Real Estate
The “Love” mural has become a bit of a landmark, and is included on a walking tour of the downtown area.
17-19 Linden St. in Pittsfield, Mass. Sarah Martino Photography
It’s hard to miss the giant mural emblazoned with the word “Love” on the side of 17-19 Linden Street in Pittsfield.
Pull into the driveway to the right of the building, and you’ll spot the popular mural by artist Mike Carty. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom home, which measures 1,500 square feet, was built in 1925 by the Skoletsky family and was originally known as the Pacific Cash Grocery store, which offered “the best in groceries, fruits, and vegetables at prices that are the very lowest,” according to a newspaper advertisement. The building underwent many iterations over the years, becoming everything from a bicycle shop to a print shop.
In 2017, Duane and Sheila Kerber moved to Pittsfield from Bakersfield, Calif., and transformed the commercial property into their personal residence. Now, it’s listed for $324,900.
The back patio. – Sarah Martino PhotographyA walkway leads to the patio. – Sarah Martin Photography
In the back of the home, you’ll find a peaceful haven, surrounded by an iron gate that separates the parking area from the slate walkway leading to a patio. A garden area is filled with native plants, and the patio is covered overhead by a clear polycarbonate material, creating a shelter for enjoying your morning coffee alongside the brick facade, which is painted a rich, deep blue.
Step inside the home to the open-concept living area, which starts as a living room and extends into a dining area. Hardwood floors run throughout, with soaring corrugated tin ceilings, and exposed brick walls.
The living area. – Sarah Martino PhotographyThe living area flows into the kitchen area. – Sarah Martino PhotographyThe kitchen features butcher block countertops and stainless steel appliances. – Sarah Martino Photography
The kitchen features butcher block countertops, stainless steel appliances, a farmhouse sink, an industrial-style gas range, and tile backsplash. A full bathroom off the kitchen features a bathtub and shower. There are two bedrooms off this area, each with exposed brick walls.
Back in the main living area, continue toward the red front door to find the third bedroom, which can function independently as an in-law suite with its own bathroom and private entrance. The laundry alcove is located right off the dining area, which features a stackable washer/dryer that’s included in the sale.
A private entrance could make the third bedroom function as an in-law suite. – Sarah Martino PhotographyA bedroom. – Sarah Martino Photography
The property has a massive basement that houses the boiler, water heater, and the panel that serves the building. There is a two-car garage and a carport.
As for the “Love” mural, it’s become a bit of a landmark in Pittsfield, and is included on a walking mural tour of the downtown area. Over the years, the Kerbers have met everyone from friends stopping to take pictures on bar crawls to a couple posing with their two newly adopted young girls on the way home from their court date in Pittsfield.
“It’s an adventure for us,” said Sheila.
The property is listed by Michael Castellano of Gilcrest Properties.
Megan Johnson
Megan Johnson is a Boston-based writer and reporter whose work appears in People, Architectural Digest, The Boston Globe, and more.
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