There is so much to discover within the small state of Massachusetts! Incredible museums, gorgeous natural landscapes, and rich historical sites are just the beginning. I love visiting all these places, however my favorite landmarks are the special hidden gems that lie beyond the beaten path. The Bay State is filled with old houses with interesting stories to tell, and here are some of the most fascinating ones. You may not recognize these spots from your old history books, but they all play a unique role in the history of our state. 

Please note that several of these homes (unless otherwise specified) are private residences and should be respected as such.

44 Hull St, Boston, MA 02113, USA

Allison Meier/flickr

There is a fascinating house that is located in Boston’s North End. However, if you walk past it too fast, you are likely to miss it. The “Skinny House” is said to be the narrowest house in the city. The home is four stories high and less than eleven feet wide. There are many theories regarding the true origin of the house, including rumors that a Civil War soldier built it after returning home from battle. He discovered that in his absence, his brother had erected a large house on the vast majority of their shared inherited land. Out of spite, the soldier built a skinny home on the remainder of the plot. The home blocked his brother’s sunlight and view. The home recently sold for over one million dollars.

The Pink House, Plum Island Turnpike, Newbury, MA 01951, USA

Mike Surette/Google Reviews

It seems as though the Skinny House may not have been the only Massachusetts home that was built out of spite. On a salt marsh in Plum Island in the town of Newbury, you will find another interesting home called The Pink House. Although there is no factual evidence to confirm the story, rumor has it that a local woman acquired the house as part of a divorce settlement. She requested that her ex-husband build a replica of her family's downtown Newburyport home, but did not specify where it was to be built. The undesirable salt marsh site turned out to be his revengeful spot of choice. The 1920s house is now owned by the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Although it is one of the most photographed spots in the area, it is slated for demolition. A local organization named Support The Pink House Inc. is raising funds to save the historic home.

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20 Netherlands Rd, Brookline, MA 02445, USA

Wikipedia

You might be surprised to learn that an old house in Brookline was once a part of the 1893 World's Fair. The historic Dutch House was originally an exhibition hall and was slated to be demolished at the end of the event. Fair attendee, Captain Charles Brooks Appleton fell in love with the intricate structure and had it dismantled and shipped to Brookline where it was rebuilt and remains today. The home is one of a handful of surviving structures from the fair.

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Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, USA

Larry Lamsa/flickr

Head north to the city of Salem, and you will find a home that came from even further away. Inside the world-renowned Peabody Essex Museum, there is a house that was shipped all the way from China. The Yin Yu Tang house was once home to eight generations of the Huang family of Huizhou, China before it was dismantled and brought to the museum in 2003. This beautiful home is one of the most popular exhibits at the Peabody Essex Museum, and in my opinion, well worth a visit.

Fairbanks House, 511 East St, Dedham, MA 02026, USA

The Fairbanks House/Facebook

Massachusetts is also home to what is known to be North America’s oldest surviving timber frame home. Now a museum, The Fairbanks House in Dedham dates back to 1637. The home is incredibly well preserved and contains original artifacts from the Fairbanks family who lived in the home for eight generations. The historic home is open for tours from May to October, by reservation only.

Paper House, 52 Pigeon Hill St, Rockport, MA 01966, USA

Todd Van Hoosear/flickr

I’ve already mentioned some pretty cool houses made of brick and timber, but have you ever heard of a house made with paper? Sounds crazy, but it’s true. In the coastal town of Rockport, lies the appropriately named Paper House, a home that is built almost entirely out of newspaper. This structure is one of the oddest in the state, and is a definite must-see! The house, which dates back to the 1920s, looks amazing from the outside, but it is the furnishings inside that are particularly striking. There is a desk, chairs, and a piano all made from newspaper. The Paper House is open to visitors from spring to fall.

Oak Bluffs, MA, USA

m01229/flickr

Located on Martha's Vineyard in the town of Oak Bluffs, are a group of cottages commonly referred to as the “Gingerbread Houses.” Reminiscent of homes in fairytales, these colorful buildings were once part of a Methodist campground that was located here in the mid-1800s. The houses are decorated with bright hues, detailed woodwork, and storybook touches. Over 300 of the original 500 cottages remain. If you would like to experience what it is like to visit one, you can book a stay in this beautiful gingerbread home through Airbnb.

Do you know of other obscure houses that you would add to this list? If so, please tell us all about them. If you enjoyed reading about these odd local structures, you might also like to learn about these other strange Massachusetts spots. For some interesting trivia about the Bay State, check out these fun facts.