With the listing of the Old Farm estate in Wenham a rare mix of history and acreage with surrounding conservation land is available on the North Shore. The estate is an example of early New England architecture, sited on 15 pastoral acres abutting 100+ acres of Essex County Greenbelt Association conservation land with a network of trails.
Both the main house and property are historically significant. The main house dates back to before the Salem Witch Trials, circa 1658, and is listed on The National Register of Historic Places. It has been impeccably maintained by the current owners. The main house was enlarged and restored in 1911 by noted preservation architect Joseph Everett Chandler—and later refined in 1930 by J. Hamden Robb—seamlessly blending 17th-century origins with Colonial Revival elegance.
Approached by a long allee of maple trees, the residence is distinguished by its classic gambrel roof and massive central chimney. Period details and carefully preserved architectural elements can be found throughout. The eight bedroom, 7,247 sq. ft. house consists of a five-bay, two-and-a-half story main block, a two-story west service wing and a two-story north entrance hall.
The surrounding landscape complements the architectural significance of the house. An old-fashioned perennial garden designed by the noted landscape architect Ellen Shipman sits immediately south of the House. An early twentieth-century two-story garage and one-story barn are located west of the house. Framed by stone walls, the property is enveloped by open meadows, rolling lawns, and specimen trees, creating a landscape of exceptional natural beauty. Additional structures include a carriage house with an apartment and the early 20th-century barn with stalls. Old Farm is protected by a preservation restriction, safeguarding its significant interior and exterior features.
The property has been used as a family homestead for the last 65+ years – including farm use and equestrian use. The barn on the property has two stalls and a milking parlor, but there are currently no paddocks or fenced areas. It hasn’t been used for animals for some time, but most buyers who have looked at the property envision using the barn for horses or other farm animals.
The estate went on the market at the end of April, and there has been an incredible amount of interest. The listing agents are Nicole Monahan and Hannah Barker of LandVest / Christie’s International Real Estate.
For more information: christiesrealestate.com/homes/ma/wenham/9-maple-street-wenham-ma-01984/MLSPIN73505551