OLD FARM, NEW GROWTH

By Teri Borseti, Globe correspondent
June 1, 2002

LEXINGTON - Not long ago, this was a rural town dotted with farms and animals and barns. Agriculture was part of the town's heritage.

Today, this municipality northwest of Boston is a suburb, and there aren't many farms or barns left. That's why the town's leaders objected recently when a developer wanted to tear down a dilapidated red barn that was teetering against a tree off Wood Street, in order to build a new neighborhood on what used to be Schumacher Farm.

The Lexington Historical Commission ordered that the barn be reused and incorporated into the 16-unit condominium complex, Olde Smith Farm, which is being developed by Stabile Homes of Merrimack, N.H.

David Kelland of the Historical Commission said John Stabile, chairman of Stabile Cos., was sensitive to the argument that a building illustrating Lexington's traditions should be preserved.

"That barn might have been in bad shape, but it's a symbol of Lexington's history, and we didn't want to lose it," Kelland said. "Lexington was originally a farm town, but now there are very few real barns left, so we're pleased with its reuse."

The development company had the structure, including the foundation, taken apart. Timbers were numbered and sent to Great Northern Barns Construction Co. in Canaan, N.H., to be dipped in boric acid and restored. Back at the site, a crew reassembled the building, much like a big puzzle, and painted it yellow. Two new homes in the circa 1923 barn offer original pegs and exposed beams.

"These units will probably appeal to people who like an eclectic mix of styles," Stabile said. "The condos have contemporary flair, but wood beams and columns, pewter chandeliers, wide-board floors, and beaded-board cabinets give them a rustic feel."

The three-floor, two-bedroom units (one of which has a loft) are listed for sale at $600,900 and $620,900. (The rest of the homes in Olde Smith Farm are priced at $600,000 to $900,000.)

Construction is well underway; four homes have been sold. The wooded six-acre parcel is near Route 128 in the northwest section of this town rich in Colonial history.

Collaborative Cos. of Chelmsford is marketing the homes, and while it's targeting empty-nesters, there are no age restrictions.

Said Sue Hawkes, managing director: "We worked closely with the architect, Egan Associates of Natick, because we really wanted this development to look like a little village. I've worked in Lexington in the past, and I know the town prefers new construction to blend with what's already here."

Hawkes said the one- and two-story condos will have a traditional look. Some will be duplexes; others will be freestanding single homes. Most will have first-floor master suites. All will have basements, garages, decks or patios, and gas fireplaces.

Schumacher Farm was a produce and chicken farm. A mature rhododendron garden was preserved, and Stabile plans to incorporate it into walking trails behind the homes. The subdivision borders conservation land known as the Gail Smith Gardens.