Cell: 603-716-0254 gregpowers@kw.com Office: 603-232-8282
168 S. River Road Bedford NH 03110
Each office is independently owned and operated
1028 Union Street
Manchester NH
$335,000
5 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2,764 square feet
MLS #
4455876
Rear of the house from the southwest corner of back yard
View from south east corner, with front gardens
This stately Queen Anne Gambrel is one of the "grand dames" of Manchester's prestigious Union Street.
Although the city tax assessor gives a construction date of 1920, it was more likely built around 1906-07, by James H. Mendell, one of the most prominent builders in New Hampshire in the beginning of the 20th century. The J.H. Mendell firm was also responsible for the YMCA building on Mechanics street, the Hillsborough County court house in Manchester, the Chandler, Maynard, and Brown schools, and the residences of Mrs. George Chandler and Dr. John Gleason in the North End.
The current owners have cultivated beautiful gardens and landscaping around the property, and the grounds serve as a showcase to emphasize the grandeur of the home.
Even the garage is a show piece, with a copper-topped roof and stained beadboard interior.
Side yard awnings on rear living room
Circular garden and bird bath
Rear yard looking north to garage
Rear yard looking south from circular garden
You could spend all your time in the yard, or relaxing in the hot tub in the back just off the side porch...
...but let's make our way inside. The front porch is very welcoming, and if you're feeling sociable, is an excellent spot to sit with a beer or glass of wine and watch the city pass by.
Upon entering the front door, you'll be presented with the grand reception room, a large open space featuring a gas fireplace, which leads into the parlor/living room(left), the dining room (just to the left of the fireplace), and the kitchen (see below).
You'll find hardwood floors throughout most of the house, both downstairs and upstairs, as well as original moulding and architectural detailing.
View of entry from parlor (door to kitchen is behind the circular table)
View of entry from kitchen door
The parlor/living room is roomy enough for comfortable furniture, and the bay and side windows keep it bright and airy.
If you noticed the radiators, don't be fooled--the heating system was converted from steam to forced hot water in recent years, and the house underwent an energy assessment and additional insulation, so it is far more energy-efficient than most homes of this vintage.
The spacious dining room has large windows looking into the side garden, and features a beautiful medallion and chandelier and a leaded-glass built-in.
From the dining room you enter the coziest room in the house. The rear living room coddles you with its warm oak wainscoting and ceiling beams, and brightens the spirit with its large, south-facing windows. Such generous southern exposure will help keep you warm in the winter, and a combination of Hunter Douglas remote-controlled insulated shades, exterior awnings, custom-fashioned screens on the push-out windows, and ceiling fan will ensure your comfort in summer as well. This is truly a room for respite and relaxation.
The rear living room leads past a half bath into the kitchen, which boasts plenty of cabinet space, under-cabinet lighting, a seamless apron sink and Corian countertops, and an island with seating. The Jenn-Air gas range will stay, along with the other appliances.
The kitchen flows back into the entry room. Ascend the stairs and you come to the second floor landing, with a lovely chandelier and built-ins, and a full bath.
The first bedroom on the second floor, which has two closets, is currently used as a roomy office.
The master bedroom has plenty of large windows, ceiling fan, double closet, and a nice three-quarter bath
The other two bedrooms on the second floor are comfortably-sized and have spacious closets.
First bedroom - view from entry door
First bedroom - from opposite side
Second bedroom - from entry door
Second bedroom - from opposite side
The bedroom on the third floor is very private and features a very large closet. If you didn't need a fifth bedroom, it would make a great yoga space, reading room, or music room.
At the third floor landing you'll find a whole-house fan, which does a great job keeping the house cool. And the landing provides access to plenty of storage space in the attic. The attic so large, the current owners don't even take down their Christmas tree--they just bring it upstairs in its full glory!
Now we'll go from the top of the house to the bottom. The first basement area has bulkhead access to the back yard and a clean space for daily storage, as well as access to the heated laundry room and an additional project/craft space.
Clean and organized work space or craft room
Spacious, heated laundry
The basement proper is suitably huge and organized. There's room for a work bench, plenty of shelving, a treadmill and workout space, and (not shown) an additional lumber room.
Here is where you'll see that the same care that James H. Mendell used in the house's original construction has been taken in its upkeep.
There is a 4-zone Weil McLane heating system, the electical system has been updated, the controls for the 7-zone irrigation system are here, and there is a GenTran generator hook-up. The attic received newer blown insulation as part of the efficiency upgrade. And the exterior was painted in the Spring of 2015.
This home checks off all the boxes: vintage charm, modern updates, meticulous upkeep, and attention to detail in the decoration and landscaping.
If you'd like to schedule your showing,
call me at 603-716-0254, or...
Take a virtual tour of the house here: