A First Period estate in Gloucester, Massachusetts, built in 1678, is on the market for $1.25 million, offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of early American history.
The William Haskell House, named after its original owner who harvested salt hay from nearby tidal marshes, has been meticulously preserved and offers what listing agent Michael Selbst describes as an “authentic glimpse into early New England life.” The property includes the original four-bedroom house, an ell added in the 1920s, and an antique barn on 2.4 acres.
Despite its age, the house has been updated with modern systems, including new wiring, plumbing, and geothermal heating, while retaining its historical character. "It has been fully stabilized with new electric and plumbing and new HVAC, so it’s essentially a current home wrapped in an original envelope," Selbst stated. Original features such as wide-plank floors, wood ceilings, exposed beams, wood-clad walls, and five fireplaces remain throughout the 3,000-square-foot interior.
The antique barn has been renovated to include an entertaining room and a covered porch overlooking the marshes. The previous owners invested significant effort into restoration, including repointing the foundation, custom milling walls, and rebuilding windows to original standards.
Selbst noted that the estate could serve as either a primary or secondary residence. He suggested it could appeal to empty nesters with a desire for a first-floor master bedroom or young families drawn to the safe and secluded neighborhood. The property is also located near the town of Essex.