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Listing broker remarks

Welcome to "The Norwell House", a gracious and distinctive New England estate set on 2.5 lush acres in the heart of Norwell. Rich in character, architectural detail and history, this is the kind of property that is increasingly difficult to come by, a home with a sense of permanence, built for generations and ready for its next chapter.From the moment you enter the grand foyer, the house makes an impression. A dramatic three-story staircase, floor-to-ceiling windows, beautiful period details and a sweeping veranda recall the elegance of an earlier era, while generous rooms and flexible living spaces make the home wonderfully suited to modern family life. At the heart of the house is a newly expanded kitchen designed for both everyday living and entertaining, complemented by a secondary prep kitchen. The spaces flow naturally to gracious interior rooms and outdoor gathering areas, creating a home equally comfortable hosting holidays and celebrations or simply bringing family and friends together.With seven bedrooms and eighteen rooms in total, this home offers remarkable flexibility. A five-room suite with its own entrance occupied the rear wing and can easily be recreated, providing possibilities for extended family (generational living), guests, an au pair, home offices or a potential ADU. The barn, at approximately 6,500 square feet is an extraordinary structure in its own right. It offers exceptional possibilities for the backyard gardener, an automobile collector, or for someone who needs a workshop/studio space. The expansive second floor provides an additional recreational and gathering space. Together with the surrounding acreage, it gives "The Norwell House" the character and versatility of a true gentleman’s farm.The current owners have undertaken substantial improvements during their stewardship of the property, including a new roof, heating upgrades, updated insulation and an expanded kitchen. For the antique lover, equestrian, collector, growing family or simply someone who appreciates homes that cannot be replicated today, The Norwell House offers something genuinely special: history, grace, space and possibility, all on Boston’s South Shore.— Coldwell Banker Realty - Hingham

Key details

  • 6,550 sq ft
  • 2.50 acres
  • 7 beds
  • 3.5 baths
  • 1820 built
  • $274 / sq ft
  • $19,464 2025 taxes
MLS #
7⁠3⁠5⁠7⁠8⁠6⁠8⁠5⁠
Last updated
Address
166 Norwell Ave
Town
Norwell, MA
ZIP
02061
Deed (Bk/Pg)
47128 / 273

Historic designations

MACRIS Inventory
Torrey, James - Norwell, Henry House

What this means for buyers →

Map

Neighborhood: Norwell

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.