Fred and Emily Minkle found their perfect future retirement home in Lee, Massachusetts. Browse homes for sale in Lee.
When Stone House Properties Associate Suzanne Crerar sold a home to Fred and Emily Minkle, she didn’t just sell them a house. She helped them decide to make the Berkshires their permanent residence when they retire.
The home the Minkles bought in Lee will be their Berkshires weekend retreat. When they are ready to retire, their farmhouse-style house will be their year-round home.
Fred and Emily’s Homebuying Journey
We asked Fred and Emily to share their buyer’s journey. Do you see yourself in their experience?
Q. What led you to the decision to buy a home in the Berkshires?
A. “The area is rich with music and culture, but also has a laid-back vibe that is becoming hard to find in the Metrowest Boston area. As companies continue to move to Boston and the surrounding area, our small towns are growing and becoming commuter thruways, thus more transient too. The two-hour trip to Boston or hour to Providence (both 30 miles away) make the thought of attending performances or visiting museums too exhausting!”
Q. What criteria did you use to make your decision to choose the Berkshires?
A. “Cost of living was a big factor, along with the beautiful scenery and the opportunities for many outdoor activities. The charm and simplicity of vintage homes was fun to explore as we made our choice.”
Q. What were some pull factors that attracted you to the Berkshires?
A. “One of the articles we read about the area indicated that the demographics fit ours, being friendly to 50-somethings who are beginning to simplify their lives but want to remain vital and active, particularly in the community. The taxes and cost of living are not as high as the eastern part of the state and the living is more serene.”
There’s a Lot to Love About Lee
Tucked between Stockbridge and October Mountain State Forest, Lee is a vibrant town with a distinctive history.
Papermaking and marble made Lee famous. Paper mills dominated Lee’s economy throughout the nineteenth century. By the 1870s, the Smith Paper Company in Lee was the largest producer of paper in the United States.
Marble from Lee was used to build St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.
Today Lee calls itself the Gateway to the Berkshires. Interstate 90 extends right through the town, which serves as one of just two exits on the Massachusetts Turnpike for Berkshire County.
The area teems with cultural gems like Tanglewood, Chesterwood, the Norman Rockwell Museum, and Jacob’s Pillow Dance.
Homes for sale in Lee, Massachusetts cover a wide range of styles, from farmhouse Colonial estates to contemporary post-and-beam to custom-built Cape Cod homes.
Is the Berkshires the right location for you? Our Stone House Properties agents provide expert service to buyers looking for a homes in the Berkshires. Contact us today to find your Berkshire home!
