I Love Newton

Tag: west newton hills

  • Newton Historical Society Preservation Award Winner Solves Aging Parent Dilemma

    Newton Historical Society Preservation Award Winner Solves Aging Parent Dilemma

    When Peter Sachs found out that his mother, Kay Sachs, had a mild stroke, he and his wife Tracy were worried. She lived nearby in a condo but suddenly that wasn’t close enough. Luckily, he’s a architect so he designed an addition to their house to give his mother privacy so she wouldn’t feel like a in-house babysitter to their three children.

    Peter Sachs, Newton Architect, Mother in Law addition, photos by Jerry Shereda Photography

    The 750 square foot addition includes a kitchenette, bathroom, walk in closet and living space. There is also a deck. Even more importantly, Sachs designed it with handicapped access in mind: the stairs are wide enough to accommodate an electric seat should that ever be necessary. The bathroom’s wide shower will allow for a wheelchair.

    Peter Sachs, architect, Newton, Hunter Street, aging parents renovation

    After a year of living together-but-separate,  his mother says, “The addition fits my needs perfectly. I have my own separate entrance and even my deck is private with no view of the main house deck. I also get to see my grandchildren as often as I want. And I love being able to walk to West Newton Village.”

    Peter Sachs, Architect, Newton Architect, aging parents renovation, Hunter Street, Newton Historical Society Award

    This addition won an award from the Newton Historical Society for Best Residential Addition and Restoration.

    Peter Sachs architect, Newton architect, mother moving in, renovation

    Peter Sachs, Newton Architect, Hunter Street, mother-in-law renovation

    Peter Sachs lives in West Newton Hills with his wife Tracy, three kids, mother and dog. Look for more posts on topics like Top 10 Things to Consider Before You Renovate as he has agreed to be a regular contributor.

    He’d love to help you with your renovation. He’s offering three complimentary two hour consultations. Please leave a comment to win. The first three people to comment will win.

  • New Funnel Playground Toy at Peirce Elementary: Temple and Dartmouth Street

    New Funnel Playground Toy at Peirce Elementary: Temple and Dartmouth Street

    Funnel Ball playground equipment game like basketball Newton ILoveNewton Peirce Elementary SchoolThis new Funnel Ball makes shooting baskets much easier. You just aim for the big funnel at the top. This was the Class Gift from Peirce’s Class of 2011 5th Graders and was recently installed.

    The next time you drive by the 4-square courts along Temple Street take a look … it’s the tall blue pole with a red bucket sitting on top. Balls are tossed into the large hole on top and then they exit through 1 of 3 different holes. It should offer added fun to the playground for many years to come. Bring your 4 square ball!
    Peirce Elementary School is located at 170 Temple Street in West Newton.
    Thank you again to Peirce’s Graduating Class of 2011!
  • Newton Ranks #3 As Best Place to Live According to CNN!

    Newton Ranks #3 As Best Place to Live According to CNN!

    Newton MA Best Place to Live in American USA Pragmatic Mom
    According to CNN, Newton ranked as the number 3 best place to live in America!
    WINNER
    Top 100 rank: 3
    Population: 82,000
    Unemployment: 6.0%
    Compare Newton to Top 10 Best Places
    Less than 45 minutes from downtown Boston via train, subway, or express bus, Newton is divided into 13 “villages” loaded with classic New England charm. Most have pedestrian-friendly shopping districts, parks, and playgrounds.The town weathered the economic downturn fairly well, thanks to such stable local employers as Boston College and Newton-Wellesley Hospital. And Greater Boston, of course, offers a wealth of health care, education, and government jobs.Residents rave about the top-ranked schools, and parents are excited for the new high school opening this fall. “It’s absolutely beautiful,” says Claudia Wu, 51, an attorney with three school-age kids who has lived in Newton for 20 years. It should be: The school cost $197 million, an amount that sparked plenty of local outrage.After all, living in this community is expensive enough: a three-bedroom house runs nearly $600,000. If it weren’t for those hefty price tags, this town would be pretty close to perfect. —Beth Braverman