Henry David Thoreau’s “Yellow House” Just Hit the Market for $2.6 Million

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published Apr 28, 2019

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How many times have you dreamed about living in a house you’ve read about? We’re sure this is something that book lovers often imagine after enjoying a good novel. If this is you and you additionally love historical context, then you’re going to want to dig deep into your pockets. Henry David Thoreau’s “Yellow House” is on the market.

The home sits at 255 Main Street in Concord, Massachusetts. It is the book that Thoreau wrote about Walden; Or, Life in the Woods. The transcendentalist lived in the house until his death in 1862. He wasn’t the only famous occupant of the home, Louisa May Alcott lived there as well, with her sister Anna Alcott Pratt and their father. It was there that Louisa wrote the sequel to Little Women. The house is a big part of history and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

If you’re interested in living in a piece of history, you’re going to need $2.6 million to do so. The house only just hit the real estate market in the last few days. The Federal-style Colonial home is 5,807 square feet and has six bedrooms and five bathrooms. It sits on three-quarters of an acre of land.

(Image credit: Krys Streeter)

The real estate listing says:

…Live the life you have imagined in this magnificent in-town Federalist Colonial, where Thoreau wrote much of ‘Walden’ & Louisa May penned ‘Jo’s Boys’. Residing on a coveted stretch of Main Street, the Thoreau-Alcott House is just steps to library, shops, restaurants, commuter rail & miles of nearby cons. trails. Beautifully transported into the 21st C, this wonderful family home has many recent updates that seamlesly blend the classic original architecture w modern amenities: recently renovated Kit & FR featuring Carrara marble island, granite countertops & top of the line appliances, newly refinished wd flrs & fresh modern wall colors throughout. Soaring front windows, high ceilings, 9 working fps & most private 3/4A parcel enhanced w heated gunite pool & magnificent gronds. A 3-story finished barn addition hosts a 3 car gar & spacious entertainment suite w striking beams, bar, full BA & radiant heat. A rare chance to own a treasure & a special piece of Concord’s remarkable history

The home has been open for viewings this weekend, though we can’t imagine it will stay on the market for long given its history.

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