House of the Week: The Belknap House

This was provided by Peggy Patenaude, an Andover real estate agent.

Over a century of grace and charm infuses The Belknap House, an antique Victorian gem located in one of Andover's most architecturally stunning and well-located neighborhoods. Situated on more than an acre of immaculate landscaping, this entirely renovated beauty is the pride of Central Street, which was recently named one of the top 20 streets in Massachusetts by the Boston Globe (May 6, 2012).

With four floors and nearly 6,000 square feet of living space, this exquisitely-appointed home, built circa 1880, features five bedrooms and three full and two half bathrooms, a library and a media room, plus an exercise room, playroom, and office. The property boasts a heated backyard swimming pool, a 3,000-square-foot carriage house with two fireplaces, ample garage parking, and established perennial gardens.

Countless updates abound. State-of-the-art Sub-Zero, Thermador, and Jenn-Air appliances adorn a spacious, gleaming cherry gourmet kitchen with adjoining butler's pantry, while bathrooms sparkle with floor to ceiling imported marble and Waterworks fixtures. Four working fireplaces, numerous built-ins, a whole-house audio system, and abundant windows contribute to a welcoming ambiance. Modern conveniences blend seamlessly into the graceful lines and elegant moldings of a gracious, bygone era.

Hand-carved statuary, quarter-sawn hardwood floors, historical hardware, and pocket doors have all been restored to their original beauty, while improvements such as a high-efficiency boiler, six air conditioning zones, a commercial capacity water heater and updated plumbing and electrical throughout provide all the comforts of contemporary living.

This one-of-a-kind property provides a chance to "get away from it all" without ever leaving home in a neighborhood brimming with centuries of history. Top-notch public and private schools are located nearby and downtown Andover and Phillips Academy are just footsteps away.