Historic New Hampshire Compound Combines Best of the 18th, 21st Centuries

If walls could talk we’d certainly want to hear what these had to say. Not only was this house in sleepy Hampton Falls, N.H., built by Meshech Weare, the first governor of New Hampshire around 1738, George Washington visited the house in 1775, James Monroe stopped by in 1817, and the Marquis de Lafayette took tea in 1824.

Today, though, those gentlemen would hardly recognize the old homestead, now kitted out with a gunite pool and poolhouse, a detached barn now used as a garage, and an 840-square-foot, two bedroom guest apartment. Inside, though, much of the four-bedroom, four-bathroom main house remains largely untouched, especially the foyer, dining room, family room and primary bedroom. The three-acre estate is available for not quite $1.5 million via Patrick Carey at Carey & Giampa Realtors.

Meshech Weare was born in New Hampshire in 1713. He began a legal career, and after independence was declared, served as the first governor of New Hampshire. He was reelected to a one-year term in 1784. Weare was also chief justice of the Superior Court. Because of his leadership, he is often referred to as “the father of his state.” Weare retired from public service in 1785 and passed away six months later.

The 2.5-story house is of wood-frame construction with a classic clapboard exterior. The facade is five bays wide, with a center entrance flanked by pilasters and topped by an entablature and full segmented-arch pediment. The interior of the building is a combination of old and modern elements, including some period paneling. (The living room includes a secret bar behind one of the panels!)

Some rear extensions were done during the 20th century to replace rooms lost by fire. Today, the house boast five fireplaces, including the one in the pool house. Modern updates include a new kitchen with leathered granite counters and new appliances including a schmancy Aga stove. The sunroom was remodeled in 2021 with new windows, original bluestone floors, beamed ceilings, and a gas fireplace. This opens up to the patio and hot tub area that overlooks the pool and pool house.

This property demonstrates that 21st century luxuries, i.e. hot tubs, pools, a gas fireplaces, can comfortably enhance an 18th century house embed with authentic vintage charm.