A Landmark Berkshire Estate of Extraordinary Provenance, the Oliver Wendell Holmes summer cottage. Set on 15 private acres in the heart of the Berkshires, a rare American legacy estate commissioned in 1847 as the summer residence of renowned physician, poet, & author Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. Two centuries later, this extraordinary property remains a testament to architectural elegance, literary heritage, & timeless craftsmanship. The offering preserves original hardwood floors, intricate millwork, & the grandeur of a distinguished era. Its storied halls welcomed literary icons including Longfellow, Melville, & Hawthorne. Surrounded by exceptional privacy, Holmesdale is more than a residence, it is an irreplaceable American landmark and a rare opportunity to become the next steward of Berkshire history. Holmesdale is an extraordinary historic estate commissioned in 1847 as the summer home of Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. Offering approximately 6,761 square feet of finished living space and more than 11,000 square feet overall, the residence preserves exceptional architectural details while incorporating modern comforts, including a chef's kitchen with 48" Viking gas range, dual Subzero refrigeration , billiards room, wine cellar, historic provisions cave, and third-floor staff quarters.
The grounds feature mature specimen trees, sweeping lawns, a heated saltwater pool, private tennis court, reflecting pond, meditation pergola, screened gazebo, river access, and a beautifully appointed guest cottage. Ideally located near the Berkshires' renowned music, theater, museums, dining, outdoor recreation, and cultural attractions, Holmesdale offers both privacy and extraordinary potential.
Some properties are purchased. Others are entrusted to their next steward. Holmesdale may continue as a distinguished private residence or inspire a broader vision from intimate weddings and private retreats to cultural gatherings, an equestrian inspired estate, or a distinctive hospitality concept. Holmesdale has already lived an extraordinary life; its next chapter is ready to be written. Realtors may contact the listing broker for access to the Holmesdale historical website and complete property presentation.
For sale
$2,800,000
497 Holmes Rd, Pittsfield, MA 01201
8beds
6,761sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1847
15.02 Acres Lot
$2,634,700 Zestimate®
$414/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
Reflecting pondRiver accessScreened gazeboPrivate tennis courtHistoric provisions caveBilliards roomOriginal hardwood floors
- 47 days
- 1,175
- 71
Zillow last checked:
Listing updated:
Listed by:
Brenda Anne Durant 413-441-4732,
KEMPF-VANDERBURGH REALTY CONSULTANTS, INC.
Source: BCMLS,MLS#: 250362
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 8
- Bathrooms: 6
- Full bathrooms: 5
- 1/2 bathrooms: 1
Heating
- Nat Gas, Electric, Fireplace(s)
Appliances
- Included: Refrigerator, Trash Compactor, ENERGY STAR Qualified Dishwasher, ENERGY STAR Qualified Dryer, Energy Star Rated Stove/Oven, ENERGY STAR Qualified Washer
Features
- Cedar Closet(s), Granite Counters, Inlaw/Guest Qtrs, Marble Counter, Radon Mitigation System, Sun Room, Walk-In Closet(s)
- Flooring: Brick, Ceramic Tile, Wood
- Windows: Bay/Bow Window
- Basement: Unfinished,Radon Remed Sys,Partially Finished,Concrete,Bulk head
- Has fireplace: Yes
Interior area
- Total structure area: 6,761
- Total interior livable area: 6,761 sqft
Video & virtual tour
Property
Parking
- Parking features: Off Street, Paved Drive
- Details: Off Street
Accessibility
- Accessibility features: Accessible Bedroom, Accessible Full Bath
Features
- Patio & porch: Porch, Patio
- Exterior features: Tennis Court(s), Lighting, Privacy, Curbside Recycling, Deciduous Shade Trees, Mature Landscaping, Landscaped
- Has private pool: Yes
- Pool features: In Ground
- Has spa: Yes
- Spa features: Indoor Hot Tub
- Fencing: Partial
- Has view: Yes
- View description: Water, Seasonal, Scenic, Hill/Mountain, Distant, River
- Has water view: Yes
- Water view: Water,River
- Waterfront features: River Access, River
Lot
- Size: 15.02 Acres
- Features: Wooded, Adj to Protected Ld
Details
- Parcel number: PITT M:J05 B:0002 L:004
- Zoning description: Residential
- Other equipment: Backup Generator
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Colonial
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Roof: Asphalt Shingles,Membrane
Condition
- Year built: 1847
Utilities & green energy
- Electric: 200 Amp
- Sewer: Public Sewer
- Water: Public
- Utilities for property: Trash Public, Cable Available
Community & HOA
Location
- Region: Pittsfield
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $414/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $666,800
- Annual tax amount: $11,962
- Date on market: 8/3/2026
Estimated market value
$2,634,700
$2.48M - $2.77M
Not available
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 8/3/2026 | Listed for sale | $2,800,000+646.7%$414/sqft |
Source: | ||
| 8/8/2016 | Sold | $375,000-6%$55/sqft |
Source: | ||
| 7/29/2016 | Pending sale | $399,000$59/sqft |
Source: ROBERTS & ASSOC. REALTY, INC #196848 Report a problem | ||
| 7/22/2016 | Listed for sale | $399,000$59/sqft |
Source: ROBERTS & ASSOC. REALTY, INC #196848 Report a problem | ||
| 7/18/2016 | Pending sale | $399,000$59/sqft |
Source: ROBERTS & ASSOC. REALTY, INC #196848 Report a problem | ||
| 5/27/2016 | Price change | $399,000-6.1%$59/sqft |
Source: ROBERTS & ASSOC. REALTY, INC #196848 Report a problem | ||
| 4/17/2016 | Listed for sale | $425,000$63/sqft |
Source: ROBERTS & ASSOC. REALTY, INC #196848 Report a problem | ||
| 3/15/2016 | Pending sale | $425,000$63/sqft |
Source: ROBERTS & ASSOC. REALTY, INC #196848 Report a problem | ||
| 1/5/2016 | Listed for sale | $425,000$63/sqft |
Source: ROBERTS & ASSOC. REALTY, INC #196848 Report a problem | ||
| 1/1/2016 | Pending sale | $425,000$63/sqft |
Source: ROBERTS & ASSOC. REALTY, INC #196848 Report a problem | ||
| 11/30/2015 | Listed for sale | $425,000$63/sqft |
Source: ROBERTS & ASSOC. REALTY, INC #196848 Report a problem | ||
| 11/23/2015 | Pending sale | $425,000$63/sqft |
Source: ROBERTS & ASSOC. REALTY, INC #196848 Report a problem | ||
| 11/13/2015 | Price change | $425,000-29.2%$63/sqft |
Source: ROBERTS & ASSOC. REALTY, INC #196848 Report a problem | ||
| 8/22/2014 | Price change | $599,900-13%$89/sqft |
Source: ROBERTS & ASSOC. REALTY, INC #196848 Report a problem | ||
| 4/22/2014 | Price change | $689,900-8.6%$102/sqft |
Source: ROBERTS & ASSOC. REALTY, INC #196848 Report a problem | ||
| 6/7/2013 | Price change | $754,900-20.5%$112/sqft |
Source: ROBERTS & ASSOC. REALTY, INC #196848 Report a problem | ||
| 1/19/2012 | Price change | $950,000-20.8%$141/sqft |
Source: ROBERTS & ASSOC. REALTY, INC #196848 Report a problem | ||
| 1/18/2012 | Listed for sale | $1,200,000$177/sqft |
Source: ROBERTS & ASSOC. REALTY, INC #196848 Report a problem | ||
| 10/18/2011 | Listing removed | $1,200,000$177/sqft |
Source: ROBERTS & ASSOC. REALTY, INC #190735 Report a problem | ||
| 6/9/2011 | Price change | $1,200,000-27.3%$177/sqft |
Source: ROBERTS & ASSOC. REALTY, INC #190735 Report a problem | ||
| 1/13/2010 | Listed for sale | $1,650,000$244/sqft |
Source: ROBERTS & ASSOC. REALTY, INC #178359 Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $11,962 +1.8% | $666,800 +4.7% |
| 2024 | $11,751 +10.5% | $636,900 +9.7% |
| 2023 | $10,637 +12.2% | $580,600 +13.7% |
| 2022 | $9,477 +4.3% | $510,600 +8.2% |
| 2021 | $9,082 +0.4% | $471,800 +2.8% |
| 2020 | $9,047 +16.4% | $459,000 +14.7% |
| 2019 | $7,774 +13.3% | $400,300 +16.7% |
| 2018 | $6,861 -7.2% | $342,900 -8.9% |
| 2017 | $7,391 -18.7% | $376,500 -22.3% |
| 2016 | $9,095 +3.9% | $484,800 |
| 2015 | $8,755 +8% | $484,800 +2.5% |
| 2014 | $8,110 +2.7% | $472,900 |
| 2013 | $7,897 +3.7% | $472,900 |
| 2012 | $7,618 +1.9% | $472,900 -3.9% |
| 2011 | $7,475 +2.2% | $492,100 -4.5% |
| 2010 | $7,317 +3.9% | $515,300 |
| 2009 | $7,044 +4% | $515,300 |
| 2008 | $6,776 -4.1% | $515,300 +3.9% |
| 2007 | $7,068 | $496,000 |
Find assessor info on the county website
Monthly payment
Est. payment
Payment breakdown
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Neighborhood: 01201
Nearby schools
Schools provided by the listing agent
- Elementary: Egremont
- Middle: Herberg (5&6) Reid (7&8)
- High: Pittsfield
Source: BCMLS. This data may not be complete. We recommend contacting the local school district to confirm school assignments for this home.





