Head for the Hills

Could it be that a tiny village only 30 miles from Boston has the best water views on the South Shore?

Marshfield Hills is the hill village that sits above the winding course of the North River. If you enter the Hills from Main Street and wind your way down to where the streets are named for the people who settled there, the views of salt marsh, tidal creeks, river, pond and ocean form a panorama of nature and community that is both rare and beautiful.

Funded by the Pilgrims in 1640, the settlement of Marshfield Hills began as East Marshfield and was renamed in 1890 to reduce confusion with similar town names along the railroad lines. In 2009, Marshfield Hills Village was designated a U.S. Historic District, the year after actor Steve Carrell purchased the General Store to ensure the character of the community. It would be unlikely to find the actor behind the counter, but you can be sure his sister-in-law is minding the store: the coffee is hot, the wine makes a respectable gift, the greeting cards are funny and the penny candy sits on shelves so low only the very small can reach it. There’s a post office, too, with clerks who may greet you by name.

"The penny candy sits on shelves so low only the very small can reach it."

The Village has its own library, art association, and Audubon Society. More lively entertainment can best be found on the river bank at Erich’s Clam Shack, which abuts the Village. Drive down, or sail in. Cold beer and fried clams are best sellers but anything you order is sure to be good. Seasonal only, the Clam Shack is part of Roht Marine which charters, stores and moors boats, and sells marine supplies. Erich Roht can also build you a dock, if needed.

The homes with the docks and the views garner upwards of a million dollars. But a varied housing stock allows for a broad range of value. A Village Victorian or Antique Colonial is generally between $500,000 and $800,000; as are the homes in the newer developments. A small ranch style might be found at $400,000 if it needs a little elbow grease. No matter the choice, longtime residents mesh seamlessly with the families and professionals newer to the area.

Conveniently connected to every aspect of an active lifestyle, this quaint, traditional New England place with its amazing views and peaceful settings has charmingly remained a village in an increasingly global world.

Featured Listings

142-203 Mahopac Avenue, Granite Springs (Somers), NY

$100,000,000

Steeped in history and masterfully created by savvy and insightful owners, driven by passion, their singular vision was brought to life with a spectacular end result. Stonewall Farm represents nearly 50 years of planning, expert oversight and superbly curated collection. The majestic 24,000 square-foot residence features treasures from far and wide that adorn the most elegant and eclectic palettes. Nothing was left to happenstance with each unique aspect individually sourced yet seamlessly blended together to define a home of sublime and timeless sophistication. Adjacent to the main home is a magnificent 4,000 square-foot pavilion style pool house with 60-foot swimming pool, lounge seating area, fireplace, spa, gym, changing rooms, kitchen and flanked by French Doors that open to the rose garden and terraces, one of the four formal garden areas. Each glance offers views of green vistas, wisteria-clad columns, trellised walkways, all es of trees and meticulously tended grounds. The magnificent and expansive property encompasses 740 acres divided into 18 parcels of broad lawns, fenced paddocks, equestrian training facilities, barns, run-in sheds and guest and staff quarters dedicated to the breeding and training of thoroughbred race horses. These world class equestrian facilities represent the largest privately held parcel in Westchester, just 1 hour North of New York City offering easy access to/from anywhere in the world. An additional unique 36,000 sf building resides on the north westerly portion of the property. Formerly the Granite Springs Bottling Co. and leased at one time by a major bank, with offices, residential accommodations and separate access to the a business district, enormous opportunity for an automobile collector's showroom, residential development, recreation or whatever one can imagine awaits creative vision, with this massive stone and frame structure as part of it. Offering the finest in both luxury and equestrian facilities, the investment value in this offering lies in what is still yet to be conceived. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire one of the area's largest and most significant estates with 18 separate but contiguous parcels. The investment and development potential is endless for making highest & best use of this property.Hold the vision, trust the process. Be the hero in your own movie.

1980 S Ocean Boulevard, Palm Beach, FL

$150,000,000

First time available in over a half century. An extremely unique opportunity to build on the prominent Billionaires Row amongst some of the most prestigious estates in Palm Beach. The ONLY available vacant parcel stretching from Intracoastal to ocean with high elevation. Two + acres of untouched land which has been subdivided to allow one or two homes to be built or one estate.

25 16th AVE S, Naples, FL

$88,000,000

Magnificent beachfront estate property in one of the most convenient locations in Naples, Florida. Designed by Stofft Cooney Architects, LLC and constructed by Newbury North Associates, Inc.; both preeminent professional firms in their respective fields. Throughout this modern masterpiece, which gracefully flows to allow the most sublime lifestyle, the focus is on the captivating views of the celebrated Naples beach and the enchanting Gulf of Mexico. Approximately 175ft. of beach frontage as per plat and/or deed. Elegant use of the finest materials, construction without compromise, and fastidious attention to detail will fulfill the desires of the most discriminating and cultivated buyers.

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Author

William Raveis