Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/136432
DREAM HOMES, REDESIGNED New England's top designers add their artful touches to a handful of rare, magnificent estates for sale. BY JESSICA LANIEWSKI A s New England's residential real estate sector continues to ratchet upward in value, more coveted addresses are coming on the market, like the ones shown here. "These estates are truly best of class and unique in their exquisite combination of very hard-to-find features," says Kevin Ahearn of Otis & Ahearn Real Estate. "They include very large square footage, 4,000 to 5,000-plus square feet for condominiums and 7,500 to 10,000 square feet for single-family homes, plus garage parking for multiple cars, large entertaining spaces, luxurious finishes and craftsmanship, high bedroom and bathroom count, separate staff quarters, and roof terraces." The luxury residential real estate sector is showing healthy signs of rebounding, especially in downtown Boston. 98 Higher values and low interest rates have encouraged more buyers to enter the market, fueling strong demand. Properties from Beacon Hill to Cape Cod to Newport have seen growth since last year. Jack Cotton Jr. of Sotheby's International Realty says, "The smart money is focusing on real estate in rare and beautiful places." While these homes are truly exquisite already, we couldn't help but ask a few of New England's best designers to treat these homes as blank canvases for a little interior inspiration. From Federal-style townhouses to mansions built for indoor and outdoor entertaining, these once-in-a-lifetime estates have unique features such as leather ceilings, on-site equestrian rings, private beaches, underground passageways, and hidden gardens, all waiting for the right owner and the light touch of a top-notch designer. BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM 098-105_BC_F_RealEstate_SUM13.indd 98 6/10/13 3:12 PM