Rent-free living with a catch

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.