John Whipple House

The John Whipple House is a colonial home in Ipswich built with a sturdy frame of oak, tamarack, pine, and chestnut wood. Inside, large fireplaces dominate the spaces, while exposed ceiling beams and wide wooden floors create a sense of solidity and age.

The original section was built in 1677 by Captain John Whipple, and his son Major John Whipple added a second wing in 1690. This gradual expansion reflects how the owner's wealth and family needs grew over time.

The house reveals how families lived during colonial times, with large fireplaces that served as the center of daily life and rooms arranged for practical needs. The heavy wooden frame and hand-crafted details show the skills and materials available to builders of that era.

The house can be visited on guided tours offered from late May through October, primarily on weekends. It is helpful to check ahead for tour availability since hours change seasonally.

The building was moved in 1927 through a remarkable relocation effort in which it was transported across Ipswich and crossed the Choate Bridge. This relocation is a rare example of how a historic structure was physically preserved by being relocated to a new site.