Wrap yourself in the warmth and charm of this expansive, energy-efficient home with its unusual gift of a first-floor apartment for imaginative new owners, in-laws, or possible renters. Enjoy living in an inviting ten-room haven with a septic system that supports six residents. Located in a lovely rural town west of Boston, the fully air-conditioned home provides the comforts of a spacious primary suite, welcoming living room, and bright dining room. A flexible floor plan provides a variety of living arrangements with the help of two eat-in kitchens, two working fireplaces, and spaces adaptable for bedrooms, a home office, and a large multi-purpose room. Residents of all ages will love this beautiful, inspiring, historic cape and its unusual and useful additions.

Make good use of the first-floor apartment for family or for renting as a possible Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Originally built as an art studio, and then used as an in-law apartment, it has its own entrance, separate utilities, cathedral ceiling, fireplace, updated kitchen, full bath, walk-in closet, and sheltering front porch. To establish a possible ADU, refer to the Massachusetts guidelines.

Appreciate details that make living here easier, healthier, and less expensive:

• The apartment could serve in-laws or other family members, and ADU possibilities could provide income.
• The septic system, rebuilt in 2012, just received Title V 
  certification and, according to the Board of Health, supports six residents.
• The homeowner-owned solar panels on the garage roof reduce electric bills by about 25% and pay the owner about $250 quarterly.
• The town has one of the lowest electric rates in Massachusetts.
• The attic, two basements. and large garage provide generous, dry storage space and easy access to utilities.
• The well water is carefully treated with a water softener, and nitrate mitigation.
• The 2013, oversized, two-car garage has 110-volt outlets for hybrid cars.
• During a power outage, a natural gas generator serves the main house.
• The roof was replaced in 2015.
• Exterior painting was completed in 2020.

Use flexible space to work at home in a snug, private room or in a large, central room supported by a dedicated entrance and lavatory. To investigate the possibility of establishing a business, talk with town’s Building Commissioner about a permit.

Benefit from Pearl Silver “Plus” Certification for energy efficiency:

• The solar system, purchased in 2015, is the “Plus” in the award
• High performance gas furnaces and hot air heat
• Tankless, on-demand hot water
• Programmable thermostats
• Honeycomb blinds on all windows
• Foam on basement sills, fieldstone pointing, and newer gutters, downspouts, and drywell
• Newer siding and insulation added to the older end of the house
• Glass doors to keep warm air from going up the chimney after you enjoy your fireplace

Greet all seasons with this home, known as “Sunnyside.” In the winter, southern exposure warms the house, and in the summer, shade from mature maple trees cools the home and the bluestone front patio where one can feed lively birds all year long. Enjoy the changing seasons on the paths through 48 acres of conservation land which borders the home. Stone walls, mature lilacs, and green groundcover surround the house and its gardens.

Embrace life changes with a separate ground-level entrance suitable for potential ADU income, long-term guests, caregivers, or residents of all ages. This home offers a long-term flexible investment in your future, providing independent, integrated, transitional, multigenerational living or aging in place. 

Love the Location. The extraordinary education offered by Acton-Boxborough’s superb schools is one of the main reasons many families move to Boxborough. The town also offers enjoyment of both country living in an active rural town and easy access to the rich cultural, educational, professional, and recreational opportunities of eastern New England. A short walk or bike ride on tree-shaded roads brings you to over 25 miles of Boxborough’s conservation trails, from paved, handicapped-accessible paths to more rugged, wooded walks. And, in addition to nearby shopping, restaurants, and cinemas, one can find easy access to Route 2 to Boston and Cambridge, and Route 495 to the Cape, New Hampshire, and Maine. Commuters may also take advantage of convenient parking at two nearby Boston/Fitchburg train stations.

Share the Home’s History: The Raymond family built the first room of the cape. The Massachusetts Historical Commission found “the date 1760 was carved in a board … of the barn formerly standing on the property.” The 1775 date shown on the cape seems to honor Joseph Raymond’s role among the Minutemen who marched to Concord’s North Bridge to face the British on April 19, 1775. At Liberty Square, two miles north of his home, a granite monument lists his name and the names of all the local Minutemen who traded their plows for muskets that remarkable morning for “the shot heard round the world.”