On the Market: A Ritzy and Historic Manor in Salem
Located on the same street as the Ropes Mansion and the Witch House, the Putnam-Balch house is a Salem staple and an architectural marvel.
Photo by Maria Mardikis at BostonREP
329 Essex St., Salem
Price: $1,395,000
Size: 6,352 square feet
Bedrooms: 5
Baths: 2.5
If you take a day trip up to Salem this fall, you may stumble across this striking home nestled in the McIntire Historic District. Across the street from the Ropes Mansion and down the block from the Witch House at Salem, the beige wooden Victorian fuses an eclectic hodgepodge of styles, its ornate overhanging eaves and arch-framed windows drawing inspiration from the Italianate and French Academic styles.
Constructed for James S. Putnam circa 1871, the mansion has retained much of its 19th century glory, while also benefiting from thoughtful renovations. Formerly the Putnam-Balch House, the now sophisticatedly named Greymoor boasts three stories, eight fireplaces, and 12 rooms. Though all of them encourage luxurious lounging, a few of them stand out.
The formal dining room is one, with a multi-tiered chandelier drooping so low that it almost acts as a centerpiece for the table as well as a focal point for the room. Opulent light fixtures in the kitchen, bathrooms, and master bedroom, though also not original to the home, blend in seamlessly with the building’s ageless splendor.
One of the manor’s most interesting updates is the addition of a very typical home staple: a bathroom. Upon discovering that the 6,000-plus square foot home was severely wanting in restrooms, the current owner installed two full baths, which are awash with marble tiling and sparkling fixtures. If you’re just looking to powder your nose and wash your hands, though, you’re in luck—several vanity sinks are strewn throughout the house, built into small pass-through alcoves between rooms. They’re not currently in working condition, but with a little restoration work they could be back to their 1870s glory in no time.
For information, contact Kathleen Sullivan, RE/MAX Advantage Real Estate, sullivanteam.com
Photo by Maria Mardikis at BostonREP
Photo by Maria Mardikis at BostonREP
Photo by Maria Mardikis at BostonREP
Photo by Maria Mardikis at BostonREP
Photo by Maria Mardikis at BostonREP
Photo by Maria Mardikis at BostonREP
Photo by Maria Mardikis at BostonREP
Photo by Maria Mardikis at BostonREP
Photo by Maria Mardikis at BostonREP
Photo by Maria Mardikis at BostonREP
Photo by Maria Mardikis at BostonREP
Photo by Maria Mardikis at BostonREP
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