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Check This Out: Former Library Converted Into a Four-Bedroom Home

Industrial baron Andrew Carnegie was also a prince of philanthropy. After amassing a fortune in the steel industry in the 19th century, he gave most of it to charity. Carnegie’s beneficence built approximately 2,500 libraries—not only in the U.S. but also abroad.

Now you have a rare chance to live in one of the libraries Carnegie helped build. In Rockport, MA, there’s a four-bedroom, 3.5-bath former library that’s available for $2.95 million—it’s been on the market for a few months.

Built in 1904, this 4,000-square-foot property was constructed smack dab in the middle of Carnegie’s library building boom, which lasted from 1883 to 1929.

“There’s only a few left, so it’s historically important in that respect,” says listing agent Syndi Zaiger of Nest Real Estate.

The current owners were the first to reside in the home after its conversion into a residence; they are now moving to Florida. They made numerous improvements, including a new patio, underground parking, chef-grade appliances in the kitchen, a laundry (or mudroom), as well as a luxe master bath with marble floors, a sunken tub, and a double vanity.

“It was a total renovation,” says Zaiger. “They gutted it.”

Other design features include a rotunda, original floor tile, and a fireplace in the living room. The bonus room could be used as an additional bedroom, an art studio, or even a library—which has a sense of intrinsic logic.

Zaiger is marketing the library-turned-home as “a condo alternative” due to the low-maintenance factor.

“There’s some landscaping but not a huge yard,” she says. “This thing has gorgeous systems, too. There’s two zones for central air, and there’s radiant heating.”

Sturdiness is another factor: The exterior, made of locally quarried granite, is still in immaculate condition 115 years after its construction.

The location may also be enticing to a buyer: The Atlantic Ocean is mere steps away, and across the street from the converted library is a public beach. Boston is 45 minutes away by car, or 75 minutes by train.

“Rockport’s really known for the arts. It’s right in the village across from the Rockport Music-Shalin Liu Performance Center, which has really great concerts,” says Zaiger. “There’s art galleries everywhere and vibrant shops.”

Zaiger thinks a buyer in search of a second home will put in an offer: “You can get a waterfront property at a similar price, but you’re not getting the uniqueness of the property,” she says.

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