A Landmark Berkshire Estate of Extraordinary Provenance, the Oliver Wendell Holmes summer cottage. Set on 15 private acres in the heart of the Berkshires, a rare American legacy estate commissioned in 1847 as the summer residence of renowned physician, poet, & author Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. Two centuries later, this extraordinary property remains a testament to architectural elegance, literary heritage, & timeless craftsmanship. The offering preserves original hardwood floors, intricate millwork, & the grandeur of a distinguished era. Its storied halls welcomed literary icons including Longfellow, Melville, & Hawthorne. Surrounded by exceptional privacy, Holmesdale is more than a residence, it is an irreplaceable American landmark and a rare opportunity to become the next steward of Berkshire history. Holmesdale is an extraordinary historic estate commissioned in 1847 as the summer home of Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. Offering approximately 6,761 square feet of finished living space and more than 11,000 square feet overall, the residence preserves exceptional architectural details while incorporating modern comforts, including a chef's kitchen with 48" Viking gas range, dual Subzero refrigeration , billiards room, wine cellar, historic provisions cave, and third-floor staff quarters. The grounds feature mature specimen trees, sweeping lawns, a heated saltwater pool, private tennis court, reflecting pond, meditation pergola, screened gazebo, river access, and a beautifully appointed guest cottage. Ideally located near the Berkshires' renowned music, theater, museums, dining, outdoor recreation, and cultural attractions, Holmesdale offers both privacy and extraordinary potential. Some properties are purchased. Others are entrusted to their next steward. Holmesdale may continue as a distinguished private residence or inspire a broader vision from intimate weddings and private retreats to cultural gatherings, an equestrian inspired estate, or a distinctive hospitality concept. Holmesdale has already lived an extraordinary life; its next chapter is ready to be written. Realtors may contact the listing broker for access to the Holmesdale historical website and complete property presentation.
Single-familyProperty Type
1847Year Built
15.02 acresLot Size
$414Price/Sq.Ft.
Listed by Brenda Durant• KEMPF-VANDERBURGH REALTY CONSULTANTS, INC.
Rare opportunity to own a magnificent estate. Gracious, spacious year-round or vacation home. Nearly 16 acs, beautiful solar-heated in-ground pool; screened gazebo overlooks tennis court; separate guest-in/law 1 BR cottage; privacy. 5 working FPLs, 3rd fl. walk-up is plumbed. Buried oil tank has been removed and all is clear..Radon remediation systems installed in main and guest houses..
BCMLS #190735
Nov 9, 2011
Listing Removed
—
Jun 11, 2007
Listed
$1,200,000
$177/sq ft
BCMLS #178359
Jun 11, 2010
Listing Removed
—
Jun 11, 2007
Listed
$1,650,000
$244/sq ft
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2023
$10,637 (+12.2%)
$92,600 + $488,000
$580,600
2022
$9,477 (+4.3%)
$87,500 + $423,100
$510,600
2021
$9,082 (+0.4%)
$87,400 + $384,400
$471,800
2020
$9,047 (+16.4%)
$87,400 + $371,600
$459,000
2019
$7,774 (+13.3%)
$82,400 + $317,900
$400,300
2018
$6,861 (−7.2%)
$82,300 + $260,600
$342,900
2017
$7,391 (−18.7%)
$87,200 + $289,300
$376,500
2016
$9,095 (+3.9%)
$123,500 + $361,300
$484,800
2015
$8,755
$123,500 + $361,300
$484,800
Public record
Beds
6
Baths
5.5
Stories
2
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
15.02 Acres
Year renovated
—
Finished Sq. Ft.
6,761
Unfinished Sq. Ft.
—
Total Sq. Ft.
6,761
Year built
1847
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Berkshire County
APN
2723267
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Jul 19, 2023.
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
1/10 Fire Factor
Unlikely to be in a wildfire in next 30 years
2/10 Heat Factor
7 days above 90° expected this year, 16 days in 30 years
4/10 Wind Factor
9% chance of strong winds in next 30 years
2/10 Air Factor
1 unhealthy days expected this year, 1 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Pittsfield, MA • 01201
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
27
15
30
16
48
28
58
38
65
48
77
57
82
63
77
54
73
51
61
41
47
33
33
20
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
82/ 100
Very good sunlight
Sunscore
There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
9.5 hrs
4.8 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Redfin Estimate for 497 Holmes Rd
$2,629,531
$170K under list price of $2.80M
Nearby comparable homes
The Redfin Estimate uses 6 recent nearby sales, priced between $370K to $1.2M.