SAVING OLD HOUSES
The Marsh House,
circa 1850
Chesterfield, NH 03443
Price: $1.00
From the Marsh House Blog
"Let us introduce you to charming Chesterfield, NH and our historic Carpenter Gothic Cottage.
Chesterfield is a predominantly bucolic, rural town, with a distinct set of buildings in the town center, mostly built of locally-quarried stone or wood. But there’s also this Carpenter Gothic Cottage built in 1850 by the Marsh Family, one half of the Jordan Marsh Department Store founders. The house, with its polychromatic slate roof, deep roof eaves, bargeboard, and wrap-around porch is practically out of a 19th century pattern book. While it has had plenty of alterations inside over the years the outside of the building has remained pretty close to what it was in the 1800s. The Marsh house as it is called (or just the Old town Office) is a tremendous example of a Carpenter Gothic design popularized by architects like A.J. Downing in the 1850s. He inspired generations of architects to publish designs in pattern books – designs that were then picked up by designer-builders across America and constructed for modern-minded people. Gothic design was inspired by natural elements – asymmetry, steep roofs, natural materials and colors, floral patterns, and access to the outdoors. It was much too different (and more expensive) for most in NH, and so more conservative people built Greek Revival-inspired houses during this same era.
From the late 1970s until 2007, the house served as the town offices. A few years ago, a group in town tried to find a creative way to get new life in it. They put up a big sign on the front that read, “Own this building – $1.00!” The deal comes with stipulations to ensure the building will be properly preserved. The interior of the building may be restored or reinvented, but the exterior of the house must be restored and permanently preserved. The buyer will have to ensure the town that there is sufficient capital available for restoration and repairs needed. This can be done in several ways including bond, escrow account, or bank assurance to name a few. The property surrounding the house goes to the buyer in the form of a 99 year lease. The property has a variance so it may be used in a variety of ways, from a private residence to a small business or even mixed use. Our village has a post office, school, and library, but there’s no place to get sandwiches or coffee.
In 2019 The Marsh House was chosen as a Seven to Save property by the NH Preservation Alliance. “We’re hoping that this designation ignites someone to further try and save this treasure and add vibrancy to our village center. We are looking for a private person or group or a nonprofit entity that would restore and repurpose this rare gem."
For more information contact:
Jeff Scott
603-363-4606
Barbara Girs, Chesterfield Town Clerk
603-363-8071 ext 11
Chesterfieldtownclerk@yahoo.com , or
Jon McKeon
603-252-6712