H I S T O R Y
Brief History
Newburyport is an undiscovered gem of nineteenth-century architecture. It lies
on the mouth of the Merrimack River and was an early shipbuilding center. By the
outbreak of the revolution it became the fourth largest town in America. During
the war for Independence, great wealth was accumulated by Yankee entrepreneurs
and maritime traders. This grandeur is evident through the stately homes that
grace High Street.
Newburyport Bed and Breakfast
Located on historic High Street, Newburyport Bed and Breakfast is a five
minute drive from downtown Newburyport, ocean-view hiking and bird trails, scenic
boat trips on the Merrimac River, major highways, restaurants, unique shops, local
and state parks and Newburyport attractions.
The House
Experience the gracious formal elegance of a bygone era that is captured
and preserved in this magnificent turn-of-the-century Georgian Colonial, one of
the unique grand old houses of Newburyport. Inspired by the historic Longfellow
house in Cambridge Massachusetts the 1901 Georgian Colonial was built by local
newspaper publisher and co-founder Mr. Fred Smith as a present for his bride.
The house boasts sixteen
spacious rooms, each one graced with outstanding architectural features, fine
craftsmanship and attention to detail. The house features a glass-enclosed vestibule,
which opens into a spacious reception hall with turned staircase and Palladian
windows. It sits on a superbly landscaped acre of land and features English gardens,
carriage house, manicured lawn, brick patio and magnificent trees and shrubbery.
House Built On Love
When the house was under construction, Mr. Smith admired a chandelier in
the Victorian mansion on the corner that happened to be for sale. The owner wouldn't
sell the chandelier. Eventually, Mr. Smith bought the mansion so he could have
the chandelier for the front hall of his house. It now resides safely in the dining
room where guests can enjoy their breakfast and look out over the gardens.
The Proprietors
Ken and Donna (Wilson) Irwin met at an international folk conference in Canada.
Both share a love and appreciation of the arts, gardening, walks and taking care
of their lovely home. They both enjoy meeting new people and look forward to your
stay.
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