Latest news with #historicproperty
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Founding Father John Hancock's home is on the real estate market in Boston. Take a look
Members of the public have the chance to buy the house of the man who first signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The 5,748-square-foot home of first Massachusetts Governor and Second Continental Congress President John Hancock is now on the market, according to Landvest real estate. The building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is "the last extant property associated with the founding father in Boston." The price of the building is available upon request. "The building consists of (three) stories, with many of the Later Georgian interior details still intact, and remains the only vernacular structure dating to the mid 1700s to survive in central Boston," according to the Landvest website. The building is currently in use as a law office. "A fixture on Boston's iconic Freedom Trail, the property is minutes from City Hall, Faneuil Hall, North Station, the Haymarket and Government Center T stops, and is a short walk across the Greenway to the North End, the Waterfront, and the Boston Harbor commuter ferry services," the list said. How can people go about buying the home? Unlike most real estate, the price for this home is only available on request. Interested parties need to go to where they can express interest in the home, and arrange a tour. The real estate agent representing the home is Dave Killen, who can be reached at (508) 451-0020. One report on the sale of the home states that Boston assessed the property at $1.6 million. What to know about John Hancock Aside from being the President of the Second Continental Congress, the first Massachusetts governor, and the first to sign the Declaration of Independence, "Hancock used his wealth and influence to aid the movement for American independence," according to the History Channel. He started his career as a Boston selectman in 1765, and then moved into the Massachusetts colonial legislature. This was right around the time that British Parliament started levying tax laws on the colonies that spurred the American Revolution, which Hancock found himself at the center of. "Hancock came into direct conflict with the British in 1768, when one of his merchant ships, the Liberty, was seized in Boston Harbor by British customs officials who claimed Hancock had illegally unloaded cargo without paying the required taxes," the History Channel stated. "Hancock was a popular figure in Boston, and the seizure of his ship led to angry protests by local residents. He's perhaps most famous for his bold signature on the Declaration of Independence. Legend says "Hancock boldly inscribed his name so the English king would not need glasses to read it," the History Channel said. Lesser known, he was a candidate against George Washington in the first U.S. presidential election. Considering Washington was the heavy favorite, Hancock only received four votes. Hancock died at age 56 on Oct. 8, 1793 and was buried at the Granary Burying Ground in Boston. This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: John Hancock's Boston home is on the real estate market. Take a look Solve the daily Crossword
Fox News
6 days ago
- Business
- Fox News
Historic medieval monastery once visited by legendary kings hits market with royal catch
A jaw-dropping medieval property is on the real estate market in England, offering a pastoral life to interested buyers – but there's a catch. The property, called St. John's Jerusalem, was originally used by a group of warrior monks called the Knights Hospitallers. It's located in the historic village of Sutton-at-Hone in Kent. The house dates back to the 12th century, according to real estate agency Strutt & Parker. It functioned as a preceptory, or a local headquarters/monastery for the knights, who fought in the Crusades. "Dating from 1199 and set in moated gardens with a lodge cottage and former deer park, this historic house is privately set in a wonderful and very private and protected setting," the listing reads. The main house was remodeled in the Georgian era, still retaining some medieval charm. It boasts eight bedrooms, a high-ceilinged drawing room and a modernized kitchen. The listing calls the main building a "wonderfully atmospheric home of exceptional quality," featuring a 13th-century chapel at its east end. "The house is approached by a long carriage driveway, which meanders through the former deer park, beginning beside the two-bedroom lodge cottage … and ending at a generous turning circle with a central lawn in front of the house," the listing says. "This is a rare chance to acquire the opportunity to live in and care for this house." The whole package is being sold in the range of £3,250,000 – equal to over $4.4 million U.S. dollars. The catch? The property is not being sold outright — and plans call for it to be handed back to the National Trust in less than a century. The lease ends on Sept. 29, 2122. Edward Church, the real estate agent for the property, told Fox News Digital that listings like St. John's Jerusalem are rare. "These are among the most special houses as they are in the custodianship of this body that protects houses of national importance," Church said. "This is a rare chance to acquire the opportunity to live in and care for this house." The agent also noted it's possible to extend the lease in the future. Church added, "The lease is a necessary item and is something that really only exists in very rare circumstances." Though the lease might dull the appeal of the listing FOR some, whoever purchases the property will be walking in the steps of kings. The 24-acre property was also regularly frequented by legendary medieval leaders, including King John and Henry III, with the earliest-recorded visit in 1214. "Subsequently, the lease of the buildings and lands was given to a series of important royal favorites with London connections such as John de Pulteney, who built Penshurst Place and Thomas Cromwell," the listing notes. "The Order's lands in England, Sutton-at-Hone included, were confiscated and sold off by Henry VIII in 1540." The property also boasts a garden "like no other," complemented by an idyllic moat of a chalk stream and English yews, per Strutt & Parker. The current owners "have respected the history of the site (and the extensive archaeology beneath), including a garden of medicinal plants that complements the history of the Knights Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem, who established the original preceptory on the site," the listing adds. "An orchard (reflecting that established by naturalist Abraham Hill in 1670, who was responsible for introducing the Kentish Pippin apple to Kent) and a nuttery are found to the south of the house."
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Fashion Designer Richard Tyler's Dapper Pasadena Villa Can Now Be Yours for $12.5 Million
An Italian Renaissance Revival villa in Pasadena, California, has a storied history befitting its spectacular appearance. Envisioned more than a century ago by the architect Reginald Davis Johnson, the $12.5 million abode is being brought to market by Australian fashion designer Richard Tyler and his wife, Lisa Trafficante. Tyler acquired the property back in 1998, but instead of buying the Pasadena estate in a traditional sense, he traded a mansion in the Hollywood Hills for it. Prior to Tyler and Trafficante making the grand residence their home, it had a suite of important owners, including the chemist and scholar Arno Behr, whose wife named the property 'Villa Arno' in his honor. George Penner at Compass and Michelle Trafficante at Ashby & Graff now hold the listing. More from Robb Report American Travelers Have Less Buying Power Abroad This Summer-Here's Why This $65 Million Working Ranch Near Colorado's Steamboat Springs Spans Almost 11,000 Acres Lamborghini Just Unveiled a Pure V-8 Powered Temerario Race Car Sitting on about an acre, the estate encompasses a five-bedroom, five-bath main residence and a one-bedroom, one-bath guest house. A classic black-and-white tiled floor lines the entrance gallery, which opens to the spare formal living room and the more eccentrically appointed library, both with fireplaces. While many of the rooms have an Old World atmosphere, thanks to the original Palladian doors, soaring ceilings, and period woods, the kitchen strikes a contrasting note. The modern space includes stainless-steel appliances and sleek white cabinetry, with a butcher's block island smack-dab in the center. The primary suite is upstairs, where the bedroom is accompanied by both a dressing room and a sunroom, plus a walk-through closet and bathroom. Two more ensuite bedrooms are found up here, with two more bedrooms downstairs on the ground floor. The private guest house is a fully livable space with a kitchen and a fireplace-warmed living room. Outside, the pool setup adds to the Italian ambience. The swimmer's pool is surrounded by beach loungers and cabanas, from which you can imagine you're on the Riviera. The outdoor dining area is equipped with a grill and a fireplace, while the landscaping includes a hidden rose garden and calming water features. Villa Arno was initially conceived as the winter home of a New York doctor, who sold it to Behr before the property could be finished. Subsequent owners included a 1930s interior designer, the onetime president of the Southern California Gas Company, and the artist Earle Hugens. Thanks to both this ownership history and the home's architectural legacy, it was honored as a Cultural Heritage Landmark back in 1977, and it has the potential to be added to the California Register of Historical Resources and the National Register of Historic of Robb Report The 10 Priciest Neighborhoods in America (And How They Got to Be That Way) In Pictures: Most Expensive Properties Click here to read the full article.
CTV News
14-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
City of Orillia regains ownership of historic former train station sold in 2019
A former train station at 150 Front Street South in Orillia, Ont., is designated as being of cultural heritage and interest. The City of Orillia has regained ownership of a historic former train station it sold six years ago after the property was deemed surplus. On Monday, the City announced it had exercised an option it had reserved in the 2019 sale to purchase the 2.4 acre property at 150 Front Street South. Mayor Don McIsaac said the re-acquisition is a crucial step in preserving Orillia's heritage. 'This building has stood for more than a century and holds a deep connection to our city's railway and civic history,' he said. 'We're proud to bring it back into public hands and look forward to exploring its future potential.' The Front Street South property was listed for sale in October 2018 for $900,000 and after multiple offers, council accepted one that it said exceeded its asking price, however, the purchaser's plans never materialized. The property was built in 1917 as a Grand Trunk Railway station and is the only unmodified railway station in the Sunshine City. After passenger rail service ended, the building was repurposed for government services and was once home to the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce. It's unclear what the future plans are for the property, but the City had previously explored transforming it into a municipal transit hub, which hit a wall based on the property's heritage designation, among other issues.
Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Thatched cottage's previous owners were 'surprised and 'disappointed' when 300-year-old local landmark was torn down as they reveal: 'We didn't sell it to be demolished'
The previous owners of a 300-year-old cottage that was mysteriously demolished have revealed they are disappointed by the decision. Villagers have been left baffled by the identity of a local homeowner who employed a 'rough' gang of workers to demolish a beloved local landmark. The previous owners of the 17th century home in the village of Nursling, near Southampton in Hampshire was an estates company linked to a philanthropic organisation, the Barker-Mill Foundation. They sold the property along with a parcel of land which had full planning permission for another dwelling in April of this year. But an anonymous source from the foundation told MailOnline that they were surprised by the decision of the property's new owners and revealed this was never their intention. Neighbours said they first believed workers were coming in to re-thatch the roof of the two-bedroom historic property and were shocked when a JCB digger arrived instead. Test Valley Borough Council said they had not been made aware of plans to tear down the two-bedroom home and have now launched an investigation in to the demolition. Locals in Nursling, near Southampton in Hampshire, said the 17th century property was regarded as the 'hallmark' of their parish and was even featured on the front cover of a local history book. The previous owners of the 17th century two bedroom home in the village of Nursling, near Southampton in Hampshire had sold the property with full planning permission in April Residents have said they were shocked by the destruction with some even calling for those responsible to be 'locked up' with others confessing they felt robbed of a piece of their local history. And it seems those linked with the property are in agreement. They told MailOnline: 'We sold it with planning permission for a building plot to the cottage. 'We didn't sell it to be demolished. We were, dumbfounded is too strong, but highly surprised and slightly disappointed it was knocked down.' The last planning application in relation to the cottage was submitted to the council in 2022, seeking to build a new home on the land next to the cottage. This application was approved by Test Valley, but no work has yet started on the separate dwelling. Planning portfolio holder, Councillor Phil Bundy, said: 'I was made aware on Sunday evening that Wychwood Cottage had been demolished at the weekend. 'Test Valley Borough Council was not notified of this work in advance. One residents said she saw a gang of 'rough' men come over to start work but hadn't expected anything as drastic as a demolition and added there were no signs to warn residents 'Whilst the cottage was not a listed building, TVBC is currently investigating the matter. 'This includes establishing whether the owners followed the correct planning procedures, and the council is in contact with them to understand why it was demolished.' One neighbor who wished to remain anonymous, who lives opposite where Wychwood Cottage once stood described how a gang of 'rough' men come over to start work on the house and that within two days it had been demolished. The 39-year-old said: 'They looked quite rough, there were no signs or anything. 'They had a tipper truck. We thought they were rethatching it, they put plastic sheets up, but obviously they were taking the thatch down.' The local added the village had previously tried to get the cottage listed but were unsuccessful. The resident told MailOnline: 'I know we did try to get it listed back in February. We were told it had been altered a few years ago. I don't know who owns it.' Older Nursling residents were particularly angered by the decision to knock down a cottage they had such fond memories of. James Rooney, 90, said he thought those responsible should be 'locked up' for their 'disgusting' actions. The retired builder said: 'It is disgusting, whoever did it needs to be locked up. 'We heard them doing work but did not know they were going to take it down. 'One of the last things I heard was the old lady that was living there wrote to the council because it was falling apart. 'All I know is it was a lovely old cottage.' Jess Craig, 39, echoed Ms Huckle's comments about the demolition crew and said that they were definitely not a 'corporate company'. The full-time mother said the destruction of the beautiful property 'happened pretty quick' and she noticed workmen who looked like tree surgeons working on the house which took just two days to tear down. She said: 'It was a lovely cottage, one minute it was there and the next it was gone. 'I saw what looked like tree surgeons at one point and the scaffolding with sheeting around it and then it was gone. 'It was about two days, it definitely didn't look like a corporate company.' Lawrence Harfield, 71, who has lived in the Hampshire village for two decades said he couldn't believe his eyes when a JCB digger moved in and began smashing down the property. Registered nurse Karen Williams, 42, said everyone in the area is 'really upset' at the demolition which came completely out of the blue. 'I am really saddened and shocked that it has been demolished,' she said. 'I looked at the planning portal and from what I can see the only one is for the land adjacent, they did a heritage thing so the building was protected. 'Everyone round here is really upset. I just knew it was up for sale last year, it came with the planning permission for the adjacent land. 'I heard them demolishing it, I didn't realise what was going on until I saw it on the Facebook page. 'Everyone is saddened, it is a piece of our history that has been taken away, there isn't much of the old village left. In a listing on estate agent Giles Wheeler's website the cottage was described as having a generous 0.15 acre garden and was located close to the centre of Nursling Village within one and half miles of Junction 3 of M27 motorway. The property, which was sold earlier this year was listed with a guide price of £400,000 while pictures on the website showed a bright and tidy interior with a galley kitchen, modern shower room and large, wood-panelled bedrooms upstairs. Downstairs boasted a large open plan living space with wooden beams in the ceiling, bay windows and built-in cupboards and apart from some minor superficial marks on the off-white walls, the house appeared in good condition. An additional listing also gave details about the history of the house revealing it had previously been renovated in 2000 and that estimated thatching costs for the roof, excluding VAT, might cost as much as £20,000 for the whole roof. It also revealed that full planning permission had been granted in July 2023 for the construction of 'dwelling with new access, parking and landscaping, and alterations to existing access'.
