Balch House

John Balch was the owner of the Balch House. He was born in England in 1579, and he was among the first group of people sent to establish a fishing industry in New England by the Dorchester Company (Historic Beverly, 2024). He started living on this property in 1636, making this Historic Beverly’s oldest property. The current structure dates back to 1679. 

Once again, this property’s program was also closed for the season. Unlike the Hale Farm, I was not able to peek through any windows to get a glimpse of the interior. Also unlike the Hale Farm, there were no signs amongst the grounds giving information. My visit here was short because of this, but I did get to see the house in-person, and it looks as old as it is. While there are many houses in Beverly that date back hundreds of years, this property is the oldest looking one to me. 

Click this link to Historic Beverly’s website for more information on John Balch and his residence.

Top left: the door handle on a door of the house. Bottom left: the historical sign out front of the house. Right: the front of the Balch House