26 Barnes Branch Rd, Ashfield, MA 01370

This octagonal house is large enough for a family of 4, and has some charming qualities, such as the bannister/balusters constructed from young trees, for the staircase going up to the second floor, or the reused front door that is ornamented with stain glass. The insulated walkout basement has a concrete floor and is very dry. Passive solar and cellulose insulation, along with the open floor plan of the downstairs makes this octagonal house very easy to heat in the winter. On a sunny day in the winter, a small fire in the wood stove is sufficient in keeping the house warm and cozy. Generally, only 2.5 - 3 cords are needed. The Hearthstone wood stove was purchased in 2008, and has been meticulously maintained, along with the chimney having been cleaned annually. A propane wall heater provides excellent back up. Propane also runs the hot water heater, the cook stove and the clothes dryer. Trees on the south side provide shade by early afternoon, so it is a rare summer evening that a fan has to be used. A new roof was installed in 2015, using shingles rated for 30 years. The front porch was rebuilt the same year. Some finish work is needed in the interior, but it is a very solidly constructed building, with 2 x 6's used in the basic framework of the house. In fact, as the house is so sturdy and solid, I do not have to rake snow off of the roof, in the winter, and because of the quality of the insulation, there are no ice dams. Being an octagon, the wide angles and open floor plan of the downstairs presents a wonderful flow, from the living room into the dining area and into the kitchen. The master bedroom has a vaulted ceiling. There is a patch of 18 blueberry bushes, most of which are bearing and a fenced in garden area that could easily be reopened for vegetables. Internet is currently provided by a dish, with it working very well. Fiber optics are slated to come in by 2019. (Currently under agreement, but I am open to back up offers)