Fancy a trip back in time with a sprinkle of luxury? Massachusetts is home to some of the most exquisite century-old multi-million dollar residences, each with its own slice of history and charm. These architectural marvels are not just homes but stories waiting to be told.
Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys drooling over some serious real estate, this list is for you.
Let’s explore the grandeur, the quirks, and perhaps a ghost or two in these stunning 26 residences.
1. The Crane Estate, Ipswich
Ever wondered what it’s like to live in a fairytale? The Crane Estate in Ipswich offers just that with its sprawling 2,100 acres and an ocean-facing mansion. Originally built in 1910, it exudes an old-world charm that’s hard to resist.
From the Italian garden to the rolling lawns, each corner of this estate whispers secrets of the past. The Great House, with its stunning views of the Atlantic, stands as a testament to a bygone era of opulence, making it a real gem in Massachusetts.
2. Lyman Estate, Waltham
Step into a world of elegance at the Lyman Estate in Waltham. Built in 1793, this Federal-style mansion is a masterpiece of its time. Its lush gardens and historic greenhouses offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
The estate’s rich history adds layers of intrigue to its already enchanting facade. With each room telling a story of yesteryears, a visit here feels like a delightful stroll through time. It’s not just a home; it’s a gateway to another era.
3. The Gore Place, Waltham
If walls could talk, the Gore Place in Waltham would have quite the tales to share. This elegant mansion, built in 1806, stands proudly amidst expansive grounds. Its stately facade captures the eye, while its interiors transport visitors back to the early 19th century.
Every nook and cranny of the Gore Place resonates with history and charm. From its grand ballrooms to the intimate parlors, it offers a peek into the lavish lifestyles of its original inhabitants. A true historical treasure!
4. The Eustis Estate, Milton
Curious about Victorian elegance? The Eustis Estate in Milton, built in 1878, is a perfect embodiment. This mansion, with its intricate woodwork and vast gardens, offers a delightful blend of history and beauty.
The house boasts numerous original features, transporting visitors to a time of lavish decor and refined tastes. Whether you’re exploring its ornate rooms or strolling through the gardens, the Eustis Estate promises an experience brimming with charm and elegance. A must-see for architecture enthusiasts!
5. The Codman Estate, Lincoln
Longing for a taste of neoclassical grandeur? The Codman Estate in Lincoln is your go-to. This mansion, built in the 1860s, showcases a perfect marriage of architecture and art with its sprawling gardens and historic interiors.
Home to generations of the Codman family, each room offers a glimpse into a rich tapestry of history. Whether it’s the exquisite decor or the fascinating family stories, the Codman Estate captivates the imagination, making it a cherished piece of Massachusetts heritage.
6. The Rotch-Jones-Duff House, New Bedford
New Bedford’s pride, the Rotch-Jones-Duff House, whispers tales of the 19th century. Built in 1834, this Greek Revival mansion is a marvel of its time. Its formal gardens and historical significance add layers of allure to its majestic presence.
Each room tells a story of the prosperous whaling industry era, making it a treasure trove for history buffs. From the elegant architecture to the meticulously preserved interiors, the Rotch-Jones-Duff House offers a delightful journey into the past.
7. The Pierce House, Dorchester
Timeless and full of character, the Pierce House in Dorchester feels like a gentle step back into colonial America. Built in the late 1600s, it’s one of Boston’s oldest surviving homes—and it wears its age beautifully.
Inside, period furnishings and creaky floorboards whisper stories of early American life, while the warm, lived-in charm makes history feel close and real. Every corner invites curiosity, from the hearth to the hand-hewn beams.
8. The Isaac Royall House, Medford
Built in 1732, this Medford mansion offers a powerful, eye-opening look into colonial life. As you wander through its carefully preserved rooms, you’ll find more than just antique furniture—you’ll uncover layered stories of privilege, struggle, and change.
The grounds are lush, the architecture striking, and the atmosphere rich with history. More than a house, it’s a living museum that invites reflection and connection to a complex past.
9. The Otis House, Boston
Did you know that the Otis House was one of the first homes in Boston to feature fashionable wallpaper imported from Europe? This elegant Georgian-style gem offers a true taste of refined 18th-century living.
Nestled in the heart of downtown, it’s a quiet escape into the past, where every room tells a story—from lavish parlors to finely detailed moldings. Once home to Harrison Gray Otis, a key figure in Boston’s early development, the house feels both grand and intimate at the same time.
10. The Fairbanks House, Dedham
Walking through the Fairbanks House in Dedham feels like stepping straight into the pages of early American history. Built in 1637, it proudly holds the title of the oldest timber-frame house in North America.
With its creaky floorboards, hand-hewn beams, and period furnishings, the home offers an intimate look at colonial family life.
Each room whispers stories of the Fairbanks family’s resilience and the craftsmanship that’s lasted nearly 400 years. For history lovers, it’s an unforgettable journey into the roots of New England.
11. The House of Seven Gables, Salem
Ever read Nathaniel Hawthorne’s classic novel? The House of Seven Gables in Salem was his inspiration. Built in 1668, this historic mansion is more than just a literary landmark.
Its gabled roof and enchanting architecture beckon visitors from near and far. Each corner of the house holds stories of the past, making it a delightful destination for literature lovers and history buffs alike.
12. The Beauport Sleeper-McCann House, Gloucester
If you’ve ever longed for a home where every window frames the sea, the Beauport Sleeper-McCann House is pure coastal magic. Perched above the shores of Gloucester and built in 1907, this colorful mansion was the passion project of interior designer Henry Davis Sleeper.
Each room bursts with character—layered textures, bold patterns, and whimsical collections that feel like a joyful expression of personality. Add sweeping ocean views, and it’s a sensory dream come true.
13. The Martin House Farm, Swansea
Fancy a rustic escape to the past? The Martin House Farm in Swansea offers a charming glimpse into colonial life. Built in 1728, this farmhouse is brimming with rustic charm and historical artifacts.
The house, with its preserved architecture and farmstead, tells tales of early settlers and their way of life. It’s not just a home; it’s a piece of living history that captivates and educates. Perfect for those looking to connect with the past!
14. The Gibson House Museum, Boston
Where can you find a perfectly preserved slice of 19th-century Boston life? Tucked along Beacon Street, the Gibson House Museum is a hidden gem that transports you straight into the elegance of the 1800s.
This Italianate-style townhouse feels like time stood still—from the rich wallpaper to the original family furnishings. Walking through its rooms is like leafing through a living diary, each space telling stories of daily life, tradition, and quiet sophistication.
15. The Jackson Homestead, Newton
Curious about history and education? The Jackson Homestead in Newton offers both. Built in 1809, this historic homestead now serves as a museum with educational exhibits.
Its period architecture and engaging displays provide a window into the past. The homestead tells stories of the Jackson family and their contributions to the community.
16. The Buckman Tavern, Lexington
Curiously tucked in the heart of Lexington, the Buckman Tavern is a doorway to colonial times and revolutionary whispers. This cozy, creaky-floored tavern once buzzed with conversation, warmth, and the weight of history – it’s where the Lexington militia gathered on the eve of the American Revolution.
Step inside and you’ll find period decor, original woodwork, and the kind of charm only centuries can create. It’s more than just a building—it’s a storyteller in timber and stone. For anyone fascinated by America’s roots, this historic hangout is a truly unforgettable stop on the journey back in time.
17. The Quincy Homestead, Quincy
Did you know that the Quincy Homestead was once home to generations of the Quincy family—ancestors of Abigail Adams and deeply tied to America’s founding story. Built in the 1680s, this beautifully preserved colonial home offers more than creaky floors and antique charm—it offers a front-row seat to history.
As you wander through its rooms filled with period furnishings, you can almost hear the echoes of conversations that helped shape a nation. It’s not just a house—it’s a legacy wrapped in wood and warmth.
18. The Whipple House, Ipswich
Remarkably preserved and rich with character, the Whipple House in Ipswich is like stepping into a quiet corner of the 1600s. Built in 1677, this sturdy timber-frame home captures the spirit of early colonial life with its rustic beams, wide-plank floors, and period furnishings.
Every room invites you to imagine the daily rhythms of the Whipple family—hard work, hearthside moments, and deep community roots. It’s more than just an old house; it’s a lovingly kept time capsule that connects you to the grit and grace of New England’s early days
19. The Winslow Crocker House, Yarmouth Port
Wandering through the Winslow Crocker House in Yarmouth Port feels like stepping into a beautifully curated time capsule. It’s filled to the brim with antique treasures, each piece lovingly collected to reflect centuries past.
As you explore room by room, you’ll find more than just furniture—you’ll uncover stories of the people who lived, worked, and dreamed within these walls. The cozy warmth and aged elegance make it feel like history is gently unfolding around you.
20. The Barrett House, New Ipswich
What happens when timeless elegance meets small-town charm? You get the Barrett House in New Ipswich—a stunning slice of 19th-century refinement. With its graceful decor, tall windows, and richly appointed rooms, this grand home tells the story of a family who lived with style and intention.
Built for entertaining and showing off a bit of wealth, every space reflects a love for beauty and detail. As you wander through its halls, it’s easy to picture the clinking of teacups and rustle of gowns.
21. The Rebecca Nurse Homestead, Danvers
Ever been intrigued by the Salem witch trials? The Rebecca Nurse Homestead in Danvers offers a historical perspective on this infamous period.
Built in 1678, this colonial-era farmhouse is filled with period furnishings and stories of its past. Each visit is a journey into the life of Rebecca Nurse and the turbulent times she lived in. A powerful experience for those interested in history and human stories.
22. The Jackson House, Portsmouth
Are you interested in architecture from the 17th century? Portsmouth’s Jackson House provides a fascinating look into the past.
This historic home, which was constructed in 1664, offers a glimpse into early colonial life with its original architecture and antique furnishings. Stories of the Jackson household and their time period are shared in each room. For anyone who has a curiosity in architecture and history, this is a must-see.
23. The Harrison Gray Otis House, Boston
Tired of the contemporary decor? Boston’s Harrison Gray Otis House provides a nostalgic getaway.
This Federal-style residence is elegant and full of historical charm. The exquisite tastes of Boston’s first residents are displayed in each room, providing a window into the city’s history.
24. The Nichols House Museum, Boston
Ever wanted to step into a house that’s a work of art? The Nichols House Museum in Boston is just that. This historic townhouse, built in 1804, boasts period furnishings and architectural beauty.
Each room is a canvas of history, telling tales of the Nichols family and their contributions to Boston society. A delightful experience for those who appreciate art and history.
25. The Munroe Tavern, Lexington
If you’re yearning for a colonial tavern experience, The Munroe Tavern in Lexington offers a fascinating journey into the past. This tavern is filled with historical artifacts and period decor, providing a rich tapestry of stories from its time.
The tavern’s role during the American Revolution adds a layer of intrigue to its history. Those seeking a unique experience don’t want to miss out on this!
26. The Merwin House, Stockbridge
A house with gardens that rival paradise? That sounds just like The Merwin House in Stockbridge. This historic mansion boasts period furnishings and beautiful gardens.
Each room is a testament to the elegance of its era, offering a delightful escape into the past. If you’re a history and nature lover, this is the destination for you!