Barbie's dream? A historic pink house in New Bedford is for sale. Here's what it costs.
A little late to all the Barbie hype, but still in all its pink glory the Gilbert Russell/Russell-Rotch Abbe House has officially hit the market.
Lovingly known around New Bedford as “The Pink House,” this historic gem at 405 County St. has been listed for sale by The Mathew J. Arruda Group.
Built in 1805, it proudly holds a place on the National Register of Historic Places.
Who was the 'Pink House' originally built for?
According to the New Bedford Preservation Society, the Federal-style mansion that commands the whole block of Walnut Street was built as a single-family residence for Gilbert Russell, a whaling merchant. According to the home’s listing, Russell is a descendant of Joseph Russell, Duke of Bedford, the namesake of the City of New Bedford.
Between the 1860s and 1890s Dr. Edward Abbe, a noted surgeon, remodeled the house in a vibrant Italianate Victorian style with French and oriental elements.
What is the home currently used for?
Situated close to historic downtown, for forty years it was home to St. Saviour's Nursery School before finances and ailing health closed the school in 2021, according to a Standard-Times article.
Presently, it is being used as an office building, home to the New Bedford Women's Center a place known to create a safe environment and provide resources to women in domestic violence situations.
What features will you find in this iconic home?
With 8,528 square feet of living space spread throughout three floors, this home has plenty to offer any potential buyers. It showcases marvelous architectural designs, such as the dramatic profile of a French mansard roof with an oriental upsweep topping a porch with decorative peaked arches.
Feel like you have stepped back in time as you enter the grand foyer of the six-bedroom home. Marvel at the stunning woodwork hardwood floors, and built-ins throughout, and if all that looking around makes you tired… there’s even an elevator.
How much does it cost to buy this stunning home?
If you have a little over a million handy, you can own your very own piece of New Bedford history. The mansion and its half an acre of land are listed for a selling price of $1,050,000. To see this home in all its glory contact Mathew at (508) 965-8683.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: New Bedford's Pink House is for sale: What the building is used for
