397 Main St

Set proudly on Franklin’s picturesque Main Street, this gracious 1850 Greek Revival offers nearly 2,500 square feet of living space, blending historic charm with thoughtful updates and leaving room for your own finishing touches. With five bedrooms and three bathrooms, the layout is both spacious and flexible, perfect as a classic single-family home, or easily adaptable for a duplex, guest suite, or live/work setup.
The home welcomes you with a wide, covered porch adorned with original scrollwork. Step inside and you’ll find natural light pouring across beautifully preserved wide-plank floors. The main level flows easily from a generous living room into a formal dining room and a bright kitchen lined with windows on three sides ideal for a breakfast nook or dining table. Off the kitchen, a powder room offers the option to expand into a third full bath or laundry area. A sweeping staircase leads to the upper level, where five bedrooms provide plenty of options. The sunlit primary suite includes a soaking tub, while additional bedrooms capture either village views with distant mountains or shaded, tree-lined vistas. Each has its own character, making the upstairs versatile for family, guests, or short-term rentals. Much of the residence has already undergone significant upgrades including the roof, windows, plumbing, electric, and insulation, so the most difficult work is behind you. The rear portion of the home remains unfinished, serving as a blank canvas to create additional living space, a studio, or an income-producing rental. Out back, a red barn/garage adds even more possibility, whether for storage, a workshop, or a future guest house. The manageable 0.30-acre lot is just steps from Franklin’s vibrant offerings - cafés, galleries, bakeries, the Franklin Stage Company, and walking trails. Baseball tournaments in Oneonta and Cooperstown’s All Star Village are just 20 minutes away, and New York City is just over three hours from your door. This is a rare opportunity to own a historic home with enduring character, modern improvements, and exciting potential all in one of the Catskills’ most creative and welcoming small towns.