What makes your home a Green or Healthy Home?
Updated with an eye to conservation, all appliances are Energy-Star rated. The new gas direct-vent FHA furnace and AC system include continuous-clean whole house fan with an anti-bacterial UV light, electrostatic filter and whole-house humidifier... All the modern amenities you need to keep your family happy and healthy, within budget. A programmable thermostat and thermostatically controlled attic fan round out the set of energy-wise mechanical systems.
It should be noted, however, that the distinctive massive roof design of the Craftsman Bungalow lends itself to great solar gain in the winter months, with reduced solar gain in the summer months. To add natural light to the north side bathroom and sun room we installed hurricane-rated Sun Domes. They function by increasing ambient light without introducing harmful UV rays. You can see in these rooms by moonlight!
Lastly, we reintroduced an aerial HDTV roof antenna and rotary directional device to remove ourselves from the cable/satellite media grids. This set-up produces an uncompressed HD digital signal from all the local broadcasting stations (CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, WB, PBS... etc.). Cable and satellite dish services cannot make the same claim.Property Description
This charming house is likely a Craftsman "kit" Bungalow. Built sometime between 1928-1930, this house was maintained as a 2 bedroom for 50+ years until expansion to the 2nd floor became necessary.
By the early 1990s we know the house had 4 qualified bedrooms, as a new septic was installed in 1994 for a "4-bedroom house" (This means the house can be expanded to add another bedroom, an important factor to us when we decided to purchase this property). By 1996 the second floor was changed to an open floor plan, eliminating one of the 2 upstairs bedrooms, but creating a wonderful family room and open office area.
This last transformation by these prior owners included the upgrade to a 200 amp electrical service with a second floor sub-panel. There are outlets and cable ports galore... computer and electronic equipment can go anywhere!
To complete what was started, we went about insulating the whole house where no insulation existed, upgrading all the plumbing and mechanical systems, renovating the kitchen to improve work space and flow, adding Energy-star rated appliances at every turn, including a dual-fuel range with gas cooktop and electric convection oven for restaurant results, improving the original windows and front door, adding period appropriate finishes (most notably introducing William Morris papers to the foyer and living room), and rehabilitating the woodwork throughout. We relied heavily on architectural salvage businesses to meet our needs for authentic bathtubs, doors, and hardware, and for access to reclaimed slate for kitchen countertops. We reused and recycled whatever we could whenever it made sense.
Our big change came in the winter of 2004 when we completed an addition that added a full bathroom, and sun room with storage loft and built-in storage benches. Now this house is loaded with storage space... to say nothing of the basement storage! Our family of 4 managed very well here and would have stayed, if not for a job relocation.
Neighborhood Description
The house is located on Ballard Hill in easy reach of Rtes 2, 190, and 495... the main arteries into Boston, Worcester, or to get to Manchester, NH and Providence, RI. There are adjacent properties, but the rear yard is sheltered by a mile-and-a-half deep woods, which makes for a fantastic display in autumn.
We are located in the bucolic town of Lancaster, and like so many older properties in New England towns, are on a primary route which sees some traffic in the early mornings and late afternoons. And common to these old towns, most areas are mix-use... residential combined with the occasional business. In our case, that includes a wholesale nursery selling trees, a real estate office housed in a barn, and an internet based truck and RV parts business (most of their traffic is UPS and FEDX).Market Area
Incorporated in 1653, Lancaster is the oldest town in Worcester County. It remains the Mothertown to 9 breakaway towns (Sterling, Leominster, Harvard, Hudson, Bolton, Berlin, Boylston, West Boylston and Clinton). Lancaster boasts having Atlantic Union College in its midsts, the historic landmark of the "First Church of Christ Unitarian" designed by renowned architect Charles Bulfinch, and the geological wonder of a drumlin, Dexter Drumlin, perfectly made for sledding, sightseeing, and stargazing. In addition, Lancaster is home to 4 private schools and is part of a phenomenal public school system. Beautiful Tower Hill Botanic Garden is a mere 20 minutes away, and well worth a visit- or membership!School District
Nashoba Regional/Minuteman RegionalCommunity
http://www.ci.lancaster.ma.us/Pages/LancasterMA_WebDocs/aboutLocation of Home or Land
Rural
Air Quality
| Agriculture in Area | yes |
| Industry in Area | no |
| Air Pollution in Area | no |
| Pesticide Free | yes |
| Fragrance Free | yes |
| Cleaned with Green Products | yes |
Interior Environment
| Heating System | Forced Air - Gas |
| Cooling System | Conventional Forced Air - A/C |
| Ventilation System | Part of Cooling System |
| Whole House Filtration | Other |
| Whole House Vacuum | no |
Energy & Water
| Water System | Municipal |
| Wastewater System | Septic System |
Construction Information
| Exterior Finish | Shingles - Wood Wood |
| Interior Finish | Gypsum Board - Sheet Rock |
| Interior Paint | Other |
| Floor Material | Carpet |
| Roof Material | Asphalt Composition Shingle |
| Window Material | Vinyl or Vinyl Clad |
| Insulation Material | Cotton Batt |
Garage / Car Port
| Garage / Carport | no |
| Garage Type | attached |
| Number of Cars | 3 |
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