The Reuben & Grace Ropes House

Built for Reuben and Grace Ropes, who upon returning from their honeymoon, from her journal: “began housekeeping” in their new home on June 29th, 1895. It remained in the Ropes family until 2012, when was exhaustively restored, with all new systems, plumbing, and electrics, but still retaining its nostalgic soul. It is delightfully situated on a gentle knoll, overlooking beautifully landscaped grounds. Though a traditional home in many senses, it is wonderfully suited to the way we live today. Rooms open naturally into one another, and the circular flow of the first floor makes the house feel equally at ease filled with family and friends or enjoyed quietly at home. Upstairs, there are 3 bedrooms, a hall bath, and the beautifully situated primary suite, with its bedroom occupying the tower bay window and corner dressing room connecting to the ensuite bath. The third third-floor office, with its elegant windows, offers water views and privacy. Outside, the grounds seem to unfold around the house, feeling far more expansive than their manageable half acre. The rear deck off the kitchen and family room, surrounded by the beautiful bark of river birch trees, is perfect for entertaining and dining. Nearby, a wildlife-protected kitchen garden invites you to grow herbs, flowers, and vegetables (they pick buckets of blueberries every spring!). A detached 2 car garage with a storage shed adds practicality, while the basement and attic—both easily reached by proper stairs—provide unusually accessible storage. In a pastural setting, but minutes from the water, downtown Salem, the PEM, and the train station.