You can now own a historic 3-storey home that withstood at least 261 years.
Originally built in 1754 at Danvers, Massachusetts, the oldest mansion that found its second home in Kalorama Rd, Washington D.C. in 1935, is now on the market for $10.5 million. On behalf of its current owner, Kenneth Brody, Washington Fine Properties is now looking for buyers for the Georgian-style home.
The 261-year old house is fondly called as The Lindens because of the linden trees that lined the original driveway in Massachusetts. It has 12-foot ceilings, interior columns and stenciled floors and wallpaper designed in Paris in the early 1800s. It has a Hancock staircase with carved balustrade and crystal chandeliers. The wooden doors and panels are original while the two kitchens have been updated with modern stainless steel appliances. The property also has a tavern room, spa and three garages.
The house was first built for Robert "King" Hooper, a leading shipowner and merchant in Marblehead, Massachusetts. It had been through a number of owners and two restorations after a century and a half. In 1930s, two antique dealers bought it and sold a room to a local museum. In 1934, the dealers sold the whole thing to George and Miriam Morris.
It was then that the house was dismantled and shipped in six railroad boxcars to Washington D.C.. It was meticulously reassembled by key architect at Colonial Williamsburg.
Broker Bill Moody stated that the Lindens has the feel of a home than a museum.
"The ceiling heights, the architecture, the scale of the house is as elegant as any house in Washington, D.C.," Moody said. "Even with the history of the house and the way people lived hundreds of years ago, it still feels comfortable. You're getting the feel of an antique house but people live there comfortably."
What do you think of the property? Is it worth buying for?
