmed door and window frames and half fluted, foot-wide archway casings begin here and continue throughout the home.
Fluted columns grace the entrance to the elegant front-to-back living room with wide oak floor boards and an extra-wide fireplace that has a beautifully carved mantel. Floor-to-ceiling windows draw attention to the two tiers of molding that include picture rail and dentil trim surrounding the room.
Another set of fluted columns showcase an extraordinary bump out: a mini version of the living room with a modified coffered ceiling. As sophisticated as the main event, this is, nevertheless, a cozy inviting spot.
French doors with period hardware lead to a comfortable TV/sitting room. Quarter-sawn oak floor boards complement original built-in bookcases with leaded glass doors lining the walls. The oversized windows are gorgeous.
Multi-glass pane French doors also lead to the dining room. Here mahogany bead board wainscoting that is almost six feet high rings almost the entire room. A built-in china cabinet, double crown molding and hardwood flooring are additional timeless period features, but a “bench” — a one-time radiator cover — is the scene stealer. With its intricately carved base, this is now a convenient seating spot.
Folding glass panel doors lead to a delightful multi-purpose room with windows on two walls. A modern version of an old-fashioned “smoking” room, this has “wet bar” in its future. The room is already plumbed. A decorated radiator cover matches the “bench” in the dining room.
Not done yet
A swinging door opens to a most practical butler’s pantry. Adapted to today’s lifestyles, this hard-working space has original (and intact) turn-of-the century cabinetry plus a sink and a full-size washer and dryer. An adjacent half bath has a leaded glass window. Oh, the floor is slate.
The kitchen reflects the design philosophy of the entire home: superb craftsmanship, exquisite details, quality materials, and fine finishes incorporated into beautifully functioning space. Triple crown molding and hardwood flooring showcase “working” elements such as a six-burner gas range and great-looking cabinetry.
While this room has an ample amount of granite countertops, there is sufficient room to add a center island.
Floor-to-ceiling windows are a period touch in the adjacent dining area that seats six or more comfortably.
Then upstairs
Morning sunlight floods the second floor landing with a built-in window seat. Like the level below, oak flooring and triple crown molding are standard features. So are generously sized bedrooms filled with outstanding details and amenities.
Consider the master suite. Three large windows ensure the king-bed size sleeping chamber is always bright. Two double closets fulfill any storage need while the en suite bathroom is a delightful retreat. Mini marble tile in a chevron pattern ratchets up the style level of the surround for the tub/shower combination.
Just beyond a sweet rounded arch in the main hall is another large bedroom with fir flooring and a coffered ceiling. Its adjacent bathroom has six-inch tile wainscoting that is four feet high and a period clawfoot tub. The pedestal sink and marble tile floor are more charming reminders of an earlier era.
Two additional large bedrooms — one has chest-high, white bead board paneling topped by a plate rail — have deep single closets and oak flooring. The shared Jack ’n’ Jill bathroom has a linen closet, a tub/shower combination and an old-fashioned “wood” medicine cabinet with detailed molding.
Up on three
A large skylight is in the third floor landing, which has ample space for furniture. That’s only the beginning.
In addition to a massive walk-in cedar closet with a cove ceiling and skylight, this level has a deep walk-in closet and a huge storage/utility room. There’s more…
Two additional finished rooms — one has a wall of built-in drawers — each have sizable closet space, of course. With the half bathroom, this level has excellent potential as an au pair suite.
About the great outdoors
Fully fenced with electric gates, the huge yard is ideal for all kinds of entertaining from casual cookouts to memorable garden parties. The large hot tub is a bonus.
The three-car garage is equally extraordinary. In addition to a loft with a regulation staircase, this has a basement that is one-and-a-half bays deep plus electricity and plumbing, Nice.
Contact Liz Carlson of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage at 339-927-4173 or 781-631-9511 or by email: liz.carlson@nemoves.com.
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