131 Federal St, Salem, MA 01970

Single Family Federal home built 1781, carefully and meticulously restored with an eye to using proper period colors, techniques, and materials where possible, but with modern updates: all new wiring and plumbing, storm windows, cable, ceramic cement flue liners, etc. The one nit is: kitchen is functional but small. New owner may want to try a cabinet reconfiguration to get a little more space. Silly for us to redo it just to have it ripped out again. We've cooked successfully in the room for 7 yrs. Historical codes would probably prevent increasing the footprint to make more space. We also have off street parking for 2 vehicles (can handle 4 in a snowstorm). Parking is by permit on the street, residents only. Neighborhood Description The McIntyre Federal Historic district a roughly 3 block wide by 1/4 mile long area in Salem that is comprised of almost exclusively period homes, from mid 1700's (a few much earlier) to late 1800s. The Federal designation means that each home's exterior architectural profile is protected. Even house colors must be approved by the local Historic Commission, and must be of the period. To some, this designation is restrictive, but it keeps the period homes from being modified in ways that change their original appearance materially. The result is a neighborhood that looks basically the same way it did 100-200 years ago, architecturally. Concessions/provisions are made for things like storm windows, and chimney-top flues, but generally, a property owner in this neighborhood must accept that exterior changes like wings, shed dormers, or additions are very difficult to get approved. And the reason the neighborhood is so pretty, in our opinion, is that developers have not been able to carve up, cut up, or demolish these beautiful homes to make a buck without any thought to aesthetics. The houses are mostly single family as a result, also, so there is a pride-of-ownership theme in the neighborhood that leads to a strong sense of community. Salem has one of the largest collections of restored period homes in the nation and its historic fabric is very much part of the city's identity and culture. If you like contemporary architecture, Salem is not necessarily for you. If you love history, it's a great place to live, especially with the top-notch Peabody-Essex museum right in downtown. Salem is also a port town, so there are plenty of opportunities for water sports, like sailing and fishing. The commute to Boston is easy with two rail lines converging in Salem for double the service frequency compared to towns further away from Boston. Door to door commute time, walking at both ends, to Faneuil Hall, from this house, is about 45-50 minutes.