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Listing broker remarks

A rare offering in Newburyport’s beloved , the historic Margaret Atwood House has stood proudly on this Joppa corner since 1810. Impeccably preserved & owned by the same family for 50+ years, this stately 3-unit residence offers 5BRs, 5 baths & 4,730 sq. ft. of living space (5,840 incl. finished lower level), with exceptional flexibility: live in one unit while generating rental income, retain as a multi-family, pursue the groundwork begun for condo conversion, or restore it as a grand single-family home with private extended-family quarters. Set high above the city, an expansive rooftop deck shared by 2 units captures sweeping views over downtown, South Church, Newburyport Harbor & Plum Island Sound. Updated with modern systems & AC throughout, yet rich in soaring ceilings & preserved period detail, this is history without compromise - and an increasingly rare opportunity to own a true 3+ unit property in the heart of Newburyport.— Gibson Sotheby's International Realty

South End

Boston's Victorian row-house district south of Back Bay; designated historic district covers 19th-century streetscape.

About

Key details

  • 5,840 sq ft
  • 4,900 lot sq ft
  • 5 beds
  • 4.5 baths
  • 1809 built
  • $427 / sq ft
  • $13,997 2026 taxes
MLS #
7⁠3⁠5⁠6⁠5⁠0⁠9⁠2⁠
Last updated
Address
56 Lime St
Town
Newburyport, MA
ZIP
01950
Deed (Bk/Pg)
40461 / 256

Historic designations

National Register
Atwood, Zachariah House · includes NWB.L
MACRIS Inventory
South End District

What this means for buyers →

Map

Neighborhood: Newburyport

National Historic Landmark

Federally designated as nationally significant — the highest U.S. historic recognition. Section 106 review applies to federal undertakings affecting the property.

National Register

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Owners may qualify for the 20% federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit on certified rehabilitation work.

State Register

Listed on the Massachusetts State Register of Historic Places.

Local Historic District

Inside a Local Historic District. Exterior changes visible from a public way require approval from the local historic district commission.

Local Landmark

Individually designated by the town as a local landmark. Exterior alterations require commission approval.

MACRIS Inventory

Documented in MACRIS, the state historic inventory. Informational only — no regulatory constraints.

Article 85 (Boston)

Subject to Boston Article 85 demolition-delay review, which can pause demolition of buildings 50+ years old for up to 90 days.

Ch. 91 Waterways License

An active MassDEP permit for a dock, pier, seawall, or other structure on or over a Massachusetts waterway. Many older licenses are not digitized; this record is provided for reference only.

Massachusetts Great Pond

A Great Pond under M.G.L. Ch. 91 — the Commonwealth retains public rights to fish and navigate these state-designated waters. Private docks and other waterfront structures require a Waterways License from MassDEP.

Likely Great Pond

The MLS listing describes this property as being on a Great Pond, which would be a state-designated water body under M.G.L. Ch. 91. GIS data did not independently confirm the pond name — verification needed.