A remarkable piece of Hartwell history is waiting for someone to give it a new chapter.
Located on the highly sought-after historic Benson Street, this striking Victorian residence combines old-world character, generous living spaces, and a collection of unique features that are increasingly difficult to find in today’s housing market.
Set on just over one acre within the city limits, the property offers approximately 3,760 square feet of living space, along with five bedrooms and three full bathrooms. For buyers who appreciate historic architecture and homes with a story to tell, this property offers plenty to discover.
Built in the late 19th century, the home immediately catches attention with its distinctive Victorian architecture. The exterior features an iconic turret, an expansive wraparound porch, balcony, wood siding, and classic curb appeal.
The porch creates an inviting transition between the home’s historic exterior and the spacious grounds surrounding it. Inside, the house continues to showcase its traditional character.
The versatile floor plan includes a formal dining room, elegant parlor, living room, cozy den, sunroom, screened porch, and office. These spaces provide numerous options for entertaining guests, relaxing with family, or creating dedicated areas for work and hobbies.
Perhaps the most memorable feature is the home’s nine fireplaces. Spread throughout the residence, they add a remarkable sense of history and visual character. While modern heating and cooling systems provide everyday comfort, the fireplaces serve as reminders of an era when they were an essential part of a home’s design.
The kitchen is equipped with a convection oven, cooktop, dishwasher, disposal, and refrigerator. Hardwood flooring adds warmth throughout the interior, while the primary bedroom is located on the main level and includes a walk-in closet. Two of the home’s three bathrooms are also located on the main level. But the property doesn’t stop with the main house.
One of its most intriguing aspects is the presence of additional structures, including a detached smokehouse and a tiny home or guest cottage. Both structures offer potential for renovation and creative reuse. Depending on local regulations and the eventual owner’s plans, they could provide additional guest accommodations, hobby areas, private workspaces, or potential rental space.
The grounds provide another major attraction. With approximately 1.03 acres, the property offers considerably more outdoor space than many homes located within city limits. The fenced backyard provides privacy, while the large porch, screened porch, and balcony create multiple places to enjoy the surrounding property. The home is a two-story single-family residence with no basement and off-street parking. Central heating and central air conditioning are already part of the property, while the classic composition roof and wood exterior complement its historic design.
For a buyer searching for a modern, move-in-ready house, this property may require a different mindset. Its greatest appeal lies in its history, architecture, space, and potential. Preserving and updating a historic residence of this scale can allow its distinctive details to remain part of everyday life while introducing improvements suited to modern living. At $485,000, 252 Benson St presents an opportunity to own a substantial Victorian property in Hartwell with five bedrooms, three bathrooms, nearly 3,800 square feet, nine fireplaces, more than an acre of land, and two additional structures. For anyone drawn to historic homes with distinctive architecture and plenty of room for restoration and personalization, this Benson Street residence is a property with a story—and plenty of potential chapters still to come.
From Zillow