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The Home of the First Man Accused of Witchcraft Hits the Market for $600K

With the Halloween season upon us, the 1638 home of John Proctor, a vocal opponent of the trials, comes to market at just the right time

By Ashley Petras
Gray two-story house with a red door, large central chimney, and hedges in front, set against a cloudy sky.
Exterior of the home onced owned by Salem Witch Trial victim John Proctor. Photo: Paul Aquipel

The infamous Salem Witch Trials are a captivating aspect of American history with over 200 people having been accused and 19 executed as witches. Timed perfectly for the Halloween season, the 1638 house of John Proctor, one of the victims of the trials, is on the market for $600,000.

When the witchcraft mania first started during the winter in 1692 in Salem village, Proctor was an avid opponent of the trials and said that the women who had been making the accusations of witchcraft were lying. Proctor was accused of witchcraft in Salem and hanged in 1692. He was the first man to be accused of witchcraft. 

The 3,910-square-foot Peabody, Massachusetts property is being sold by realtor Joe Cipoletta of J. Barrett and Co. Labeled a historic residence by the Peabody Historical Commission.

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“Money is tight, and a lot of people want it,” Dick St. Pierre, the president of the historical society told The Salem News. “So we have to present a really strong case. What we’re worried about is if it becomes privately-owned, it denies the public from seeing the building.”

Wooden beams and brick fireplaces within the home retain the architecture of that period. However, the home has been modernized with contemporary appliances and an in-ground pool in the backyard. As reported by the Salem News, Vice President of the Peabody Historical Society Michael Bonafonti and his colleagues in the Historical Society are looking into funds to purchase the property, with the possibility of it being opened to the public. 

Historic large dark gray colonial house with chimneys surrounded by greenery on a cloudy day.
John Proctor house. Paul Aquipel

Rustic kitchen with wooden beams, dining table, black chairs, wood cabinetry, and a chandelier, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Original exposed wooden beams and modern appliances in the kitchen. Paul Aquipel

Cozy living room with a rustic fireplace, wooden beams, and a red patterned rug.
The living room area. Paul Aquipel

rustic dining room with brick fireplace wooden furniture and chandelier cozy vintage ambiance
The dining room. Paul Aquipel

Rustic bedroom with wooden walls, vintage bed, fireplace, and natural light streaming through windows.
A bedroom in the house. Paul Aquipel

Exterior of a historic dark grey wooden house with sign marking it as part of the Peabody Historical Commission.
The historical plaque on the exterior of the home. Paul Aquipel

Wooden spiral staircase beside a vintage armchair leading to a cozy room with a red armchair and a piano.
One of three staircases within the home. Paul Aquipel