For those with a penchant for history and luxury real estate, 24 Phillips St. in Andover, Massachusetts, once the residence of television star Robert Urich, has hit the market. Priced at $9.7 million, the “Dove-Hayes” estate is currently Andover's most expensive residential listing, as reported by Boston.com. Built in 1890, this historic home extends over a substantial 10,500 square feet, featuring six bedrooms and ten bathrooms.
The estate has seen a number of high-profile owners, including Urich while filming "Spenser: For Hire" and Australian billionaire Gina Rinehart. Despite extensive renovations to update its interiors, the property has retained its original aesthetic charm, with intricate crown moldings and elegant wood paneling. "The house just kind of shines with all its original character," Henry Gourdeau, of Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty, told Boston.com. This property isn't just a stately home; it's a slice of history encapsulated in architectural grandeur.
Aside from the main residence, the property also features a carriage house, which serves as a private guest suite or an inspiring workout area. Ensconced in nearly 15 acres of land, the grounds are meticulous, boasting a fountain, a 25-yard lap pool, and a well-appointed pool house, adding a touch of luxury to the outdoor living experience. According to a listing with Sotheby's International Realty, the expansive rolling lawns and walled-off garden area complete with a gazebo, underscore the estate as a place where beauty, privacy, and convenience meet.
With its impressively modernized spaces, like a primary bathroom featuring a walk-through shower, and amenities such as a dressing room and walk-in closet, the home doesn't sacrifice convenience for its historical splendor. As Gourdeau keenly noted, the unique great room with a stone fireplace under beamed wooden ceilings provides a warm and inviting space, harmoniously blending the past with present-day comforts.
Located a mere five-minute walk from downtown Andover and abutting Phillips Academy, the estate offers a rare blend of seclusion and accessibility. For potential buyers, 24 Phillips St. is not just a residence, but a landmark offering, inviting one to live amidst a piece of Andover's rich tapestry, woven with threads of celebrity, history, and modern-day elegance.
