William J. Rotch Gothic Cottage

The William J. Rotch Gothic Cottage is an L-shaped residence in New Bedford that showcases Gothic Revival architecture from the 1800s. Its design combines a hip roof with a taller section ending in a steep gable, presented through wood board siding and shingle exterior finishes.

Alexander Jackson Davis designed the cottage in 1845 for William J. Rotch, whose family was among New Bedford's most influential in the whaling trade. The building was later moved slightly in 1908 to make room for additional housing in the developing area.

The home reflects how maritime wealth shaped architectural choices in the region, with hand-carved decorative woodwork and Gothic details visible throughout that still convey the owner's status.

The cottage sits on Irving Street and can be viewed from the street. Since it remains a private residence, visitors should observe the property respectfully from the public right-of-way.

The house appeared in Alexander Jackson Davis' 1850 publication 'The Architecture of Country Houses,' making it an early documented example of influential residential design. This early recognition helped establish it as a key reference point for Gothic Revival development in America.

Location: Massachusetts

GPS coordinates: 41.63060,-70.93260

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:10