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This gorgeous seven-bedroom Shaker house seeks a buyer in love with New England history and looking for extraordinary space—for living, working, making art, gathering, or pursuing projects. Spacious and bright, the house, built in 1840, is set on a large lot in a quiet neighborhood, with easily accessible hiking trails, in the highly sought-after school district of the Town of Harvard. Public transportation to Cambridge and Boston from nearby Ayer provides an easy commute into town. The building originally served as the “Office” for the communal religious group and was a multi-use building, as office, dormitory, guest quarters and a store where the Shakers sold their goods. The layout of the house still provides this kind of flexibility. There is also a gentle peacefulness to the house, a refuge from the world, a legacy of the Shakers’ devout simplicity.The house is large, but it never felt too large to those of us who grew up there, or to our mother, who lived there alone until she was 98. We mostly used the two central floors—the kitchen, living room, and other shared spaces on the first floor, and bedrooms on the second. On the floor above was our father’s study, where he worked undisturbed, while our mother had an art studio and ample storage space for her paintings. In our childhood, the basement became a theater and ping-pong room where neighborhood kids gathered. Outside, the house is surrounded by bountiful nature and a beautifully preserved Shaker Village. Do not be intimidated by its size. Focus on the simple beauty of the two central floors, with their impeccably preserved built-ins and pegboards from the height of Shaker design—and on the exciting possibilities of the additional spaces above and below.

Highlights

  • Residential
  • Single Family Residence
  • Built in 1840
  • 2.3 Acre Lot
  • 3 Car Garage
  • 369 days on Market

  • Bedrooms
    7
  • Bathrooms
    2 full · 2 half
  • Year Built
    1840
  • Architectural Style
    Antique
  • Construction Materials
    Frame
  • Foundation
    Stone
  • Garage Spaces
    3.0
  • Parking Features
    Attached, Garage, Off Street
  • Living Area
    7012.0
  • Appliances
    Dishwasher, Electric Water Heater, Refrigerator, Range
  • Flooring
    Wood
  • Exterior Features
    Garden
  • Patio And Porch
    Porch, Enclosed
  • Cooling
    None
  • Heating
    Oil, Steam
  • Basement
    Finished, Full, Walk-Out Access, Sump Pump

  • Acres
    2.3
  • Lot Features
    Level
  • Water
    Private


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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I schedule a tour of 78 Shaker Rd?

We can make that happen quickly. Click Tour This Home and we'll connect you directly with our vetted local partner to schedule your visit to 78 Shaker Rd.

They know residentials in the area well and can give you the guidance you need to buy with confidence.

How do I get more information about 78 Shaker Rd?

Click Ask a Question to talk with our team. You already know it is a 7 bed, 2 bath, listed for $1,100,000. We can talk through recent upgrades, potential seller motivation, how this single family residence compares to others in Harvard, and can even get you in to see the property quickly.

How much is the monthly mortgage payment for 78 Shaker Rd?

With a 20% down payment and a 30-year fixed loan at an illustrative 7.25% rate, the ez Mortgage Calculator estimates the monthly payment for 78 Shaker Rd at around $8,249. This includes estimated property taxes and insurance.

Want to see how this changes with different down payments or interest rates? Jump to the calculator to run the numbers and fine-tune your plan.

How do I get pre-approved to buy 78 Shaker Rd?

Stand out in a competitive market by getting pre-approved today. Our quick and private pre-approval process helps you understand your true buying power—no credit pull required to explore all of your options.

Or, let us connect you with our preferred local lender in Worcester County. They will give you all of your available financing options, based on your specific situation and what is available to you.

Can I negotiate the asking price for 78 Shaker Rd?

In most cases, yes. Whether 78 Shaker Rd is priced competitively or not, your best offer depends on your personal situation, the seller's timeline, and recent activity in Harvard's market. Our preferred local partner will help you craft a strategy—factoring in comparable properties that have sold, timing, and deal structure—to make a smart, strong offer. Click here to ask about negotiation opportunities.

How do I make an offer on 78 Shaker Rd?

We can handle that for you. Our preferred local agent specializes in residentials in Harvard and can guide you through every step of the offer process.

You need an expert who is looking out for your best interests. From market valuation to contingencies and timing, they'll help you present a compelling offer that fits your goals. Click Ask a Question to get started today.

What is the price per square foot for this home?

This home is listed at $1,100,000 with 7,012 sqft of space—that comes out to approximately $157 per square foot.

How long has this property been on the market?

78 Shaker Rd was listed on November 11, 2025, which means it's been on the market for 369 days.

Want to keep tabs on it? Click the ♥ to favorite this home and get notified of price drops or changes.

When was this house built?

This home was built in 1840, making it approximately 186 years old.

What is the lot size of this property?

78 Shaker Rd sits on a 2.3-acre lot, which is 100,188 square feet.

What schools are assigned to this property?

Based on MLS info, this home is zoned for:

  • Elementary: Hildreth
  • Middle: Bromfield
  • High: Bromfield

Want to see how these schools compare? Check out our Worcester County School Guide to see ratings, reviews, and more for the schools in the area.

What are the property taxes for 78 Shaker Rd?

The most recent public record shows annual property taxes for 78 Shaker Rd were approximately $23,876. This may change with reassessment or exemptions. Our local partner can verify current tax amounts and help you estimate future costs based on your situation.

Is 78 Shaker Rd still available for sale?

Yes, this home is still available! Click the ♥ to favorite it so you don't miss any changes—or ask our local expert to schedule a time to see it in person.

Source: ez Home Search, MLS Data

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Listing information provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed by the MLS. The listing broker’s offer of compensation is made only to participants of the MLS where the listing is filed. Copyright 2026, MLS Property Information Network (MLS PIN). All rights reserved.

Last Updated: November 15, 2026 at 06:03AM | Source: MLS Property Information Network (MLS PIN) | MLS#: 73453731