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Listing broker remarks

A rare Hanover estate offering an extraordinary combination of space, land, garages, recreation and versatility. Set on nearly two beautifully landscaped acres framed by classic New England stone walls, 78 Washington Street offers over 5,000 sq. ft. of living space, four heated garage bays with adjoining workshop, an impressive 32' x 51' three-story barn, and an NBA regulation-size basketball court also accommodating tennis and pickleball. For the car enthusiast, collector, hobbyist or anyone simply looking for space that is increasingly difficult to find on the South Shore, this is a property unlike almost anything else on the market. The distinctive shingle-style Victorian combines timeless New England character with the benefits of an extensive 1994–1995 reconstruction, when the home was taken down to the studs and reimagined for modern living. Electrical, plumbing, insulation, windows and mechanical systems were replaced, while the renovation added the spectacular family room, heated four-car garages, wraparound farmer's porch, expansive side and rear entertainment decks, and rebuilt stone walls along Washington Street. At the heart of the home, the sun-filled family room flows naturally to the kitchen and outdoor living spaces, creating an exceptional setting for everyday living and entertaining. A finished attic provides additional flexible space ideal for guests, a home office, fitness room, playroom or media room. Outside, the expansive landscaped grounds are supported by a private artesian well and irrigation system, allowing the lawns and landscaping to be maintained without relying on municipal water for irrigation. The three-story barn, originally constructed as a horse barn and retaining four stalls, provides remarkable space for collections, hobbies, workshop activities and storage. Its expansive hayloft, complete with basketball hoops, has been the backdrop for decades of family memories. Additional features include efficient natural-gas heat with cast-iron baseboard radiators, a whole-house automatic standby generator, a natural-gas-fed Weber grill and a brand-new architectural roof installed in June 2026. Lovingly maintained and thoughtfully improved by the same family for more than three decades, 78 Washington Street represents a rare opportunity to own a substantial and exceptionally versatile Hanover estate convenient to Route 3, shopping, dining and area amenities.— David R. Delaney, Esq.

Key details

  • 5,114 sq ft
  • 1.94 acres
  • 4 beds
  • 2.5 baths
  • 1940 built
  • $390 / sq ft
  • $17,295 2025 taxes
MLS #
7⁠3⁠5⁠6⁠6⁠5⁠5⁠0⁠
Last updated
Address
78 Washington Street
Town
Hanover, MA
ZIP
02339
Deed (Bk/Pg)
40099 / 234

Historic designations

MACRIS Inventory
Sylvester, Joseph Smith and Mary Ainsworth Lyman House · includes HNV.190, HNV.F

What this means for buyers →

Map

Neighborhood: Historic Four Corners

National Historic Landmark

Federally designated as nationally significant — the highest U.S. historic recognition. Section 106 review applies to federal undertakings affecting the property.

National Register

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Owners may qualify for the 20% federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit on certified rehabilitation work.

State Register

Listed on the Massachusetts State Register of Historic Places.

Local Historic District

Inside a Local Historic District. Exterior changes visible from a public way require approval from the local historic district commission.

Local Landmark

Individually designated by the town as a local landmark. Exterior alterations require commission approval.

MACRIS Inventory

Documented in MACRIS, the state historic inventory. Informational only — no regulatory constraints.

Article 85 (Boston)

Subject to Boston Article 85 demolition-delay review, which can pause demolition of buildings 50+ years old for up to 90 days.

Ch. 91 Waterways License

An active MassDEP permit for a dock, pier, seawall, or other structure on or over a Massachusetts waterway. Many older licenses are not digitized; this record is provided for reference only.

Massachusetts Great Pond

A Great Pond under M.G.L. Ch. 91 — the Commonwealth retains public rights to fish and navigate these state-designated waters. Private docks and other waterfront structures require a Waterways License from MassDEP.

Likely Great Pond

The MLS listing describes this property as being on a Great Pond, which would be a state-designated water body under M.G.L. Ch. 91. GIS data did not independently confirm the pond name — verification needed.