Active
17 Days on market
7 John Wise Ave #2 Essex — Photo 1 of 40

7 John Wise Ave #2 Essex — Photo 1 of 40

$965,000

7 John Wise Ave #2, Essex, MA 01929

Essex, MA 01929

Beds

3

Baths

2

SqFt

2,141

Style

Single Family

Built

1900

Once part of the 300-acre Cogswell Estate and family-owned from the 1630s through the 1930s, this exceptional home embodies the timeless beauty and character of a bygone era. Originally built as a hunting lodge, the home retains an impressive collection of historic details, including original antique floorboards, an oversized brick fireplace, magnificent post-and-beam construction, and beautiful barn-wood doors. Surrounded by mature trees and framed by historic stone walls, the property offers a rare combination of elegance, privacy, and a profound sense of place. Two decks overlook the broad, open lawn, creating an exceptional setting for outdoor entertaining, gatherings, or simply enjoying the peaceful grounds. Thoughtful improvements enhance the home's comfort and functionality, including four (4) Bosch mini-split air-conditioning units, an upgraded primary suite, new kitchen appliances, and a new 200-amp electrical panel. The residence is thoughtfully arranged across two wings. The principal wing encompasses the main living spaces, including the dining room, living room, library, kitchen, and breakfast area. The second wing provides private sleeping quarters and a spacious family room, offering an ideal separation between living and entertaining spaces. Most recently configured as a two-bedroom residence, town records recognize the property as a three-bedroom home, with the additional bedroom readily achievable through minor alterations. For those seeking additional living space, the dry, open and clean walk-out basement has high ceilings with cement floors and walls, offering excellent potential for future finishing or an ideal workshop space. Rich in history, architectural integrity, and privacy, this is a truly special property—an authentic piece of Old Americana with the character and presence of a distinguished country estate.

Market Value Analysis

This Property
Size (SqFt) →Price →
This Property$451/sqft
Local Avg (Essex)$450/sqft
0% AboveMarket Average

* Analysis is based on 8 actively listed and recently sold comparable properties strictly within Essex, MA.

Property Details

Financials

Original Price$965,000
Annual Taxes$10,502

Parking

Garage0
Off-Street2

Interior Specifications

Total Rooms6
Fireplaces1
FlooringWood, Tile, Flooring - Stone/Ceramic Tile, Flooring - Wood
BasementFull, Walk-Out Access, Interior Entry, Bulkhead, Radon Remediation System, Concrete

Climate & Utilities

HeatingNatural Gas, Electric, Ductless, Fireplace(s)
CoolingHeat Pump, Ductless
WaterPublic
SewerPublic Sewer

Building & Exterior

ConstructionFrame
RoofShingle
FoundationConcrete Perimeter
ZoningRS2

Property & Lot

Acres--
SqFt Lot--
Lot Features--

Amenities & Appliances

Gas Water Heater • Range • Refrigerator • Washer • Dryer

Neighborhood

Shopping • Walk/Jog Trails • Stable(s) • Golf • Bike Path • Conservation Area

Geography

Floorplan Breakdown

Structural Layout

Second
Bedroom 2
First
Dining RoomKitchenFamily RoomMaster BedroomBathroom 1Bathroom 2
Dining Room
Lvl First

8 x 10

Skylight, Flooring - Stone/Ceramic Tile, Deck - Exterior, Exterior Access

Kitchen
Lvl First

13 x 8

Flooring - Wood, Window(s) - Picture

Family Room
Lvl First

12 x 23

Skylight, Flooring - Wood, Deck - Exterior, Exterior Access, Open Floorplan, Slider, Closet - Double

Master Bedroom
Lvl First

17 x 16

Bathroom - 3/4, Deck - Exterior, Exterior Access, Slider, Closet - Double

Bedroom 2
Lvl Second

19 x 12

Bathroom 1
Lvl First

5 x 10

Bathroom - Tiled With Shower Stall, Flooring - Stone/Ceramic Tile

Bathroom 2
Lvl First

8 x 6

Bathroom - Full, Flooring - Stone/Ceramic Tile

Property History

Listed
$965,000

Aug 24, 2026

MLS® 73567650

Sold
$4,200

Jul 30, 2025

MLS® 73388142

Listed
$4,200

Jun 9, 2025

MLS® 73388142

Population

3,621

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates (B01003)

Median Household Income

$156K

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates (B19013)

Renter-Occupied Homes

25.4%

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates (B25003)

New Construction Permits — Essex County

992 housing units permitted in the last 12 months (-15% vs the prior 12 months) — 515 in 5+ unit buildings

U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey (through Jun '26)

ADU Potential

Massachusetts allows one accessory dwelling unit by right in single-family zoning districts statewide (M.G.L. c. 40A §3; 760 CMR 71.00, effective Feb 2025). Estimated maximum ADU size for this property: 900 sq ft (the lesser of 900 sq ft or half the 2,141 sq ft principal dwelling).

Based on listing data, which indicates the property type — not the zoning district. Local dimensional, septic (Title 5), and historic-district requirements still apply. Not legal advice — verify with the municipality.

Listing Provided By

Listing Agent: Julia Virden

Listing Office: J. Barrett & Company

MLS® Number: 73567650

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