Located in the heart of Duxbury Village, this grand estate, once known as Melbourne Hall, served as a seaside retreat for a renowned actress. Built in the 1920s, its classic architectural style features an impressive sweeping staircase and a 30-foot fireplaced living room that reflects the charm of its era. Spanning 7,000 sq. ft. across three floors, the home offers over 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, multiple family rooms, and a third-floor apartment-style living space. Set on a 1.22-acre plot with access to Duxbury Bay, this historic coastal retreat, listed at $2,900,000, blends legacy, style, and potential for modern renovation.

Waterfront Estate Overview

A sprawling waterfront estate sits nestled among large mature trees and well-maintained lawns, bordered by marshland leading to a wide expanse of calm water. The main house is a grand, historic structure with a dark roof and multiple dormer windows, surrounded by lush greenery providing privacy. Long wooden piers extend from the shoreline into the water, offering docking access. A tennis court is visible near the edge of the property, blending outdoor recreational space with natural beauty. The landscape balances cultivated and wild elements, creating a serene coastal retreat atmosphere.

Spacious Backyard Lawn

A large, open backyard with a well-maintained green lawn stretches out, bordered by mature trees and dense shrubbery, offering privacy and a natural canopy. The edge of the lawn is defined by a charming stone wall partially covered in creeping ivy, adding a timeless, rustic touch to the landscaping. The space feels peaceful and expansive under a bright blue sky accented by soft clouds. Shrubs along the stone wall provide texture and color contrast with varying shades of green. This outdoor area reflects a serene, classic garden aesthetic ideal for relaxation or outdoor activities.

Historic Home Exterior

A classic shingle-style American home sits on a gently sloping lawn bordered by mature trees and lush landscaping. The house’s exterior showcases weathered wooden shingles, white-framed multi-pane windows, and a steeply pitched roof with dormer windows. A prominent chimney rises from the roofline, enhancing the traditional aesthetic. A covered porch on the side offers sheltered outdoor space with white columns and railings. Stone retaining walls at the base of the garden beds add rustic charm, complementing the natural setting. This exterior combines timeless craftsmanship with serene greenery and expansive open space.

Exterior View – Backyard Lawn

A spacious, gently sloping backyard lawn leads up to a classic American shingle-style home with weathered gray siding. The home has a symmetrical façade with multiple windows evenly spaced, reflecting a traditional architectural style. Mature trees frame the property on both sides, lending a sense of privacy and natural beauty. The grass is well-kept but shows some natural variation in color, suggesting a serene, lived-in outdoor space. The sky is clear with scattered clouds, enhancing the tranquil and open atmosphere surrounding this historic home.

Exterior and Garage

A large historic home with a classic shingle-style exterior, featuring weathered wooden siding in natural tones of gray and brown. The house has multiple chimneys and several windows, including a prominent bay window at the center. The garage is detached but adjacent, with two white paneled doors set into a sloping driveway. The lawn around the house is lush and well-maintained, bordered by mature trees and shrubs that provide privacy and greenery. The overall setting combines traditional New England architecture with a peaceful, verdant landscape under a blue sky with some clouds.

Entry Hall and Staircase

An elegant entry hall with rich, golden damask wallpaper above white wainscoting lines the walls, exuding a classic historic charm. The wide wooden staircase curves gracefully upward, featuring white balusters and a dark stained handrail matching the polished hardwood floor. Near the stair base, a round side table with a traditional white cloth skirt holds a lamp casting warm, inviting light. A large oriental-style rug with intricate floral patterns in soft earth tones covers the floor, enhancing the room’s warmth. A small wooden chair and a side table with a lush green fern add subtle accents by the window.

Living Room Details

Bright and expansive living room with polished hardwood floors that reflect natural light streaming through multiple tall, multi-pane windows. White paneled walls and classic built-in shelving add historic charm and storage, while the white mantelpiece above the brick fireplace anchors the room. An oversized ornate gold-framed mirror above the fireplace provides an elegant focal point. The room transitions smoothly to an adjoining space framed by simple, wide moldings, where delicate furniture pieces and large potted plants enhance the airy, timeless ambiance.

Living Room Seating Area

Spacious living room with polished hardwood floors reflecting natural light from large windows. White walls and detailed molding provide a crisp, airy backdrop. The seating arrangement centers on a beige sofa adorned with pastel blue and patterned cushions, flanked by classic wooden side tables with lamps. Two patterned armchairs with dark wood trim face the sofa, separated by a dark wood coffee table atop a soft cream area rug. A fireplace with a carved mantel sits to the left, topped with an ornate framed mirror. Built-in white shelves and cabinetry add architectural interest to the right wall.

Dining Room Details

Spacious dining area with polished hardwood floors that gleam under natural light streaming through multiple large windows. A long, dark wood dining table set with eight upholstered chairs rests on an elegant gray patterned area rug, creating a formal focal point. White walls and trim contribute to a bright and airy atmosphere. A delicate crystal chandelier hangs centrally, adding a touch of classic sophistication. To the right, a vintage armchair with intricate fabric patterns offers an inviting seating option. Green potted plants add subtle warmth and a natural element to this refined and open layout.

Sunroom with Fireplace

Polished hardwood floors extend throughout the sunroom, reflecting abundant natural light flooding through large French doors and multiple windows with white trim. A prominent exposed red brick double-sided fireplace serves as a vintage focal point, dividing the sunroom from the adjacent kitchen area. White painted walls and crown molding create a fresh, airy ambiance that contrasts with the rustic warmth of the brick. Several green potted plants add a touch of nature, softening the spacious layout. The adjoining kitchen features wooden cabinetry and black appliances, glimpsed through the open passageway beside the fireplace wall.

Kitchen Dining Area

The kitchen opens to a central dining space defined by a wooden drop-leaf table with six black chairs, blending rustic charm and functionality. Surrounding cabinetry in a warm honey wood creates a continuous perimeter, complemented by cream-colored countertops and floral wallpaper accents. A black refrigerator and a dishwasher add modern convenience. A brick wall with a built-in niche and mantle adds historic texture, mirroring the brickwork behind the black stove hood. A large wood-trimmed window fills the room with natural light that highlights the neutral tile flooring and a chandelier with candle-shaped bulbs that enhances the vintage ambiance.

Living Room Seating Area

Spacious living room with warm hardwood floors and a fireplace on the left side bordered by a brick hearth. Large windows stretch across one wall, flooding the room with natural light and framed by patterned drapes. A large ornate white area rug anchors a seating arrangement of black leather sofa and armchair positioned around a glass coffee table with metallic legs. Neutral walls with subtle texture complement the traditional aesthetic. A wooden desk and chair are tucked into a corner next to built-in shelving, adding a functional workspace. French doors open to an adjoining room, enhancing the open flow.

Living Room and Fireplace

Bright living room with polished hardwood floors and rich honey tones. Walls are covered in textured golden wallpaper above white wainscoting, framed by intricate crown molding. A large fireplace with white wood mantel and brass-trimmed glass doors anchors one side of the room. Above the fireplace, a framed painting adds classic charm. A plush, dark leather reclining sofa set sits beside a round glass coffee table over an ornate cream area rug. Large windows with floral curtains flood the space with natural light. A dark wood entertainment center houses a flat-screen TV, creating a balanced blend of traditional and modern elements. Doorways lead to adjacent rooms, emphasizing an open, airy layout.

Laundry Room Details

Light wood-paneled walls give a rustic, vintage charm to the laundry room. A patterned linoleum floor with warm hues of orange and beige adds a retro touch. Two modern, black stainless steel appliances—a washer and dryer—stand side by side beneath white, multi-paneled upper storage cabinets that extend along the wall. A white utility sink and built-in cabinet under a pair of glass-paned cupboards occupy the corner next to an open door, leading to a room with classic darker wood flooring and a glimpse of a white fireplace mantel adorned with framed art. A wooden coat rack and broom lean against the wall, enhancing the functional, historic ambiance.

Half Bathroom Details

Compact half bathroom with vintage charm, highlighted by a bold floral wallpaper in shades of olive green, mustard yellow, and white, covering the upper walls. Glossy white square tiles line the lower half of the walls, balancing the vibrant wallpaper with a clean, classic touch. The small vanity is painted white with decorative black trim on its cabinet doors, topped with a beige countertop and an antique-style bronze faucet. Above the sink hangs an ornate oval mirror with a gold frame, flanked by two small crystal pendant lights providing soft illumination. Simple accessories like a soap dispenser and tissue holder complete the space.

Entry Foyer and Staircase

A welcoming entryway featuring a green carpeted staircase with white wooden railings and finials. The walls are adorned with classic, intricate gold and cream damask wallpaper that adds historic charm. The hardwood floor gleams beneath a large, patterned oriental rug in the center, softening the space with warm colors. Various pieces of traditional wooden furniture, including a grandfather clock, a small cabinet for display, and vintage chairs, line the area. Soft lighting from two wall sconces enhances the elegant ambiance. The space opens into an adjoining bright room framed with a wide doorway and white trim, inviting further exploration.

Upper Hallway with Built-Ins

Long, polished hardwood floors stretch across this bright upper hallway, flanked on one side by tall built-in shelving and cabinetry painted in a soft cream. The opposite side is bordered by a traditional white wooden railing with rich dark handrails, hinting at stairs below. Ornate golden damask wallpaper adorns the walls, adding a historic, vintage charm to the space. The ceiling has a subtle textured finish, softening the overall light. Two deeply set windows with thick sills allow natural light to flood the hall. A small wooden table with a classic white lamp and a green accent piece complements the warm ambiance, alongside a full leafy plant bringing a touch of nature indoors.

Living Room Fireplace Wall

Polished hardwood floors gleam under abundant natural light streaming through a broad triple window with white trim. The walls are covered in a vividly patterned floral wallpaper with blue, green, and orange hues, adding vibrant historic charm. A white wooden fireplace mantel anchors the room, positioned centrally between the floral walls. The painted door next to the fireplace and white baseboards contribute to the classic colonial aesthetic. The room has a spacious, open feel, balanced with a mix of traditional woodwork and colorful intricate wallpaper, highlighting its historical character.

Bathroom Interior

A spacious bathroom with a predominantly white color scheme, featuring white tiled floors and tiled walls around a built-in bathtub. The bathtub is accented by a pink and purple gradient shower curtain, adding a touch of softness and color to the space. A classic pedestal sink with an elegant silver faucet stands beside a traditional white toilet. An oval, ornate silver-framed mirror hangs above the sink, flanked by two wall-mounted light fixtures with frosted glass shades. White cabinetry with hand-painted floral decals on the doors provides additional storage, contributing a vintage charm to the room. The ceiling has a recessed fixture and two dark ventilation fans.

Living Room With Floral Wallpaper

Spacious living area with polished hardwood floors reflecting natural light from three large, divided-light sash windows. Walls adorned with a vibrant vintage floral wallpaper pattern in red and green on a cream background, creating a lively and charming ambiance. White trim around doors and windows contrasts crisply with the patterned walls. A small framed mirror with an antique-style wall sconce is mounted on one wall, adding a touch of classic decor. Clean white ceiling with some subtle texture emphasizes the room’s brightness and openness, allowing the wallpaper to stand out as the focal design element.

Bathroom Sink Area

White wainscoting tiles cover the lower half of the walls, creating a crisp, clean contrast with the vibrant red, blue, and white plaid wallpaper above. The blue porcelain sink with its retro-style faucet sits atop a white vanity cabinet with louvered doors and small, round metal knobs. A square mirror framed simply in white is flanked by two classic wall-mounted sconces with frosted glass shades. Bright natural light streams through a window with traditional trim, enhancing the vintage aesthetic. Beyond, a glimpse into an adjoining room reveals shiny hardwood floors and matching plaid wallpaper, tying the spaces together.

Bedroom with Built-in Shelves

The room presents a spacious bedroom characterized by polished hardwood flooring that adds warmth and elegance. Walls are covered in a vibrant plaid wallpaper with bold red, blue, and white tones, giving a lively and nostalgic feel. A single wooden bed with a simple, carved headboard and a deep blue bedspread anchors one corner. Two wide doorways, framed by classic white trim, lead into adjacent rooms, enhancing openness and flow. One wall features a large built-in white bookshelf, blending functionality with architectural charm. The ceiling is smooth and lightly textured, finished in a soft white.

Spacious Bedroom Fireplace

Expansive bedroom with glossy hardwood floors reflecting natural light from multiple large, white-trimmed windows. A classic white mantel fireplace stands as the room’s focal point, flanked by windows with nautical-themed wallpaper featuring ships and anchors on one wall. The adjacent walls wear bold red and blue plaid wallpaper, creating a vibrant, eclectic atmosphere. A dark wooden bed frame with a navy blue bedspread occupies one corner, adding warmth and tradition. The ceiling is finished with a subtle textured plaster, complementing the room’s historic yet lively color palette and design details.

Bathroom with Floral Accents

A bright bathroom decorated with a nostalgic pink tile halfway up the walls, bordered by a floral wallpaper strip that complements the shower curtain and window treatments, both featuring a rose pattern. The floor is classic white tile with small pink diamond insets, adding charm to the space. Fixtures include a white pedestal sink and a white toilet, both simple and classic. Natural light filters in through a large multi-paned window adorned with floral curtains. Two deep red towels hang on a matching pink tiled towel rack, enhancing the vintage aesthetic. A floor vent near the window adds functional detail.

Sunlit Bedroom Nook

Polished hardwood floors reflect natural light streaming through a large bay window framed by white trim, providing a sunny nook with expansive outdoor views. Floral wallpaper with green and pink tones envelops the walls, carrying over to the angled window seat, adding a cohesive botanical charm. A contrasting red gingham patterned ceiling introduces unexpected color and texture, while intricate white molding around the doors and windows enhances the historic character. Two white paneled doors lead to adjacent spaces, one partially revealing built-in shelving, blending vintage elegance with functional detail.

Upper Hallway Landing

Wide, polished hardwood floors create a warm foundation, contrasting with white-painted trim and balusters that frame the staircase and hallway. The walls are adorned with an intricate vintage wallpaper in gold and beige tones, enhancing the historic charm. The staircase combines white railings with dark wooden finials, adding a classic architectural detail. A built-in white shelving unit with cabinetry lines one wall, ideal for storage or display. The layout offers an open space at the stair landing, extending into a long hallway that leads to other rooms, maintaining a bright and airy ambiance throughout.

Upstairs Room with Built-in Shelves

Wide wooden plank flooring stretches across the spacious upstairs room, framed by deep teal baseboards, door casings, and window trims that contrast against the crisp white walls. The ceiling slopes subtly on one side, reflecting attic-style architecture. Two tall double-hung windows bring natural light into the space near a recess fitted with built-in shelving. Three doorways lead to adjoining rooms, one revealing a glimpse of a vintage style bathroom featuring white wainscoting and a pedestal sink. The mix of historic color accents and simple finishes creates an inviting, airy atmosphere blending old-world charm with understated style.

Bathroom with Clawfoot Tub

Long and narrow bathroom with a vintage clawfoot bathtub positioned against a paneled wainscoting wall painted white with a navy blue trim running along the top. The wood flooring adds warmth and contrasts with the white walls and ceiling. A pedestal sink with dual faucets sits under a small navy blue medicine cabinet with an antique brass light fixture above it. At the far end, a large window with divided panes allows natural light to brighten the space. The overall aesthetic evokes a simple, rustic charm highlighting classic early American design elements.

Game Room with Pool Table

Spacious game room illuminated by natural light streaming through multiple large, divided-pane windows. Walls are covered in vertical white wood paneling matching the white ceiling, which has two exposed bare light bulb fixtures hanging from chains. The floor consists of rich, warm-toned hardwood with visible grain and patina, amplifying the historic character. A classic wooden pool table with ornate carved legs and dark leather pockets is centered in the room, accompanied by a tall wooden stool near a wall. The room’s cozy alcoves and built-in storage doors add charm and functionality to the simple, airy space.

Listing Agent: Liz Bone Team of South Shore Sotheby’s International Realty via Zillow