The Astor Street House Preservation Restriction

The Astor Street House Preservation Restriction is a provision in Elizabeth Bohlinger’s will that temporarily preserves her home and regulates how her children may use it. It keeps the house and its contents from being sold or leased for twelve months, while allowing the children limited occupancy and personal use of household items.

Terms and Duration

At the reading of the will, the restriction applies to Elizabeth Bohlinger’s home at One Thirteen North Astor Street and everything in it. Both the structure and its contents must remain intact for twelve months. During that year, neither may be sold or leased.

Occupancy and Use

The provision distinguishes preserving the property from barring the family from it altogether. Elizabeth Bohlinger’s children may inhabit the house, but no child may stay for more than thirty consecutive days. They are also welcome to use household items for personal purposes. The rule therefore permits temporary access while placing a clear limit on continuous residence.

Family Response and Significance

When the restriction is read aloud, Joad Bohlinger objects that he and his siblings already have homes and that there is no need to keep their mother’s house. Brett Bohlinger’s reaction is more complicated: she feels her face burn and looks down at her cuticles as she realizes her brother appears to regard her as a co-owner of the loft she shares with Andrew. She has lived there for three years and invested more money in it than he has, but her name is not on the title; technically, the loft belongs to him. That contrast gives the house provision a pointed context: the will sets explicit limits around the family home at the same moment Brett is reminded that long residence and financial contribution do not necessarily secure a claim to a home.