On the Market: A Lakeside Newton Home with Kayak Access Right in the Backyard

Live it up luxe on Crystal Lake among huge, window-dappled rooms with water views.


Photo by Eric Roth

12 Lake Terrace, Newton
Price: $5,490,000
Size: 5,400 square feet
Bedrooms: 6
Baths: 4.5

At a certain point in the winter, the only thing getting you through the last of the seasonal doldrums is picturing what you’ll do in the summer. That’s why this sprawling colonial revival right on Crystal Lake in Newton is calling out with a siren song: Ditch the snow shovel, pick up a paddle, and hit the water. The current owners swim and kayak right off their own backyard, so who needs a pool?

Built in late the 1800s, this pad is one of only 20 houses on Crystal Lake that have direct private access to the water. And whoever first built this six bedroom, four-and-a-half bath home picked a prime spot. Its position about due southeast along the lake affords water views throughout, with the sun drenching the oak floors of the kitchen and family rooms with light.

The decor nods to the home’s historical nature while anchoring it in the here-and-now with marble countertops and high-end stainless-steel appliances in the kitchen, juxtaposed with the traditional custom molding (curious about the home’s design? Read all about it). The custom paneled ceiling unites the great room, which features a casual dining area and a sitting area with a built-in window bench. The adjoining, more formal dining room—the perfect spot for summer soirees—features an art-deco inspired statement light fixture that finds balance with the traditional fireplace mantle. All throughout the first level, you’re graced with luxe lake views.

Come bedtime, paddle on over to the primary suite on the second floor where you’ll find your own private lakeside spa getaway complete with a fireplace. The walk-in closet holds enough space for both your waterfront activity gear and your cocktail attire, and the adjoining grand marble bathroom features a shower and a spacious soaking tub to make a splash. Elsewhere, two other bedrooms share a bathroom with two separate water closets, with an au pair space upstairs.

The biggest surprise, though, might be the lower-level full-height and window-dappled guest suite, which features a separate kitchen and gym. With direct access to the grounds, you can think of it as your own vacation home within the house.

For information, contact Kathy Krongel, Krongel and Paul – The Hammond Group, 617-962-7544, krongelandpaul.hammondre.com.

Photo by Boston Virtual Imaging

Photo by Eric Roth

Photo via Eric Roth

Photo by Eric Roth

Photo by Eric Roth

Photo by Eric Roth

Photo by Eric Roth

Photo by Eric Roth

Photo via Boston Virtual Imaging

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