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 Hemenway Road Waterfront, told us about their property, how they came to own it, and what they love about living here.
Location, Location, Location
The property is located on a tidal basin called Forest River. The waterfowl and fish activity changes continuously as the tide comes in and out, as well as throughout the different seasons. The basin also allows some water sports, but only while the tide is high. The property is well protected by the Forest River Park that juts out on the north and northeast sides, Marblehead on the east, and Jeggle Island on the southeast. Even in stormy weather, rough water is never seen in our protected area.
We built two 15’x27’ porches that face the water with an easterly view. This allows for morning sun, including some great sunrises. Facing east, we have great morning light in our kitchen, dining room, and living room areas. This also allows for wonderful shade and comfort on our porch during warm summer days. Our lower porch is a great place to read, eat and just sit and enjoy the view.
The winter season provides wonderful experiences with regard to snowstorms and iceberg formations. Because we enjoy the ocean, we have also had small power and sailboats that we moored right behind the house for much of the last 50 years.
9 Hemenway Road Lot
We made an arrangement with the owner of the Lot that abuts 11 Hemenway to the north that we could buy it as soon as we could afford to do so. In 1990 we bought the Lot. Plus, after many trips to Japan, Pat wanted to design and make a Japanese garden. So we hired a contractor to put in a stone wall and hired Bruce Applebaum to design our garden. Bruce had studied gardening at Sophia University and was designing Japanese gardens in eastern MA. He now resides in Israel and continues to design Japanese gardens.
Osgood Park
Next door is a 100’x200’ park that also has a boat ramp and a sandy beach. The park is held by a private organization. It allows an exclusive right to become members for some 67 families, who form our neighborhood. It was formed some 110 years ago and has been a joy to those living in its neighborhood. Over the years, private parties have been held by many neighbors, including a golf day, lobster bakes, lamb roasts, and our great 4th of July parties. These 4th of July parties have been attended by as many as 250 +/- neighbors, family, and friends. We had as many as 36 of our family and friends attend and enjoy the day. The park and the parties have always given neighbors an opportunity to get together.
Coming and Going…
How did we get here:
In 1970, my mother told me about this house being up for sale. Knowing the area, she said, “You have to buy it.” We had already sold our house, but the owner had a change of heart and said she could not sell it. About a year later, we were about to make a bid on a house in Manchester-by-the-Sea, and, lo and behold, Blanche Reed called; she now wanted to sell again. There was one caveat that I would have to drive her around beforehand until she found another suitable place to live. I did drive her for a few weekends to about two dozen places until she found one that she liked. We were all thrilled.
Why are we leaving:
We planned our life to, fortunately, be able to remain here for the rest of our lives. But, in the past two years, we’ve slowed down a bit and now feel that it is the right time to leave our beautiful home to another young family.
For additional information on Hemenway Road Waterfront or properties on Boston’s North Shore, please contact Lanse Robb, lrobb@landvest.com or 978.590.0056, or Sophie Soman, ssoman@landvest.com or 617.529.1258.
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