Prior Farm | Duxbury, Massachusetts
Only 40 minutes from downtown Boston and exactly half-way to Cape Cod, is the historical storybook town of Duxbury. First settled by the pilgrims in 1637, Duxbury grew to world prominence in the 1700’s as a shipbuilding hub, and was home to the captains of that romantic era.
Preserved to this day are some of the greatest antique homes and estates in the country. In the early 1900’s Duxbury became famous for its 8 mile sandy barrier beach and the quiet bay it protects.
Now those captains’ homes, shingle style summer residences and waterfront compounds are the lively backdrop for the modern lifestyles of families and individuals looking for the relaxed charm, and convenient access Duxbury provides.
Just a few of the larger land parcels of the old estates in the village still exist, and rarely are available for sale.
The original Prior Farm is central to Duxbury’s old village, situated off of Depot Street and Prior Farm Road, and offered now for only the second time in half a century.
Enter this incredibly unique retreat set on 8 distinctive acres and escape to a luxurious tranquility.
An understated approach defines the property’s simple, yet elegant character, with stone walls, split rail fencing, mature flowering trees and glow of the ever-changing meadow.
A true masterpiece of landscape architecture, the individual outdoor spaces have been brilliantly designed and thoughtfully connected to create a virtual botanical haven surrounding the main residence.
A slow and impressive restoration of the home, built in 1732, incorporated new additions, a barn-to-guest cottage renovation, and a $200,000 pool installation.
A perfect and splendid location for seasonal entertaining, large or small gatherings, family outings, even the occasional private function, Prior Farm has been described by it’s visitors as a retreat of the highest quality; park-like, with all the elements of a rejuvenating spa, sunny, warm and cozy, yet cool and breezy under it’s majestic trees.
In typical Duxbury fashion, the formal entrance is set aside for special occasions, while the more casual and convenient everyday main door is a greeting to a true measure of expert period craftsmanship.
Unusually high ceilings for the time mark the success of the builder and first owner, and the grand hearth and fireplace are as majestic as they were almost three hundred years ago.
A conservative modern kitchen with up-to-date amenities completes the integral flow of the classic colonial central chimney design.
Function lends to the friendly atmosphere of three wood burning and one gas fireplace downstairs. A total of 11 rooms in the house, include 4 full bathrooms, and up to five possible bedrooms.
The large year round sunroom brings outside in with a picturesque view of the pool and grounds, and is the main living room of the home.
The formal living room can be found in the northeast corner room, just off of the traditional “borning room”, and beyond the occasional dining room.
Signature craftsmanship can be noted throughout, from the mantles to the wide pine floors, distinctively pre-revolutionary American.
Stretching westward is the wing that currently is used as an office and sitting room, but also has all the components to serve as a first floor master bedroom.
There are front and back staircases, smartly located for easy up and down.
The simplicity is significant upstairs, four bedrooms, circle around a spacious common area with a gas lit fireplace.
All the systems are up to date and feature 2 zones of forced hot air by oil and the comfort of 2 zones of central air conditioning.
The total living area of the main house equals 3,606 square feet.
The guest cottage is a separate, cathedral ceiling, three room gem, complete with full bathroom, kitchenette, and loft.
A detached two car garage with adjoining workshop is an easy 20 paces from the kitchen, keeping the theme of outdoor to indoor flow and the charm of a plantation compound.
The dual level deck surrounds the gunnite pool with state of the art pebble tech finish and chlorine free healthcare system.
Expanded features include a full alarm system for security and a well fed irrigation system.
Within walking distance to Duxbury’s shops and less than half of a mile to Shipyard Lane beach, the location cannot be surpassed for private land so close to town.
On the southwest perimeter of the grounds is the sought after Meeting House neighborhood, offering less traveled streets and large, exceptional homes.
Prior Farm is not just a residence, it is an experience to behold, a collection of spaces capturing time and imagination.
Offered at $2,250,000 this well appointed and unique property is a delightful departure from the normal. You are cordially invited to come and view this one of a kind residence in the heart of old Duxbury.
For a personal tour of this wonderful home, contact Stephen D. Johnson of THE SOBRAN GROUP at 781.749.3311.
