Every house has a story—too often, regrettably, lost in its listing description.
Not so for Rhode Island real estate agent Phyllis Nathanson, who was inspired by her listing’s story to develop a description that’s drawing not only interest from buyers, but also the attention of the internet. It’s an honest, witty take on the typical description—a compelling narrative and commentary weaved into one.
Our favorite excerpts:
This four bedroom, three and a half bath home has seven working fireplaces, a two car garage, carpenter’s workroom/studio, storage shed, pool, and yes, a somewhat dilapidated dollhouse in the backyard that seeks some TLC to reclaim a child’s memory of what a great house she had growing up!
Situated on a hill in ‘The Great Road Historic District’ in what is now the John H. Chafee Blackstone Valley National Heritage corridor, and opposite the grounds of the beautifully preserved Chace farm, the home boasts of being home to 11 generations of Arnolds, and no, Benedict, is not one of them!
Walking up the slate path, entering through the rear door, you step into the Borning Room, which was used year round as the kitchen. Then, wait. You hear it, an audible gasp! It's the immense fireplace!
“It’s a joyful house,” Nathanson says of the Israel Arnold homestead, who wrote the unconventional description on the advice of a colleague. “The owners have worked so hard to not only preserve it, but to save it…the provenance of it is just too important.”
The restored property, located in Lincoln, R.I., boasts original features throughout, including a beehive oven fireplace with swing arm crane, and is surrounded by period gardens and approximately nine acres of woodland. On the market for $595,000, it is in search of a “one-in-a-million” buyer, says Nathanson.
Related: Old Meets New for Historic House Hunters
The property’s listing description appeals to the emotional aspect of purchasing a home—a factor all the more important for those with an eye for preservation. Nathanson says her pre-real estate career, which is as storied as the description, informed her writing.
“‘When you walk into the house, how do you feel?’” Nathanson asked herself. “I wrote based on my commitment to and passion for the property.”
The result is a description that blends history, humor and heart—one we all might take a cue from the next time we’re faced with a blank page. We applaud the effort!
