25 Bennett
- Manchester, MA
- $1,490,000
3 Beds 3 Baths 2,122 Sq.Ft. 0.27 Acres
Year Built
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INSIDE A RARE FIRST PERIOD COLONIAL IN MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA
Discover the architecture, character, and remarkable story behind this exceptional Manchester-by-the-Sea residence.
A GLIMPSE AT THE CHARACTER, CHARM, AND EVOLUTION OF 25 BENNETT.
25 Bennett Street sits on land with deep roots in the early history of Manchester-by-the-Sea, originally known as Jeffries Creek and settled in 1640. Bennett Street is one of Manchester’s oldest roads, forming part of the highway to Beverly laid out in 1646. The land was once owned by William Bennett, one of the community’s earliest settlers and a highly regarded carpenter and craftsman. He established a tidal grist mill near Bennett’s Brook, helped construct the town’s first meetinghouse, and served as constable in 1662.
The earliest portion of 25 Bennett Street dates to approximately 1675 and reflects the practical building traditions of early New England. The original “half house” was designed to grow over time, with the chimney at one end allowing additional sections to be added as space and finances permitted. A second portion and rear lean-to were eventually added, creating the distinctive saltbox profile the house retains today.
The property remained connected to the Bennett family for generations. After William Bennett’s death in 1683, his widow Jane and son Aaron sold his home site in 1686. While it cannot be proven that the house standing today occupies the precise site of William Bennett’s original dwelling, its longstanding connection to the family remains significant. After the estate was divided in 1793, the property passed through several generations and owners before portions were reunited in 1835. Over time, the house was unified into a single-family dwelling, a use it appears to have retained since the mid-19th century. Today, 25 Bennett Street remains a remarkable reminder of Manchester’s earliest settlement, working waterfront, mills, and founding families.
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