Zillow

The early colonial home could have been constructed well before 1700.

11 Lincoln Street, Gloucester, Mass.
Listed for $399,000

Around the time this home was built in the mid-1600s, the Anglo population in the colonies was around 275,000. Boston, with 7,000 residents, was the largest city, with New York next, having 5,000 folks. Colonial homes like this one dotted the countryside and had huge fireplaces that provided the only source of heat. Many of these homes still stand today.

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The plank and beam construction was common in early 18th century construction.

Massachusetts real estate agent Kristal Pooler says she’s sold old houses many, many times but the Haskell House listing is unusual. And not just because it’s on the National Historic Register of Homes.

“You can get old houses, but a lot of it has not been maintained as being an old house,” Pooler said. “I’ve been selling antiques for a long time and I’ve never seen a house this pure. I was very excited to have this listing.”

Set on a little more than two acres, the Haskell House appears nearly unchanged over 300-plus years. Two enormous, working walk-in fireplaces flank the living areas, and beams crisscross the ceilings. According to historic documents about the home, it is one of the few plank-and-frame constructed homes remaining in New England.

Situated on a salt marsh at the end of a winding country road, the two-story Gloucester home listing reports the building was built in 1700. However, Pooler says that documents have listed the home’s building date anywhere from 1650 to 1715.

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The home features two huge, working brick fireplaces.

The 3,045-square-foot home has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Despite its historic appearance, the Haskell House has had some significant renovations in the past five years, including a new heating system, an updated kitchen and new master bath.

But as Pooler explains, it’s not about the updates.

“They have done a lot of ‘light’ things to preserve the house,” she said. “But it’s almost not (about) what has been done, but what hasn’t been done.”

According to Zillow’s mortgage calculator, a monthly payment on the home would be $1,472, assuming a 20 percent down payment on a 30-year-mortgage.

See more photos of the Haskell House on Zillow.