Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in one of LandVest’s properties? We invite our owners to tell us a bit about their experience, what they love about their homes, and a bit of their history. Here is what the owners of 100 Wilson Lane in Needham, MA told us about their property, how they came to own it, the improvements they have made to it, and what they love about living here.
How we came to call 100 Wilson Lane “home”
We were looking for a house with a distinctive lifestyle and entertaining character. We wanted space for teenage-to-college children to be able to flourish in a natural landscape with unique waterfront or river frontage in Needham, Dover, or Sherborn. We made our offer the day we saw it.
Why it was the perfect fit
The house is charming to live and entertain in. The outdoors beckon you through the many windows that flood the home with natural light. We wanted to be able to create moments that would lead to a lifetime of memories. The land is a beautiful combination of old-growth trees, rolling hills, wild meadows, trails, pond, and spectacular riverfront on the Charles. There is so much to do, like canoeing, kayaking, and fly fishing (rainbow trout, small and largemouth bass, pike). You can camp out under the stars and sit around a blazing fire by the river or in the North field. Most of all, you can just sit on one of the many decks and patios and let a sunrise or sunset awaken and energize you.
Recent, significant improvements and additions
We have done extensive renovations in the main house, preserving its historical charm and character while doing a thorough update. Exterior upgrades include a newly built three-car carriage house, re-roofing and re-painting the house and cottage, re-grading and re-paving the lengthy driveway, installing an extensive French drain system, planting over 50 new apple and pear trees, and creating extensive lawn and garden space with sprinkler systems. Plus, we added a heated, Endless Pool with an underwater treadmill for year-round exercise.
Favorite room in the house and why
There are too many to pick…our favorite rooms include the barrel-vaulted primary bedroom with café deck overlooking the fields down to the river, the custom bookshelf-lined and fireplaced living room, the old English pub walnut-paneled family room, and the upstairs fireplaced study with its Dutch door opening to the wooded hills and butterfly/bee garden.
An entertainer’s dream
The house is completely shipshape and able to entertain better than a house three times her size. We have held family gatherings, fundraising events, graduation celebrations and even ad hoc “movies in the fields” – setting up a screen and having food trucks come down the lane to cater to a festive evening among friends.
Does the property have any secrets?
We think the property itself is the best kept secret in Needham. It has the look and feel of a secret garden—a place to lift spirits young and old. It is a haven for Great Horned, Barn, and Screech owls. There is a beaver who resides in the skating pond, an otter on the riverbank, and a Bald Eagle that visits from March to May. Deer come through, as do foxes. You live in nature here, even though you can get to Needham Center and the train to Boston in under 5 minutes.
Are there any notable previous owners, architects, or landscaper designers?
The house was owned by Henry Hobson Richardson, one of Boston’s most famous 19th century architects, and has old world trees whose ancestry dates back to the Arboretum. It has been professionally landscaped and intricately designed to maintain original character while providing all the comforts and security of a modern home.
The top 5 (or more) reasons someone should buy this property
- House with unique living charm and entertainment flow.
- Land with character and spectacular waterfront access.
- To be in nature, but no more than a five-minute drive to Needham Center.
- Privacy from a crowded world, with ample room to invite a crowd in to celebrate a special event or an ordinary evening.
- Peace of mind to better pursue professional interests fully charged.
