HOOKSET, NH – In early October, the historic Stone House on Hooksett Road was rescued after it and its surrounding land was purchased by Hooksett Fireworks owner Christina Katsikas.
The house, one of the last known examples of Tutor Revival Architecture in New Hampshire, built in the 1930s, was due to be demolished, with a proposal to relocate the house proving impractical.
The closing of the purchase of the house will become official on November 29, then Katsikas expects the house to need a new roof as well as a thorough review of other repairs that are needed and can be done without harming the house. historic character of the house. to house.
Katsikas is not sure if the house will be turned into a venue for weddings or a cellar or an AirBnB, or a meeting space, or something else, including a private residence for herself. One thing is for sure though, during his decades of work at Hooksett it has become an indispensable part of the cityscape, even as it has moved into the city background.
“(The Stone House has) been a part of everyone’s life in town throughout their life, and no matter who you are, everyone loves it,” she said. “But it’s been an island for so long; it’s in the middle of town, but no one was able to visit.
Katsikas bought the house and the seven acres on which it is located for approximately $ 500,000. Considering the building’s importance to the city, she was amazed that its future was still uncertain after a storage company bought the property last year and expected to raze it and alter others. parts of the property.
“I was told I was a hero, but I didn’t realize that until I bought it people were coming out of the woods,” she said. “I couldn’t understand why if it was so important to everyone, no one had bought it yet.”
Hooksett Heritage Commission chairperson Kathie Northrup was one of the people who praised Katsikas as a hero.
“We almost lost this treasure last year. Fortunately, the project which included the demolition of the Stone House was pulled, giving Ms. Katsikas the opportunity to make her long-held dream come true, ”said Northrup. “We wish him good luck and therefore appreciate his contribution to the history of our city. I am happy that more generations can drive as they have done for over 90 years and wonder about the history of this building, its possibilities or what it would be like to live there.
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