Barlin Acres
Also known as: Keyes-Dakin House
Why it's listed
Barlin Acres, also called the Keyes-Dakin House, is a two-story frame house with brick ends at 284 School Street in Boylston. Tradition dates it to 1743, but its form and details point to the late eighteenth century, roughly 1790. The land was granted in 1718 as a house lot in Shrewsbury, then passed to Deacon Cyprian Keyes, a founder of the North Precinct Church, who was probably the first to build and settle there. Later owners included the Dakin family, who held it until 1883. George S. Barton added most of the additions in the 1920s, including east and west wings and a rear portico. The house has a symmetrical five-bay facade, a pedimented entry and paired end chimneys. Its four-pile central plan and brick ends are unusual locally, where central-chimney houses were more common. The property was recognized for its architecture, its association with the Keyes family and Boylston's early development, and its likely archaeological resources, especially the well in front of the house.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the house retains integrity of location, design, setting, materials and workmanship. It is tied to Boylston's development and to the prominent Keyes family. It is an outstanding local example of early Federal architecture, unusual for its four-pile central plan and brick ends, and its well and grounds probably hold archaeological deposits.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 82000487, listed November 16, 1982. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 284 School St., Boylston |
|---|---|
| County | Worcester County |
| Listed | November 16, 1982 |
| Reference number | 82000487 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Architectural style | Early Federal |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Exploration/Settlement, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Listed as occupied and in good condition, with educational and religious present use; owned by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Worcester. The house was altered by additions in the 1920s. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 42.33465, -71.72237 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 82000487.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q4861187
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.