Antique Dealer’s 1740 Cape Cod Estate Offers a ‘Rare’ Glimpse Into the Past
A historical Cape Cod estate in the idyllic Massachusetts enclave of Sandwich Village has been brought to market for the first time in more than 40 years. Its owner, an antique dealer, meticulously restored and expanded the remarkable property.
Now on the market for $2.95 million, the five-bedroom estate known as Uplands is offering a “rare” glimpse into another time, thanks to the period details that have been maintained throughout the structure, which dates to 1740.
Set on nearly 4 acres of verdant land, the dwelling comes with a separate carriage house and a private pond. This timeless compound is unmatched by anything else on the market, according to listing agent Jack Cotton of Sotheby’s International Realty.
“To find that much land in the center of Sandwich is remarkable, and the condition of the house is just incredible for a home built in 1740,” he says. “Newer homes are tightly built, but older homes like this breathe so air and moisture don’t get trapped in and rot.”
The “treasured” antique is currently owned by Cape Cod antique dealer Paul Madden and his wife, author and culinary expert Diane Madden, who purchased it in 1984. They spent the four decades since lovingly maintaining the property.
Shortly after purchasing the property, they embarked on a nearly two-year restoration project, taking great care to preserve its 18th-century roots.
They also added a first-floor primary suite, expanded the kitchen, and commissioned historically inspired finishes throughout the home.
However, there is still ample opportunity for a future owner to take that work to the next level, starting with the detached carriage house, which is ripe with potential.
“The carriage house could be turned into a second dwelling,” Cotton notes. “There is also a pond on property along with room for a pool.”
Period highlights found throughout the 4,245-square-foot interior include custom millwork, wood-paneled walls, exposed beams, preserved hardwood floors, built-in cabinetry and bookcases, and five fireplaces.
“What makes this house so special is that you can move right in, and there’s absolutely nothing you have to do,” he adds. “You can move in tomorrow and be very happy.”
A chef’s kitchen features modern appliances and a cozy dining area. A working beehive oven, found in one of the fireplaces, provides a unique opportunity for open-hearth cooking.
“The ceilings are also high, which is quite unusual because people back then were much shorter,” Cotton says. “There is also a walk-in fireplace that is just immense. The family rebuilt that along with a beehive oven. You can just imagine having a family gathering around it for the holidays.”
A lavish primary suite boasts a fireplace and soaking tub. Upstairs bedrooms feature wide-plank wood floors, built-ins, and vaulted ceilings.
“The wood throughout the home just embraces you,” he adds. “It’s a home [that] when you walk in, you have this feeling of focusing on things that matter all of a sudden. It embraces you and makes you forget the world. You can see the pictures, but when you walk in, you really feel the home.”
Cotton says he believes the next buyer will likely use the home as a second or third residence.
“Usually in this price point, most people use the home as a secondary residence, but it could go either way,” he says. “The next buyer could be an executive from the city who wants a magnet that draws the family together to reconnect and rejuvenate.”
Located just over the Sagamore Bridge, the home is nearby Heritage Museums & Gardens, Sandwich Glass Museum, and Old Gristmill Spring.
“Downtown Sandwich has always been cool, but lately there are a bunch of great restaurants that have opened up that you can walk to from the house,” Cotton says. “There is also a mill pond nearby that has a spring where you can get water and drink from.”
Cotton says the remarkable location, preserved history, and architectural legacy are among the home’s most appealing features.
“This home will become a member of your family,” he adds. “It was here long before us and will be here long after most of us.”
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