128 Leverett RoadShutesbury, MA 01072Price: $825,000

This much-loved, well-maintained home combines the character of an old house with the comfort of thoughtful updates. With spaces that work equally well for everyday life and for gathering with family and friends. At the heart of the house is a wonderful great room where the kitchen, dining, and living areas come together beneath a dramatic cathedral ceiling with exposed beams and a beautiful fireplace. The kitchen is designed for those who like to cook and spend time in the kitchen, with concrete countertops, a propane cooktop, generous cabinetry and storage, and plenty of workspace.Throughout the home, warm flooring, carefully chosen lighting, and original architectural details add character. In the original part of the house, a woodstove provides a cozy place to gather on winter evenings.The year-round sunroom may be the house's most irresistible room. Filled with light and overlooking the gardens, it is a perfect spot for year round, with radiant heat it is inviting even in the colder months.The two main bathrooms are updated, and the primary bath includes a beautiful soaking tub, creating a quiet place to unwind at the end of the day. Outside,the gardens are a true extension of the house. Stunning Goshen stonework winds through mature perennial gardens, raised beds, apple trees, herbs, rhubarb, and a climbing hydrangea. There are plenty of places to garden, entertain, or simply sit and enjoy the setting. And then there is the pool: an in-ground heated Gunite pool that turns the backyard into a destination. This is a property that must be seen to be appreciated. The practical details are appealing, too. The roof and owned solar panels are approximately 10 years old. The heated, insulated garage includes a separate work area, and is ready to set up your car charger. Close to the elementary school and library and only 15 minutes from Amherst and 30 minutes from Northampton.This is a house with history, warmth, light, gardens, and spaces that invite you to stay awhile.