On the Market: A “Witchy Modern” Single-Family Conversion in Salem

The former tailor shop received an extreme makeover, Salem edition.


Photo by Matt Ortins/Luxe Life Productions

121 North St., Salem
Price: $665,000
Size: 1,766 square feet
Bedrooms: 2
Baths: 1.5

When she set out to renovate this previously unassuming Salem property, owner Lindsay Fair had an aesthetic in mind: “Witchy modern.” Built in 1971 as a small bait shop, the single-story building was expanded to be 900 square feet in the ’80s when it was converted into a tailor shop. That was until last year, when Fair bought it with a vision of adding a second floor and repurposing the petite commercial space as a unique single-family home. To achieve that gothic look, she worked with Steve Livermore of Livermore Architecture, designing the steeply peaked roof lines after the Salem Witch House and The House of Seven Gables. Vertical charcoal-hued siding, black windows, and contemporary dormers rounded out the sleek, moody exterior.

Completed in mid-November, the renovations also involved the installation of 28 brand new windows, meaning sunlight floods the eight-room interior. Sitting at the kitchen island, you can appreciate the chic contrast between the olive green maple cabinets and the light-reflecting white walls and counters. A backsplash made with handmade cement tiles imported from Mexico add a graphic pop to the simple color scheme, and a rattan chandelier and black-and-brass swing arm sconces bring in some boho and midcentury modern pizazz, respectively.

White oak floors continue into the sunken living and dining room and all the way upstairs. There, a spacious office spreads out underneath a cathedral ceiling and recessed lighting, and two bedrooms boast black closet doors to match the window frames. For those who love to unwind with a nice, long shower or a hot bath, you’ll thoroughly appreciate the adjoining bathroom, which features a soaking tub and a huge shower with a tiled bench.

Though the spa-like bath and open, modern layout are both sweet perks, anyone looking forward to the “witchy” part of the promise will be glad to know that the newly polished single-family lives among plenty of historical homes and is located on North Street, just up the road from downtown Salem and all of its attractions.

For information, contact Elizabeth Fair, Armstrong Field Real Estate, armstrongfield.com.

Photo by Matt Ortins/Luxe Life Productions

Photo by Matt Ortins/Luxe Life Productions

Photo by Matt Ortins/Luxe Life Productions

Photo by Matt Ortins/Luxe Life Productions

Photo by Matt Ortins/Luxe Life Productions

Photo by Matt Ortins/Luxe Life Productions

Photo by Matt Ortins/Luxe Life Productions

Photo by Matt Ortins/Luxe Life Productions

Photo by Matt Ortins/Luxe Life Productions

Photo by Matt Ortins/Luxe Life Productions

Itching to see some before photos? Take a look at the former tailor shop below.

Photo provided

Photo provided

Photo provided

The Boston Home team has curated a list of the best home design and home remodeling professionals in Boston, including architects, builders, kitchen and bath experts, lighting designers, and more. Get the help you need with FindIt/Boston's guide to home renovation pros.