$400,000 Homes in Indiana, Massachusetts and Arkansas – The New York Times

Built in the late 1850s for Leander A. Plummer, the founder of a cordage company that made ropes for whaling ships, the house was originally called Morelands and faced east. At some point in the 19th century, it was rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise, leaving the original front stoop at the side of the building. It is about a mile southwest of the heart of New Bedford and two blocks north of St. Lukes Hospital. A ferry terminal with boats to Marthas Vineyard, Nantucket and Cape Cod is within walking distance. The closest beach is about a five-minute drive, and Boston is 60 miles north.

Size: 5,130 square feet

Price per square foot: $77

Indoors: The entry hall is anchored by the original curving staircase and a recently added period light fixture with milk-glass shades.

Solid wood doors open to large, elegant rooms, including a library with arched windows with spiderweb muntins and louvered shutters. The fireplace is surrounded by Delft tiles believed to have been added in the late 19th century. The mantel landscape painting was done by the owners son, Leander A. Plummer II, a Paris-trained artist who also painted the wildlife scene on the door of a receiving room to the right of the front entrance. Double doors open to a windowed bay that holds a tiled solarium.

In the living room, the fireplace surround is simple black marble, topped by a large gilt-framed mirror. Delft tiles reappear around the firebox of the dining room, where they represent biblical themes, including David and Goliath. In this room, the floorboards are chestnut, the ceiling is coffered and Gothic arches carved in relief run along the walls, below the crown molding.

Ascending the stairs, which are illuminated by a restored decorative skylight, you reach the second floor. This level has five large bedrooms, two small rooms, two bathrooms and a space renovated as a possible laundry area. A front bedroom has a pair of tall arched windows with louvered shutters that overlook Hawthorn Street. Another bedroom includes fireplace tiles with animal pictures (a dodo, kangaroo and flamingo among them).

The third floor has been insulated and covered in Sheetrock, but is otherwise unfinished; it has an additional four rooms and a bathroom. The kitchen, which is on the main floor, is described by the owners as very basic and requires renovation.

See the rest here:
$400,000 Homes in Indiana, Massachusetts and Arkansas - The New York Times