The Commonwealth of Massachusetts made the decision in 1856 to fill in a section of Boston Harbor, which previously was being used as a trash dump and was the source of many complaints due to it’s wretched stench & pests. The City used new steam engine technology to bring in fill from the local suburbs,…
Governor John Langdon House: “Esteemed” Gem of Portsmouth, NH
There are truly so many reasons to visit Portsmouth, NH – and now you can add Gov. John Langdon’s house to that list. It has all my favorite features of a historic home: incredibly detailed trim, famous guests, ties to the Revolutionary War and the birth of America, a grand staircase and (what would have…
Jackson House: Oldest Wood-Frame House in New Hampshire
I took advantage of a gorgeous New England fall day to take a day trip to Portsmouth, NH as there were still two Historic New England homes that I had yet to visit. The Jackson House, located just a block or so from downtown, was a great way to start our day! Historical Highlights The…
The Oceanic Hotel & The Isles of Shoals: Serenity found Seven Miles off the New Hampshire & Maine Coast
My family and I have rented a beachfront house in Salisbury, Massachusetts since I was in high school, and ever since we have been looking at the Isles of Shoals thru binoculars, wondering what was there. We’ve done our google searches to satiate our curiosity, but every year we would sit on the shore and…
The House of Seven Gables: 1668 Salem Seaside Mansion
My first visit of 2021 was to The House of Seven Gables in Salem, MA. Salem is obviously well-known as the home of the Salem Witch trials, but I’ve learned so much since starting this project about the importance of the Salem Harbor and just how much wealth came to the state of Massachusetts because…
The Mount: Mansion & Grounds that Inspired Edith Wharton
As part of our recent weekend away to the Berkshires in Massachusetts, my husband & I stayed at the Seven Hills Inn which was right next door to The Mount. I found the two locations separately, but was thrilled to see that they were literally next door to each other! Not only did we thoroughly…
Seven Hills Inn: Farmhouse, “Cottage” and Inn in Lenox, MA
My husband & I celebrated our 10 year anniversary this year, and instead of our planned trip to Tulum, Mexico we thought heading out to Western Massachusetts for two nights seemed like a more sensible and safe way to celebrate. The leaf peepers were already packed up and home, but the weather forecast showed almost…
Beauport, The Sleeper-McCann House: Seaside Mansion of America’s First Professional Interior Designer
After what seems like eternity, I was finally able to visit Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House! It is one of only a handful of historic homes that are currently open for tours at Historic New England, and I was so happy to see it on the list! This was an amazing one to get back into…
The Omni Parker House: Longest Operating Hotel in the United States
Boston is less than 40 miles from my home, so typically if we want to spend the day or go to an event there it’s easy enough to make the drive in & out (minus the ridiculous traffic that occurs at every.hour.of.the.day). But, my friend was celebrating a big birthday and I knew driving wasn’t…
Nichols House: 1804 Beacon Hill Townhouse
I visited the Nichols House prior to popping the champagne for a friend’s birthday this past weekend. A hidden gem located on Beacon Hill just behind the Massachusetts State House, this house somehow blends in yet stands out among the rows of pretty brick townhouses that make up the famous neighborhood. I love a Boston…
The Historic New England Project 