This Georgian Colonial home was dated by a historic architect to 1720. Of course, it was in desperate need of some love when I acquired it 15 years ago. The house underwent considerable renovations, including a restoration of the original beams, wide pine floors, and a replica of the original fireplace.
The earliest owner and builder of this house is unknown, but was likely involved in the trade, shipbuilding, or allied crafts that prospered in this maritime settlement.
The home had a center chimney mass ,which had four fireplaces, one for each quadrant of the house to provide heat and cooking. The fireplaces were likely removed 200 years ago when more modern coal heating became available. The fireplace in the upstairs living room is a historically accurate replica of what the original fireplace likely looked like.
By 1851, a Mr. Philip Cheever, a cooper by trade, acquired the home. He likely added the Ell, a Victorian era addition , which is the now the downstairs kitchen area. This was not an economically prosperous time for Newburyport and therefore construction was less robust. When the house was renovated in 2007, it was discovered the Ell had no foundation and was sitting in dirt. The area had to be jacked up and excavated by hand so a new concrete foundation was laid and many modern improvements added.
In 1872, Captain John C. Cheney, master mariner, occupied the home. Cheney and his heirs owned this property for several decades.
The house changed from a single family home to a mixed use property in the early 20th century. Some of the elderly neighbors remember a candy store occupied the 1st floor. The home later changed to a corner liquor store and was purchased the next door neighbors. They ran the store for some time, but then converted to its current use. This is when I purchased the home and began my restoration project. I hope you enjoy your stay and please read through the welcome book for additional information.