Beautifully renovated antique home in the heart of Acton Center, offering 2,600+ square feet of living space, a versatile floor plan, and an exceptional blend of modern updates and historic character. Recent renovations to the kitchen, baths, laundry area, and mudroom enhance the home's comfort and functionality while preserving its timeless appeal. The stunning family room serves as the heart of the home, featuring a cathedral ceiling, gleaming hardwood floors, and oversized windows that fill the space with natural light. The beautifully renovated kitchen combines modern convenience with period charm, showcasing high ceilings, exposed timber beams, and direct access to a mahogany deck overlooking the private backyard. An inviting screened porch, complete with skylights and French doors, extends the living space and provides a wonderful connection to the outdoors. The remarkable mudroom is both stylish and practical, with custom built-ins, generous storage, a bench, and an impressive ceiling height approaching 10 feet. A spacious exercise room with rubber flooring adds flexible living space. Beyond the home's casual gathering spaces, the formal Dining and Living Rooms introduce the original heart of the residence, dating to circa 1850. Four bedrooms are thoughtfully arranged across three levels, complemented by abundant built-ins, period details, and well-preserved flooring that showcase the craftsmanship and character of the era. The home's distinctive floor plan creates an exceptional sense of space, making it feel considerably larger than its square footage. Ideally situated in Historic Acton Center, with the Library and Arboretum nearby, this special property offers convenient access to shopping, restaurants, local amenities, and major commuter routes. A truly special home and a treasure in the heart of Acton Center.
Single-familyProperty Type
1850Year Built
0.75 acresLot Size
$373Price/Sq.Ft.
6 spacesParking
Listed by Bob Champey• William Raveis R.E. & Home Services
Median sale price in this area is $843,256. (14% lower than this home)
PRICE DROP
0 price drops
22% of homes in this area have had a price drop in the past month.
Property details
Interior
Exterior
Finance
Kitchen
Bathroom
Bedroom
Living
Dining
Interior features
Custom built closets and cabinets
Recessed lighting
Ceiling fans
Mud room
Home office
Exercise room
High speed internet
French doors
Skylights
Insulated and storm windows with screens
Bedrooms
Master bedroom on second level with closet and wall-to-wall carpet
Bedroom 2 on second level with closet and wood flooring
Bedroom 3 on first level with custom built closet/cabinets and wood flooring
Bedroom 4 on third level with closet, wall-to-wall carpet and attic access
Bathrooms
Two full bathrooms
First-floor full bathroom with tiled shower stall, stone/ceramic tile flooring (remodeled)
Second-floor full bathroom with double vanity, tub and shower with tile, stone/granite countertops, recessed lighting, custom built cabinets, pocket door (remodeled)
Kitchen
Skylight and vaulted ceiling
Hardwood flooring
Dining area and kitchen island
Pantry
Stone/granite countertops
Deck access via slider
Recessed lighting
Stainless steel appliances
Wine chiller
Gas stove
Laundry & utility
First-floor laundry with stone/ceramic tile flooring
Washer hookup
Electric dryer hookup
Washer and dryer included
Flooring
Wood flooring
Hardwood flooring
Tile (stone/ceramic)
Carpet (wall-to-wall)
Heating & cooling
Forced air heating (natural gas)
Central air conditioning
Thermostat (energy efficient)
Exterior features
Wooded lot
Scenic views
Deck (wood) and exterior deck access
Screened porch
Porch
Rain gutters
Exterior storage
Screens
Play structure and basketball hoop included
Home design
Single Family Residence
Green exterior color
Parking
Open parking (6 spaces)
Paved drive and paved off-street parking
Construction
Frame construction
Shingle roof
Concrete perimeter and stone foundation
Approximate year built (public records)
Utilities
Public water
Private sewer
Circuit breakers with 200+ amp electric service
Gas range and electric oven provisions
Icemaker connection
Washer hookup
HOA & community
Community features include public transportation, shopping, park, walk/jog trails, medical facility, bike path, conservation area, highway access and sidewalks
Not a senior community
Other
Property includes refrigerators, beverage refrigerator, wine refrigerator, play structure, basketball hoop and art sculpture
Electricity and solar
View estimated energy costs and solar savings for this home
Step back in time and enjoy living in one of the most admired Antiques in Acton! Renovated,restored and updated about 7 years ago, this home has retained its charm while keeping up with modern conveniences. You will love the detail found throughout this home with a very flexible floor plan. Neutral decor throughout enables ease of moving in. The great room boasts a cathedral ceiling with dramatic lighting and flows easily through the kitchen, perfect for entertaining. The kitchen has granite countertops and an island plus a large dining area. the screened porch flows out to a deck , perfect for outdoor entertaining. A nice formal dining room includes a small nook for a bar area. The formal living room can be used for just that or a playroom for the kids. Current owners have used the first floor bedroom as a study and finished lovely built in cabinets that fit nicely with the period of the house. Three good sized bedrooms on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Convenient Acton Center location!!
MLS PIN #70775900
Jan 6, 2009
Listing Removed
—
Jan 5, 2009
Sold
$510,000
$195/sq ft
Dec 1, 2008
Contingent
—
Oct 9, 2008
Price Changed
$520,000
$199/sq ft
Aug 18, 2008
Price Changed
$549,000
$210/sq ft
Jun 11, 2008
Listed
$569,000
$218/sq ft
Appeals to both empty nesters and families. Completely renovated antique in Acton Center offers private back yard with small neighborhood feeling. Close proximity to the Acton Arboretum and library offer hours of enjoyment. The kitchen has granite countertops with neut. custom cabinets that compliment the exposed wooden beams dating back to the early 1800's. The open kitchen/fam. room floor plan appeals to today's lifestyle. A beautiful sunroom and deck offer a private oasis for your enjoyment.
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$14,950 (+2.9%)
$324,700 + $547,000
$871,700
2024
$14,531 (+0.7%)
$324,700 + $547,000
$871,700
2023
$14,431 (+3.9%)
$295,100 + $526,700
$821,800
2022
$13,885 (+3.6%)
$256,700 + $457,200
$713,900
2021
$13,408 (+3.8%)
$237,400 + $425,400
$662,800
2020
$12,920 (+6.2%)
$237,400 + $434,100
$671,500
2019
$12,166 (+1.4%)
$237,400 + $390,700
$628,100
2018
$12,002 (+4.1%)
$237,400 + $381,900
$619,300
2017
$11,524 (+16.9%)
$237,400 + $367,200
$604,600
2016
$9,861 (+6.7%)
$237,400 + $275,400
$512,800
2015
$9,243 (+2.2%)
$237,400 + $247,800
$485,200
2014
$9,040 (+1.8%)
$237,400 + $227,400
$464,800
2013
$8,878 (+1.2%)
$237,400 + $227,400
$464,800
2012
$8,774 (+2.6%)
$237,400 + $235,600
$473,000
2011
$8,552 (+2.9%)
$237,400 + $235,600
$473,000
2010
$8,307 (+3.8%)
$237,400 + $247,800
$485,200
2009
$8,001
$237,400 + $246,600
$484,000
Public record
Beds
4
Baths
1.5
Stories
2
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
0.75 Acres
Year renovated
—
Finished Sq. Ft.
2,614
Unfinished Sq. Ft.
—
Total Sq. Ft.
2,614
Year built
1850
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Middlesex County
APN
310318
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Jul 16, 2026.
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
1/10 Fire Factor
Unlikely to be in a wildfire in next 30 years
4/10 Heat Factor
7 days above 98° expected this year, 15 days in 30 years
6/10 Wind Factor
27% chance of strong winds in next 30 years
2/10 Air Factor
1 unhealthy days expected this year, 1 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Acton, MA • 01720
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
32
17
35
18
50
30
61
39
69
49
81
59
85
64
81
57
75
53
62
43
51
34
38
22
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
93/ 100
Exceptional sunlight
Sunscore
This home ranks in the top 27% for direct sun exposure in Acton. There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
10.4 hrs
5.4 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Redfin Estimate for 517 Main St
$976,364
$1,364 over list price of $975K
Nearby comparable homes
The Redfin Estimate uses 6 recent nearby sales, priced between $901K to $1.2M.