NORTH ANDOVER — Built in the 1740s, the two-chimney Federal colonial at 13 Chestnut St. is a truly remarkable home.
Located near North Andover's historic Olde Center, and once known as The Widow Parker's Tavern, the home features a five-bay faéßade and many of its original period details.
Owned by Captain Isaac Parker in the late 1700s, the original structure consisted of two rooms downstairs and two upstairs. Parker remodeled and made additions, circa 1790, including the large kitchen, dining room, and two additional bedrooms upstairs.
After his death, Parker's widow continued to use the home as a tavern, hence the name "Widow Parker's Tavern." It was common during this time period for public houses, inns, or taverns to host weary travelers or locals, and it seems there were several of these establishments in the area. Notably, the house was also used as the meeting place for the first Andover Masons meeting.
Featuring the original wooden front door, with the original hand forged iron hinges and Indian bar — with Isaac Parker's initials carved into the wood! — this home would be a dream for anyone who has ever wanted to own a piece of history.
The entryway of the home brings you directly into the 10- by 30-foot center hall. With a magnificent double-sided staircase, the hall is almost reminiscent of a colonial ballroom. With floral wallpaper and fantastic candle-shaped lights, the hall is a grand centerpiece to the house.
To the left is the original tavern room, with all of its gorgeous original woodwork. Each room in the house has its own fireplace, with original brick. The current owners still utilized both the fireplace in this room and the kitchen.
Currently a den, the tavern room would be the perfect space for a home office. There is a half bath tucked into the corner, which is believed to have once been the servant's hallway, connecting the tavern to the kitchen.
On the right of the center hallway is the living room.
Throughout the house, the floors are wide pine, and the original lead glass windows remain. The owners took special care to ensure that the historical elements of the house were well maintained.
At the rear of the house is a roomy kitchen with modern appliances, including an oven, microwave, dishwasher and garbage disposal. There is a fabulous butler's pantry leading to the dining room on the other side of the house, and the dining room features a screened in porch, perfect for summer entertainment.
Additionally, there is a utility/mudroom beyond the kitchen with a second screened in porch. This porch is vast and would be great for more entertainment space, or just as a special spot to curl up with a good book.
Upstairs, the landing mimics the center hall downstairs, as it is spacious and grand. There are four generously sized bedrooms, two of which connect with a Jack and Jill bathroom. Completing the upstairs layout is a full bathroom.
The third floor of the house is attic storage space, but was once the servant's quarters. Small details, such as the original amenities for the servant's bathroom and small hooks on the wall, remind you of the home's rich history.
Sitting on an acre of land, the house not only has amazing colonial touches, it has a bit of a modern splash too, featuring an amazing in-ground pool.
The heating and electrical systems have also been updated, so it seems the 1700s have blended seamlessly with the 21st Century.
The house at 13 Chestnut St. is charming and functional. Anyone in the market for a new home and anyone who has ever dreamed of living in an era gone by should definitely check out this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a bit of New England heritage.
Listed at $599,900 by Century 21 McLennan & Company, there will be an open house today, from noon to 2 p.m. For additional information or to schedule a private viewing, contact Tricia Melvin at 978-373-2100.
AT A GLANCE:
Where: 13 Chestnut St., North Andover
Designed for: Someone looking for a house that is rich in history
Price: $599,900
Listing agency: Tricia Melvin, Century 21 McLennan & Company, 978-373-2100
