The Historic John Proctor House, Dating Back to the 17th Century, Is for Sale

An important piece of American history just hit the market, just weeks before Halloween.

Originally belonging to John Proctor and his wife, Elizabeth, the John Proctor house is a 3,910-square-foot First Period colonial filled with history. Built in 1638 in Peabody, Massachusetts, the home became instantly associated with the Salem Witch Trails when Proctor was hanged after being falsely accused and convicted of witchcraft.

Currently listed at $600,000 by Joseph Cipoletta, an agent for J. Barrett & Co, the six bed, two bath home is set on almost one half acre of picturesque land. Filled with period detail that illustrates its historic significance, the home has plenty of updates that bring the Colonial masterpiece into the present day.

According to the listing, a large eat-in kitchen features plenty of workspace, while the oversized, in-ground swimming pool is the perfect spot to entertain guests during the summer. But it’s still got plenty of historic allure inside; Cipoletta told The Salem News that the home has walls that open to reveal parts of the original structure of the home, including wallpaper and beams that date back to the 1600s.

Though the property will go to the highest bidder, the Peabody Historical Society is looking into purchasing the home.

Born in England, Proctor came to the US at age 3 and settled in nearby Ipswich. He was immortalized in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, a play that served as an allegory for McCarthyism. He was portrayed by Daniel Day-Lewis in the 1996 film adaptation of the play opposite Winona Ryder, who held the role of Abigail Williams.