This is the first home I’ve ever featured that has a tombstone in the yard! I recently returned from a week long vacation at a home that’s on the National Register of Historic Places and I’m excited to share it with you in today’s Eclectic Home Tour. Stepping into the William Marston House, circa 1780, is like stepping back in time and is a history buff and antique lovers dream. From the original wood beams and floors to the wood burning stove to the hundreds of interesting antiques scattered throughout the home, to the tombstone in the patio (you don’t want to miss the backstory), this tour is like nothing you’ve seen before.
Before we step inside of the William Marston House, let’s take an aerial view of the three acre property that includes a pond. What I love about the house is that it feels so secluded but it’s within walking distance to lots of little shops and restaurants in Marston Mills, a village in the town of Barnstable, MA on Cape Cod.
You know you’re in for a unique experience when this sign greets you at the door.
I love that the old wood burning remains but was relieved to find out I wouldn’t have to actually cook on it because there is a beautiful kitchen with all the modern conveniences.
The mudroom connects to the large living room, which was originally a hay barn (the master bedroom above was a hay loft). The original wood beams and floors showcase time-worn imperfections.
Did I mention this house is huge! We were a group of 11 (my hubby and I, my girls who each brought a friend, my sister and her two sons) and we had tons of room to spread out. I enjoyed closing off the pocket doors to the living room and reading a book and at night, I would often find the kids in there playing card games around the antique coffee table.
I’m a plant lady so I loved the fact that live plants were flourishing in the house.
Everyone commented about all the unique little objects scattered throughout the house. Everywhere you turn, there was something new to discover and nothing felt too precious or off limits so we were able to really relax. The current owners, who purchased the home in 2016, filled the house with family antiques which add to the charm of the home.
I love the fact that the walls, doors and window trim of the formal dining room are all painted this beautiful blue.
There is a fireplace in almost every room … including the bedrooms!
The dining room leads into the sunroom with rustic stone floor.
Casual bamboo and rattan furniture make the sunroom the perfect place to hang out after a swim.
Birds nests collected from the property are just one of the unique collections on display.
The focal point of the kitchen is this stunning old fireplace that was once used to cook family meals.
I love that there is a copper bed warmer hanging just in case it gets chilly!
I’ve rented many houses over the years and I am here to say that they have never been stocked like this house! They had absolutely everything one could possibly need with spares.
Another fireplace in the cozy den.
The house was passed down through the generations until it was eventually sold and turned into an inn. The celebrity photos pay tribute to those who may have stayed here.
The old hayloft turned bedroom is such a light and airy space with incredible views of the pond and a simple wood branch is the perfect piece of understated art.
The apothecary cabinet below belonged Dr. Higgins who owned the house before it was an inn and he named the house “Redwing” because of the red shingles. He added an office, where he saw patients and performed surgeries, to the front of the house, which was later removed. He bought the first auto on Cape Cod (and often arrived on his motorcycle to deliver babies) and installed the first flush toilet in 1895.
One of the six guest rooms includes this one complete with tiger maple four poster bed and of course, another fireplace.
Can you spot my hubby relaxing poolside with a Negroni?!
When William Marston’s wife passed away, her loving husband buried her on the property. One hundred years later, during a renovation, workers found the broken headstone in the underbrush and an investigation was soon underway. It seems that when Marston remarried, his jealous second wife wasn’t having any part of having the first wife around, so poor Mrs. Minerva was exhumed and relocated to the local cemetery. The owners decided to pay tribute to her by adding her original headstone to the patio.
The property contains some charming outbuildings including this old ice house.
We really loved paddling around the pond in the provided kayaks.
I paddled (cautiously) near to the resident pair of swans and their cygnets every day!
The view of the house from my kayak couldn’t be lovelier.
We all loved our stay at the William Marston House and wish we could have stayed longer. If you’ve ever dreamed about vacationing on the Cape, this house will not disappoint.
Click Here to Rent the William Marston House
Sign up to get Kelly Elko's latest posts delivered right to your inbox
Your information will never be shared or sold to a 3rd party.
Wow, this is amazing! I love the white staircase with darker banister. The window nook was my favorite!
The window seat was a favorite of mine too Lisa!
Wow, awesome home tour. Everything about it was so historic and fun. Thank you for sharing your vacation.
I’m glad you enjoyed this home Laura! It was such a fun place to stay!
Kayaking with the swans everyday!!!!! Wow!!!!! What an experience. Beautiful home!!!
It was amazing Cris!
It would be so fun to stay in a house like this. I know you had a good time with your family all together. Thanks for the tour it was wonderful.
We had a great time Marlene!
Trumpeter Swans are my favorite! How lucky to be able to see them in the wild up close. Beautiful home!
It was amazing Mary! I loved taking the kayak out to see the swans!
William Marston is my ancestor. It is lovely to see the interior of the home. Thank you for posting these photos.
Wow that’s so cool Maria! Glad you enjoyed seeing inside this gorgeous old home!