I didn't mean to denigrate anybody's choice of housing or start a serious debate about the appropriate method of suburban development in my OP, so I apologize if anybody was offended by my earlier comments. All I intended was to express how I felt so that you'd know why the prospect of that property being developed was upsetting to me.

That said, I have an update! I actually stopped and talked to a couple of the construction workers who were there when I went by after work one day. They said the owner was taking down the buildings (not, apparently, the barn, which is by far the nicest building on the property) because of the taxes associated with it -- I don't know anything about MA property tax, since I don't own property here, so I don't know what that means. But since then they have surgically removed the house, garage, and a building so covered in vines I didn't know it was a building , all while leaving the venerable fruit trees and most of the other property pretty much intact. I am pretty amazed, actually. The workers didn't know or didn't tell me the ultimate plan for the property, but so far it's retained most of the character I've appreciated about it.

I am tentatively relieved and very curious to see what else happens.