Often the owners of a beautiful home are called “lucky” or “fortunate” and the same can be said of this historic home, which has benefited from a caring line of owners throughout its 250 years of existence. Now, its current owners, Reinier and Nancy Beeuwkes, have arranged for its permanent preservation. Every historic property should be so lucky.

The Beeuwkeses purchased the classic center-entrance Georgian Colonial homestead in 1992 after raising their family in Wellesley and later outside of Philadelphia. Both Reinier and Nancy have deep New England roots, and Reinier is descended from old Concord stock. They agreed that it would be fun and fitting to “come home again.”

In 1992, they purchased October Farm, aware of the property’s rich and long history. The land has been in active agricultural use for over 300 years and was acquired by Humphrey Barrett in 1655. The house dates to the time of John Barrett’s wedding in 1744, a wedding gift. The Barretts held the working farm for 154 years, and in 1898, the property was sold to William Brewster who called it October Farm. Brewster was a famed Harvard ornithologist and the first president of the Massachusetts Audubon Society.

©Barbara Rhines

Upon Brewster’s passing, the house and land were sold to the Buttrick family. The house still shows the careful renovations of John Buttrick, including the 1930s redesign of the attached carriage house into a beautiful library and meeting space.

While the house was well cared for and its history appreciated throughout the 20th century, its 300 acres of land had been whittled away to 12 acres. Recently, 80 acres of the original farm was acquired by the Town of Concord and the Concord Land Conservation Trust and named the October Farm Riverfront, with public access. Then through serendipity, Nancy and Reinier learned of another 130 acres of Brewster’s original land that was coming up for sale and quickly closed the deal. They donated that acreage and the 12 acres that they already held to Mass Audubon. In a further generous move, the Beeuwkeses created a life estate so that after their passing, the historic house itself will also be fully owned and protected by Mass Audubon. 

In the meantime, Nancy and Reinier thoroughly enjoy living in their bucolic property. The gardens have been expanded and the house filled with family heirlooms and period-appropriate antiques. They also aren’t afraid to put their own stamp on the house. Nancy loves Provence and its cheerful colors. The house is currently a beautiful sunny yellow. Nancy admits that it is not a Colonial-era shade, but it makes her happy and complements the surrounding perennial gardens and autumn leaves. They also added a Victorian-inspired conservatory to the home. It is something that seemed fitting for a fine estate, and the couple enjoys watching birds flit through the landscape.

The house has indeed been fortunate. But lovers of history, architecture, natural beauty, and conservation efforts are also lucky. October Farm will always be here for us to enjoy.