If you are someone who is bewitched by beautifully restored, centuries-old homes with spellbinding neighbors, a dwelling that has magicked its way onto the market in the historic Massachusetts town of Salem could be just the brew for you.
The historic three-story dwelling, which is known as the Lindall-Gibbs-Osgood House, flew onto the market in mid-May for just under $2 million. That price has since been trimmed to an enchanting $1.88 million.
It is hard not to be charmed by the six-bedroom, five-bathroom New England classic built in 1755. But one alluring aspect of the dwelling cannot be found within its walls.
The 4,670-square-foot abode with traditional clapboard siding sits right next to one of Salem’s storied tourist attractions: the world-famous Jonathan Corwin House, which is better known as The Witch House thanks to its ties to the town’s infamous witch trials in the late 1600s.
Owned by Judge Jonathan Corwin, who was one of the leaders of the unrelenting witch hunts that spread throughout the town during the trials, the property is now the “only structure still standing in Salem” with a direct connection to that troubling period in history.
Today, Salem happily leans into its spooky heritage, particularly around Halloween, when The Witch House becomes a hive of activity and excitement.
But beyond the month of October, the New England town is an idyllic place to live—and the Lindall-Gibbs-Osgood House is a fine example of the lifestyle that so many flock to Salem to enjoy.
Those who have stayed in the property over the years have found it to be wicked enchanting.
The current owners carried out a painstaking restoration of the property after they purchased it for just $608,437 in 2013. They aimed to transform it into a magical guesthouse; however, for the past few years, it has served as a private residence for their extended family.
Still, the listing and its agent, Andrew Pike of the Persac Group, note that the property is positively bursting with potential for anyone seeking a lucrative short-term rental opportunity.
“The house itself is just such a great historic property with so much character,” Pike says. “It’s ideal for someone who wants to live the Salem lifestyle, for someone who wants to run a business, or for someone who wants to live a calmer life, but still requires quick access to Boston—it’s only about a 30-minute train ride away.”
Inside the storied history of the Lindall-Gibbs-Osgood House
The house has a long and fascinating history. According to public records, the stately Georgian-style home was built in 1775 for “spinster” Mary Lindall, who was a 50-year-old single woman living with her 15-year-old orphaned niece, Elizabeth Gray. Both were listed as owners.
The second owner, Mercy Gibbs, ran a small shop in one of the front rooms.
In 1815, the home was purchased by William Osgood, a “master mariner,” and it remained in his family for 122 years. In 1947, the American Red Cross purchased the home to use as its Salem chapter house.
It later served as the office of a prominent law firm for several years.
In 2013, the current owners came along and began a three-year renovation and restoration. That included new HVAC and electric systems, and new plumbing to connect a private bathroom to each of the three bedrooms on the second floor.
The dazzling kitchen now includes a commercial-grade refrigerator as well as original features like a wood-burning hearth and beehive oven.
The kitchen is one of Pike’s favorite features of the home.
“It’s just such a cool space,” he says. “It’s such a great combination of history and modern convenience and technology at the same time.”
The initial intent of the renovation was to run the home as a bed-and-breakfast, or “as an owner-occupied Airbnb, because that’s the easiest to permit in the city of Salem,” says Pike.
With the three en-suite guest rooms on the second floor, the “owner-occupied” space is on the third floor, and it’s quite the apartment. It features a massive primary suite with a luxe bath and a walk-in closet.
There are three other “official” bedrooms, which can also be used as a den, gym, office, or studio space.
The main level is ideal for accommodating guests. It features a spacious reception foyer and two sitting rooms, both with wood-burning fireplaces, where games may be played, conversations may be had, and cocktails may be sipped.
Also on the main level is the formal dining room and a half-bath.
Out back is a lush and private yard, which is splendid for entertaining.
“The backyard is really nice, for being in an area where there are quite a few tourists and people walking around,” says Pike. “It’s actually quite peaceful back there.”
Outside the tourist season, Pike says, the neighborhood is peaceful and quiet.
“You have The Witch House on one side, and on the other side is a church,” he explains, referring to the beautiful Unitarian Universalist Church.
These properties are located in the McIntyre Historic District and are within walking distance of notable restaurants and shops. It’s a 10-minute walk to the commuter rail, which can take you into Boston in about 30 minutes.
It seems only a matter of time before the spirit moves the next buyers of this magnificent property. And when they do, it will be a blessing rather than a curse.
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