Back in the 17th and 18th centuries, farmland constituted Milton as far as the eye could see. You can still feel that rustic charm from 417 Hillside St., a Cape-style home with an attached barn and undeveloped setting in the Scott’s Woods Historic District. Yet, it’s only eight miles from Boston.
“It almost feel like you’re in Vermont,” says realtor Carolyn Cahill. “The property abuts the Blue Hills. People love the proximity to Boston, but also you can feel like you’ve escaped.”
Almost to another time, perhaps. A vintage sign — that will stay with the property — tells of a former owner, Samuel Holmes, and gives a date for when the house was first built: 1810. But it seems Mr. Holmes’ life has faded into history.
“Not much is known about Holmes, I don’t know if he’s important. It’s likely the sign was given out by the historical society at some point,” says Cahill.
According to Cahill, the Cape house was originally part of a larger property that included a much bigger house. The lot was subdivided in 2006 and the main house is now a separate home at number 427.
“Also, we do know that the house was nicknamed The Jug, which meant a pen or small enclosure,” says Cahill. “That was probably because of its small size. The current owner’s great-grandfather was a Latin professor at Harvard, and this house was used for troubled boys, to help the community.”
At some point, the breezeway was added to connect to a lovely old-style barn.
“The barn is a replica,” says Cahill. “The original apparently was devastated in the blizzard of ’78 and rebuilt. The barn has such potential for development.
“This house is surrounded by million-dollar homes. You cannot overimprove this house.”
Buy Now
417 Hillside St. is a single-family Cape with approximately 1,000 square feet of living space, two beds and two baths. It’s set on almost two acres with a one-car ga-rage. Original interior features include two fireplaces and wide-plank flooring. Listing price: $649,000. Agents: Laura and Carolyn Cahill, RE/MAX Landmark. 617-947-6219. www.cahillproperties.com
