ATHOL — Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust held an open house last weekend to celebrate renovations at Skyfields, its historic 1770s farmhouse in Athol.
“I thought it was really lovely, despite the heat,” commented Executive Director Emma Ellsworth. “It was nice to have an open house … to showcase the energy-efficient, affordable renovations that also preserve the integrity of the house.”
The renovations had three major focuses — energy efficiency, affordability and historic preservation of the farmhouse at 1461 Old Keene Road. This included installing insulation, energy-efficient windows and lighting, and a zoned heating and cooling system using heat pumps. There were also several safety and aesthetic renovations, including the replacement of a steep staircase and rotten gutters, and the repainting of the house’s exterior.
Ellsworth estimates roughly 100 people attended the June 25 open house.
“It was so hot, but people were sitting together in the shade and enjoying the breezes that came through and enjoying one another’s company,” she said.
Ellsworth mentioned Mount Grace is about 90% of the way through its Land Forever Campaign, a $3.5 million capital campaign to fund permanent increases in the trust’s land conservation and stewardship capacity as well as the renovations. She said there is still $350,000 to raise.