Christmas In Salem – Boughs And Blossoms – 4 Chestnut St – Deacon John Stone House (Salem, MA)

Date Of Visit: December 6, 2025

Location: 4 Chestnut St, Salem, MA (about 30 minutes northeast of Boston, MA)

Universally Accessible: No

Cost: $40 per ticket ($50 if you purchase day of tour tickets)

Parking: There are several parking garages in Salem, as well as metered on street parking.

Summary: The home at 4 Chestnut St, another home of Deacon John Stone, was decked out for the holidays. They also let people tour the second floor!

John Stone, a third generation distiller and a deacon in the First Unitarian Church in Salem, MA, built this three story brick double row house in 1827 on the former site of Mrs. Dowst’s Candy Store. An example of the late Federal style, the house boasts a pair of interior chimneys at either end and features semi-circular fan lights over the front doors as well as symmetrically placed windows along its facade. Of note are the somewhat unique two separate, recessed, semi-elliptical arched entrances located in the center two bays of the block, so that each townhouse appears as a mirror image of the other.

The Stone family resided in townhouse #4, the western, or left, side of the two residential units, until 1839 when the building was acquired by Stone’s daughter Lucy and her husband, Salem merchant, John Robinson. Because of their long-time occupancy of the eastern half, the house was often referred to as “The Robinson Block.” After the Civil War the double dwelling became known as “The Studio” when Salem artists Frank Benson and Phillip Little rented the studio space in it. In the 1880s the property was leased by two physicians. Then, in the early 1900s, the east side of the property (#2) housed Miss Howe’s School.

All joining walls and doors between the two units were closed off in 1923 as #2 Chestnut and #4 Chestnut Street were sold as individual properties. The house at #4 Chestnut St was designated a Massachusetts Historic Landmark in 1969.

So, as you can see, the home has a rich history, no pun intended, and has gone through quite a lot of changes over the years.

Fun fact: Chestnut St is the widest street (by a few centimeters) in Salem, MA (ironically, it’s also a one way street) . So, take that Essex St! Now, you have something to talk about at dinner parties and blind dates.

The charming home on 4 Chestnut is actually a two on the corner of Chestnut St. One of the tour guides gave a brief background and history of the home in front of a very festive front door.

A pianist played traditional Christmas music in the living room.

The living room was designed by an interior designer from Atlanta. Of course, it was dressed up for the holidays.

As an added bonus, the Deacon John Stone home, one of a few he owned on the street, was the only home on the tour where they allowed you to visit the second floor.

The second floor had a game room with a pool table, elegant furniture and lots of photos and memorabilia on the walls.

I feel like I say this about every house I tour, But, 4 Chestnut St was a beautiful home with lots of charm!