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There is something about antique homes that just captures our attention. Maybe it’s the history behind them, or the beauty of their unique designs. Whatever it is, they are definitely a sight to behold! We will take a look at some of the most beautiful and interesting antique homes across Massachusetts. We’ll learn about their histories and find out why they are so special. If you’re interested in architecture, or if you’re just looking for some inspiration for your next home renovation project, then this blog post is for you!
A Look at the History of Antique Homes
When you step inside an antique home, you can’t help but feel a sense of history. The time-worn floors, the aging walls, and the worn fixtures all tell a story of a home that has seen many years go by. And yet, despite the many changes that these homes have undergone, they still maintain a feeling of warmth and comfort. It’s no wonder that so many people are drawn to the unique charm of antique homes. But what is it about these homes that makes them so special? Let’s take a look at the history of antique homes to find out.
Some of the earliest examples of antique homes can be found in England, where they date back to the 1600s and they are still admired today for their beautiful designs and intricate details. Here in Massachusetts, we dug into public records to discover the oldest antique home we could find. We found quite a few, but the oldest ones were built no earlier than circa 1650. It should be noted that some cities/towns may classify styles differently. For example, New Bedford appears to classify their antique homes as “Conventional” style homes.
Do you know of an antique home that’s even older? Do let us know, we’d love to hear from you.
The Different Types of Antique Homes
Around the world, there are a wide variety of antique homes that have been passed down through generations. In some cultures, ancestors build their homes to last for centuries, using materials that will stand the test of time. In other cultures, families move frequently, and homes are only meant to last for a few decades. Regardless of their origin, antique homes often have features that are unique to their time period and culture.
One type of antique home is the log cabin. Log cabins were popular in North America during the 18th and 19th centuries, when many settlers were moving westward. Log cabins were usually built with logs that were cut from nearby forests, and they were often chinked with moss or clay to keep out the cold. Today, log cabins are still popular mostly as vacation homes or country retreats.
Antique style homes seem to be a classification that a lot of older houses get lumped into, depending on the city/town you’re searching in. At least, that’s the case in our local area.
It may just be classified as an “antique” or you could have a more specific classification attached, depending on where its located. We ran a search in our local areas, to find out just how many Antique Style homes existed in public record for each associated City/Town.
According to public record, here are the actual counts of houses that are specifically classified as “Antique” for the given city or town.
Clicking on the neighborhood will take you to all of the antique homes currently for sale, if any, in that specific town.
| Acushnet: 5 Attleboro: 9 Berkley: 0 Dartmouth: 0 Dighton: 0 Easton: 48 Fairhaven: 82 Fall River: 1 |
Freetown: 61 Halifax: 51 Lakeville: 0 Marion: 117 Mattapoisett: 149 Middleboro: 74 New Bedford: 0 North Attleborough: 0 |
Norton: 0 Plymouth: 40 Rehoboth: 42 Rochester: 0 Seekonk: 0 Somerset: 0 Swansea: 0 Taunton: 0 Wareham: 1 Westport: 130 |
Bearing in mind, that each market may be different, here in New England we find that many different style homes may fall into the Antique Style category.
Traditionally, most real estate (and even collectibles) are typically classified as antique when they are more than 100 years old.
*In our area, our MLS allows us to label a style pulling from public record and/or add our own. I have find many instances where agents will use the style of Antique for example on an “Old-Style” home or even on an old Cape-Cod style home (as classified in public record), even when the home is not over 100 years old.
Therefore, if you’re truly looking for a specific style home, be sure to read the rest of the descriptions on the listing, or perhaps connect with an agent who may be able to better locate a particular style home on your behalf.
Common Characteristics of Antique Homes
Antique homes are charming and full of character, but they can also require a bit more care than newer homes. Here are some common characteristics of antique homes:
First, antique homes often have unique architectural features that set them apart from newer homes. For example, they may have:
- intricate moldings
- original hardwood floors
- stained glass windows
These features add to the home’s charm, but they can also be delicate and require special care.
Second, antique homes tend to be built with materials that are no longer used in construction. For example, many antique homes have plaster walls (horse-hair), instead of drywall, and wood-framed windows instead of vinyl. As a result, these homes often require different methods of repair and maintenance.
Third, antique homes are often (but not always) located in historic neighborhoods. This means that they may be subject to certain regulations that protect their character.
Examples of Beautiful and Interesting Antique Homes Across MA & RI
The Massachusetts and Rhode Island coastline is dotted with beautiful and interesting antique homes. These homes range from stately Colonial mansions to cozy Cape Cod cottages, and each has its own unique history and style. Many of these homes are located in scenic coastal towns, where they enjoy sweeping views of the ocean. Others are nestled in quaint inland villages, surrounded by rolling hills and farmland. Regardless of their location, these homes offer a glimpse into the past, and a reminder of the New England region’s rich architectural heritage. If you’re interested in seeing some of these beautiful old homes for yourself, these are definitely worth a visit:
New Bedford is a city with a rich history, and there are many interesting examples of antique homes in the area.
The New Bedford Preservation Society holds annual holiday tours, as well as walking tours where you can visit multiple historic homes to get you inspired and learn more.
New Bedford Preservation Society
15 Johnny Cake Hill
New Bedford, MA 02740
📅 Walking, Mobile Tours & Holiday House Tours
The Lizzie Borden House located at 230 2nd Street in Fall River, Massachusetts is an interesting example of an antique home. This historic house was the scene of a gruesome double murder in 1892, and it’s now a museum. The Lizzie Borden House is open to the public for various tours including:
- House Tour
- Ghost Tours
- Ghost Hunt
- Oak Grove Cemetery Tour
Find Antique Homes by City/Town:
Results found on our website for antique homes are generated based on classification by the listing agent who specifies the “style” into the MLS when advertising their listing. So please keep that in mind while searching. SRG does not have control over any third-party data, but if you’re searching for something specific, we’re happy to help.