A magnificent but decaying mansion from America's Gilded Age has been dramatically saved from the wrecking ball and transformed in a multi-million pound restoration project. The Thomas Howe Mansion in Nahant, Massachusetts, near Boston, has been given a new lease of life after years of neglect and an uncertain future.
From Dereliction to Multi-Million Pound Dream Home
Built in 1880 for a wealthy merchant, the four-storey, 10,820-square-foot estate was once a glamorous community cornerstone. However, it fell into severe disrepair. By 2022, its fate was in the hands of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, leaving it vulnerable to demolition.
Enter realtor Ricky Beliveau, who purchased the dilapidated property for $1.1 million directly from the government before it could go to auction. Beliveau was alerted to the mansion by social media followers who urged him to 'check it out', claiming 'it needs you.' Initially hesitant, he was convinced by photos and an in-person visit.
'When you walk up to the property, it's a jaw-dropping experience,' Beliveau told the Daily Mail. 'This 11,000 square foot mansion sitting up on top of a hill overlooking the ocean from every angle—it's something that would never be built today.'
The Monumental Restoration Challenge
The eight-bedroom, six-and-a-half bathroom home required extensive work. While original mouldings and mantles remained, much had rotted away. Beliveau's vision was a true historical renovation, recreating period details using traditional milling, while updating the home to modern living standards with a nautical, contemporary feel.
One of the biggest challenges was restoring the intricate, original staircase running from the first to the fourth floor. Damaged woodwork had to be carefully removed, replicated, and refabricated. Another irreplaceable feature was the double-height library in the mansion's tower, which the team successfully revived from a wretched state.
The project clearly resonated with the local community. Over 450 letters were sent to Nahant town officials by residents pleading for the home's preservation. Beliveau assured locals his plan was not to convert it into multi-family housing, but to restore it as a single-family home for future generations.
A Stunning $5.5 Million Outcome
The completed transformation is nothing short of spectacular. The mansion now boasts a grand kitchen, a home theatre, a children's playroom with water views, and luxurious marble bathrooms. The design elegantly blends neutral tones with nautical accents.
Thanks to this meticulous restoration, the once-crumbling estate is now valued at an impressive $5.5 million. Beliveau stated that demolishing the historic property never crossed his mind. His intervention has preserved a vital piece of architectural heritage, ensuring the Thomas Howe Mansion will stand proudly for another century.
