The best love stories are those borne out of perseverance, hard work, and tender loving care. And that is exactly how the transformation of a 200-year-old New Hampshire farmhouse has unfolded—with a bold vision, an unwavering dedication, and a lot of elbow grease.
Set on more than 12 acres in Hopkinton, NH, the property, which was originally built in 1820, began its latest chapter four years ago, when it was happened upon by a husband and wife team who saw potential in its crumbling, abandoned bones.
Now on the market for $1.19 million, the meticulously restored abode stands as a testament to what grit and willpower can achieve.
Once a working farm and later home to a local fuel company, the historical four-bedroom residence had seen many iterations over the years, before it was left to decay.
To many, the shabby interior, peeling paint, and stained floors would have served as glaring red flags, warning them away from the property. But to Larry Cohen, they were simply hurdles to be overcome in the pursuit of restoring the farmhouse to its original glory.
Cohen and his wife, Devon Else, an interior designer, quickly fell in love with the farmhouse, purchasing the property and its 12 acres for just $245,000 in 2022. They immediately began an extensive renovation of the dwelling, one that would ultimately take more than two years to complete.
“Almost everyone in the community knows about this house, and we had people in town asking for information on the build constantly,” Cohen tells Realtor.com®.
The couple had to walk a fine line with their restoration—figuring out how to maintain its vintage charm and timeless details, while updating the home into a sanctuary worthy of the modern era.
“The lure of this home is that it has all the charm of an 1800s farmhouse with all the modern-day amenities,” Cohen explains.
Behind its classic farmhouse façade lies a fully rebuilt interior, which, at 4,426 square feet, was no small feat.
The home now includes dual-zone HVAC—a dramatic upgrade from the home’s former lack of climate control—as well as new plumbing and electrical systems, spray foam insulation, new windows, floors, roof, siding, and even copper gutters. Custom LP gas lanterns frame the front entry, subtly blending old-world ambiance with contemporary craftsmanship.
Creating spaces for hosting was also a priority in the redesign. The kitchen is equipped with a scullery—complete with a Bosch dishwasher—an ice maker, custom built-ins, and a premium True refrigerator and freezer.
“Absolutely everything was removed and rebuilt, including reframing the entire house,” Cohen says. “The list is endless.”
Despite the extensive renovation, the home has kept its architectural integrity.
“We really appreciated all the detail and craftsmanship and wanted to keep as much as possible. We were determined to reuse whatever we could when rebuilding,” he says.
The result is a curated blend of new materials and original elements, seamlessly layered throughout.
Else led the design herself, determined to pay homage to the farmhouse’s past—even if that meant going head-to-head with contractors who tried to rip out some of the property’s original features.
“Every contractor tried to get us to remove the curved staircase, but we wouldn’t,” Cohen recalls. Today, that staircase establishes a dramatic architectural focal point and a testament to the couple’s commitment to preservation.
Whimsical details can be found throughout the home, including the small room beneath the stairs affectionately dubbed the “Harry Potter room.” Vintage-era pieces have also been thoughtfully incorporated, alongside well-chosen wallpaper, a cozy library, and custom millwork.
The 12-plus acres offer room to roam, anchored by a massive barn that harkens to the property’s agricultural heritage. A separate garage offers ample room for expansion.
Outside, the homeowners created a picturesque patio area with a custom deck and movie screen.
“We really focused on character and those distinct details that make older architecture so wonderful,” Cohen says. “That, coupled with amazing design, really creates an inviting and cozy atmosphere.”
The property is just minutes from Pat’s Peak Ski Area and about a 30-minute drive from Manchester.
This two-year restoration was more than a construction project—it was a labor of love.
“Devon has really brought out the home’s true character while preserving that ‘homey’ feel,” says Cohen.