22 Belknap Court came to market some time ago as a home in desperate need of repair. The home had been occupied but appeared untouched by repairs or upkeep for many years. It languished on the market for hundreds of days. Though abutting the commuter rail, the location was otherwise outstanding and offered access to the entire downtown district. Given the dilapidated condition and location, this type of home only comes to market every once in a while. We don’t often have this type of opportunity in our community these days. It needed a visionary building company or a visionary buyer willing to take on the project. Eventually in May of this year someone stepped up to take on the monumental task and the house closed. It had a new owner and when it closed I knew that whomever bought it needed to truly be a visionary or the purchase would prove to be a mistake.

Jump cut to another day of hard work at my desk in my office when two gentlemen walked in. In the opening moments of that conversation I realized that they could not be nicer guys. They explained that they were the new owners of 22 Belknap Court and had purchased it to renovate and then sell upon completion. Here were the visionaries that the house needed! My curiosity was significant and I hoped they truly knew what they were doing. The jury was still out. I was not involved in the process, so I crossed my fingers and walked over to take a look at what they had done to the place.

Suffice to say I was blown away! The home had a makeover superior to anything I had envisioned. The first thing I noticed was the outstanding amount of sunshine permeating the first floor, and a moment later, I saw that the natural light was outstanding on all three above-grade floors. The quality of construction which included ducted heat pump supply units offering both central air conditioning and heat was a terrific attribute. What was a dark and in all truth, dilapidated structure was now an in-town showpiece for a home of this size. They had gutted the house to its framing and opened the space up. New everything! I learned that it now met today’s strict insulation requirements, and had all new windows, doors, electrical, plumbing, walls etc.. Basically, it had been rebuilt so future owners could enjoy and experience the house as new construction. This construction team had amazing vision and a keen eye for details. That was apparent. I uncrossed my fingers and breathed a sigh of relief. They had given it their all and the result was outstanding. They had breathed new life into a home that desperately needed it. The below grade level had turned into a pleasant finished space and the third floor was reimagined into a primary suite with a full bath. It now had three bedrooms, and two and a half beautiful bathrooms. It was clear to me that this house could now be enjoyed for years to come. One of the hardest things to accomplish when building or renovating a home of this size (1,877 s.f.) is having it offer the feeling that it is all you need. When you consider the light, location, quality of construction, and price, this home is now a spectacular offering.

I lived near the train in a previous home that I had built, which was just a few homes away from this one. My office on Thoreau Street is also close to the commuter rail. Within the first few days of owning my previous home and purchasing my office building, I found the sound and sight of it passing very appealing. It became a reminder that the world around me was an active place and that humanity was doing its thing just outside my door and in my neighborhood. I actually fell in love with that specific attribute until my awareness of it disappeared completely. It just became home, my home.

Did I mention the adorable patio and quaint yard? If not, I do so now. Some condos in Mildam Square have approached this asking price. I have sold many of those condos and they are great; however, if you’re looking for an alternative to condo living where you still want some independence, then this is a spectacular option. If you’re looking for a great new home in the Willard school district that is truly plug and play then this opportunity should be considered seriously. A pied-à-terre in Concord Center? Add this one to your list.

Not a common occurrence. The next person who gets the opportunity to call this home has good fortune indeed.