A historic New England farmhouse is being given away for free – albeit with one very big string attached.
According to a report in the Concord Monitor, the residence in question is a 2,000-square-foot Colonial in Rye, New Hampshire, that was built in 1830 and includes four bedrooms, two bathrooms, two chimneys, five fireplaces, pine floors and antique hardware. The property was acquired last June, but the new owners do not want to live in the house – but, at the same time, they don’t want to demolish it.
The solution: the house will be given away for free to anyone who is willing to disassemble, move and reassemble the house. Alex Herlihy, the town historian, said he would prefer if the home could be relocated within Rye, but he would not be opposed to its being moved elsewhere.
“We appreciate all the interest and we know how much people love the historic New England architecture,” said Herlihy. “Sure, it would be nice to have it in Rye, but the fact that it would be rebuilt someplace and saved is the important thing.”
As for the foundation of the relocated house, Herlihy noted it was possible to reuse the granite stones currently under the house.