(Weston Historical Commission)

Dear Preservation 911,

The Field House in Weston, Mass., the "No-Name Classic at Risk" featured in the Jan/Feb issue of Preservation, is back on the market—as a teardown.

The threatened structure is an early (1934) International Style house built by an American architect four years before Walter Gropius constructed his famous house nearby, in Lincoln. It is significant as one of the first such houses to be designed for an ordinary client rather than for an architect. The Field House has been declared eligible for listing on the National Register.

Designed by Edwin B. Goodell, the property was on the market for several months last year, listed as "an opportunity to renovate or tear down." The Weston Historical Commission imposed a six-month delay on demolition which expired in the fall of 2001. In 2001, the preservation group Historic Massachusetts named the Field House one of the Ten Most Endangered Properties in Massachusetts. The house was withdrawn from the market after a few months and, at the time the Preservation article was written, the owners' plans for it were unknown.

Now the property is back for sale for $1.95 million, this time listed as a 2.4-acre parcel on a scenic road with the "existing house to be torn down." No photo accompanies the listing.

Ironically, unlike most older homes, the 5,000-square-foot Field House is well suited to the lifestyle of a 21st-century family. The core of the home is a 26 x 25 living room with two fireplaces, and six bedrooms are arranged in two wings off the large living room. The "adult" wing features a master bedroom with dressing room, guest room, study, and bath. The "children's" wing has a large play room and several small bedrooms. A second-story "tower" room would make an excellent studio or office, and there is even a maid's room off the kitchen, ideal for an au pair.

There is nothing more that the town can do to prevent demolition. Please help us find a buyer who will appreciate this wonderful home. If you are interested, contact the listing Realtor, Carole Milott of Coldwell Banker Hunneman, at 781-894-5555. The Field House’s listing number is 30621048.

Sincerely,

Judy Markland
Chairman, Weston Historical Commission

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