The property was farmed successfully from 1793 to 1958. During this period of time the farm boasted of  large herds of sheep, extensive apple orchards and produce gardens, poultry, and one of the finest herds of Gurnsey dairy cattle in New England. At one time the agricultural buildings consisted of: an ice house, chicken houses, a large sheep barn, and a cider mill.  This is also the site of the first Francestown Telephone company.

 

 

 

This property is now for sale again after 134 years.

 

 

The Cape ell and attached small barn, built in 1767, is the original dwelling of Samuel Nutt, who is recorded as the ninth  settler of  Francestown and who also was the first town clerk. A carpenter by trade, Nutt is believed to be responsible for many of the town’s earliest houses. 

The main brick house was built by Joseph Kingsbury approximately 10 years later. A small caretaker’s cottage was also built at this time.

In 1865 the New England style drive through barn, 40’ x 83’ long, was built by John L. Kingsbury.

In 1873 the farm was purchased by Oliver Benjamine Pettee and became known as Elm Farm due to the 9 stately elms that graced the buildings and grounds. Three American, disease resistant, Elms have begun to fill in the spaces surrounding the main house and barn.

 

Above: Caretaker’s Cottage

Below: 20’ x 16’ “Corn Barn” with phone and electric service