Save This c.1890 Massachusetts Queen Anne Victorian Mansion $67K – The Walker House

This Massachusetts Queen Anne Victorian mansion is locally known as one of the town’s Grand Dames. The 10 bedroom, three bath home has exquisite detailing and deserves to be saved.

124 Church St, North Adams, MA 01247     $67,000

• Contact Realtor: Sam Tworig
• Google Map
• Niche

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This house was built in 1882 for Frank Augustus Walker (1840-1923), a merchant who owned a mill and feed and grain store in Downtown North Adams, Massachusetts. He lived there with his second wife Emil Hall Walker (1844-1925). They married in 1893 after Frank’s first wife Caroline died in 1889.

“Walker went broke in 1909 and his Phoenix Flour & Grain Co. went into foreclosure. The mill was the oldest in the city and torn down five years later to make way for the Mohawk Garage. Walker was councilor and longtime chair of the Board of Assessors, with his frequently repeated claim to fame being he had handed the new city charter to first mayor and neighbor A.C. Houghton. They saw their home and belongings sold at auction and moved into the Boardmans “( one of the historic rowhouses). Per iberkshires.com

The Stick and Queen Anne style home was designed by architect Marcus Fayette Cummings, who also designed the Blackinton Mansion. As with many mansions, the brick home was converted to multi-family sometime in the mid-20th-century due to the changing demographics of the town.

“Several families lived at 124 Church, the most notable perhaps being banker and City Councilor George Flood, who had what was then a duplex restored to a single family in 1945 and lived there until 1960, when Harriette B. Lerrigo owned it. The near-twin at 116 housed a day-care center in the 1940s and was advertised as flats in the 1950s.” Per ibershires.com

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Pros:

1. Cultural Scene & Arts

• Home to MASS MoCA (Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art), one of the largest contemporary art museums in the U.S.

• Frequent festivals, concerts, and artist residencies make it a vibrant arts destination.

2. Natural Beauty & Outdoor Activities

• Nestled in the Berkshire Mountains—great hiking, skiing, and biking (e.g., Mount Greylock, the highest peak in MA).

• Outdoor enthusiasts love the trails, scenic drives, and four-season activities.

3. Cost of Living (Relative to MA)

• More affordable housing and living costs than Boston, Cambridge, or nearby Northampton.

• A place for artists or remote workers seeking a quieter, less expensive lifestyle.

4. Community Feel

• Small-town vibe with a slowly growing creative and entrepreneurial community.

• Local shops, restaurants, and farmers’ markets offer some charm and a sense of community.

5. Educational Institutions Nearby

• Near Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA)—adds a youthful energy and events calendar.

• Access to educational and cultural programming.

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Cons:

1. Limited Economic Opportunities

• Economy is still rebounding from post-industrial decline.

• Few high-paying job opportunities unless you work remotely or in education, healthcare, or tourism.

2. Aging Infrastructure

• Some parts of the city still show signs of economic neglect: abandoned mills, underdeveloped housing.

• Roads, public transit, and utilities may need updating.

3. Long Winters & Harsh Weather

• Winters are cold, snowy, and long—can be tough for people not used to New England weather.

• Seasonal depression and heating costs can be issues.

4. Some Isolation

• While North Adams has charm, it’s a bit isolated—nearest large cities (Albany, Springfield) are over an hour away.

• Public transportation is limited; car is essential.

5. Limited Diversity & Growth

• Slower population growth, and like many rural areas in New England, lacks demographic diversity.

• Economic development is happening, but slowly.

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