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manchester by the sea

The Wyck Estate, Estate of the Day

Filed under: Estates


The Wyck Estate in Manchester-by-the Sea, Massachusetts is another old beauty that has been on the market for a while. It had been on the market for at least a year when I first wrote about it in 2005. This is one of the most beautiful homes on Masschusetts's North Shore. Built in 1912, the main residence is a replica of a French chateau created using bricks imported from France. The 7.85 acre compound also includes tennis courts, a private beach, boat house, children's playhouse and a filtered saltwater pool. The home has been owned by the same person since 1944 so it maintains its original charm including marble fireplaces, plenty of carved wood and ornate stonework. This grand summer estate was on the market for $23.5 million three years ago. Now it looks like the carriage house is being sold in a separate parcel of 2.1 acres and the main home is for sale for $13.25 million.

For more prime properties and lush locations, see Luxury Homes and Mansions.

The Donovan Double, Estate of the Day

Filed under: Estates


Today's estate of the day is a double feature courtesy of the Wall Street Journal's Private Properties column which clued me in to the saga of the battling Donovan family. The family's bitter battles over money and property have aired a whole lifetime of dirty laundry. Donovan Sr., a high tech entrepreneur and former MIT professor was shot in 2005 and suspected his son of arranging the crime. In May of 2006 he was indicted of filing a false police report and is suspected of staging the crime himself.

The Donovans naturally want to spend a lot less time together and so they are separating financial interests and putting these two lovely properties on the market. Both in quaint Manchester-by-the-Sea, 20 miles north of Boston. The first is on Smith's Point on approximately 3.5 acres and has a three bedroom residence with views of the Atlantic Ocean and also has a 13 story WWII submarine tower that could be used for living quarters and has views toward Boston. The property also has a tennis court, Gunite swimming pond, an attached 2-car garage, and a separate garage used for storing maintenance equipment. It is listed at $6 million. After the jump, pictures of the first house and a look at the second. Take a look around and let me know which Donovan manse is your fave.


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