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Listing broker remarks

The William Pierce Johnson House (c.1777) is a rare and premier example of Georgian elegance in downtown Newburyport. Built during the city’s 18th-century maritime peak, this distinguished brick home reflects the craftsmanship of the Federal-era historic district. Meticulously restored, it blends period detail across 5,800+ sq ft, featuring 11 rooms, 6 bedrooms, 3.5+ baths, 8 fireplaces, and exceptional original millwork. A rare double-hanging staircase and elegant front-to-back parlors highlight its grand design, complemented by soaring ceilings, oversized windows, and preserved hardware, moldings, and paneling. Part of the iconic Federal Street corridor, this award-winning home represents the pinnacle of historic preservation. Building upon an early 2003 restoration, the current owner has further comprehensively restored the estate, securing awards for continued work restoring this home to its near original state while simultaneously installing state of the art systems and amenities.— Gibson Sotheby's International Realty

Key details

  • 5,876 sq ft
  • 7,371 lot sq ft
  • 6 beds
  • 3.5 baths
  • 1777 built
  • $594 / sq ft
  • $21,663 2025 taxes
MLS #
7⁠3⁠5⁠1⁠0⁠3⁠4⁠6⁠
Last updated
Address
17 Federal St
Town
Newburyport, MA
ZIP
01950
Deed (Bk/Pg)
41886 / 477

Historic designations

National Register
Johnson, William Pierce House · includes NWB.1373, 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.