Updated: Saturday, 18 Apr 2009, 4:39 PM EDT
Published : Saturday, 18 Apr 2009, 4:39 PM EDT
NORTH EASTON, Mass. (AP) - The homes aren't in particularly good shape.
Some have bats nesting in the walls and holes where raccoons
have gnawed through plaster.
But contractors and history buffs have been vying to live
rent-free in dilapidated state-owned historic buildings.
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation offers a
rent-free lease to people, with a catch: They must be willing to
invest the time and money needed to renovate some of the states
historic buildings.
Paul Folkman and Carrie Crisman have recently been given a
long-term lease for the Smith Farm at Borderland State Park in
North Easton.
They plan to invest up to $300,000 in the building and hope
it will eventually become a holistic learning center where visitors
can do yoga, stargaze, or even hold weddings.