Listed at $1,120,000 | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 2,064 Sq Ft | 0.42-Acre Lot
Some homes are houses. Others are living history.
Built circa 1870, the Cyrus Morse House at 12 Union Street in Exeter, New Hampshire is unmistakably the latter. This striking white Colonial sits on a tree-lined street just steps from the heart of downtown Exeter — one of New Hampshire’s most beloved historic towns — and it’s now available for the first time in a generation.
A Home With a Story Worth Telling
The Cyrus Morse House carries the weight of Exeter’s rich heritage in every detail. The property was once home to William Langley, Exeter’s oldest living citizen at the time, and later became the residence of Adele Holevas — a Harvard graduate and beloved Phillips Exeter Academy music teacher who held piano lessons in the front living room. Walk through this home and you’re walking through chapters of a community’s life.
Nineteenth-Century Craftsmanship, Thoughtfully Preserved
Inside, the home showcases the hallmarks of authentic 1870s New England architecture: soaring high ceilings, generous room proportions, and one genuinely rare feature — two graceful, curved interior walls that you simply won’t find anywhere else.
Original light fixtures and authentic push-button switches have been carefully preserved, honoring the home’s historic soul while offering 2,064 square feet of above-grade finished living space across 8 rooms.
The structural bones are equally impressive. A substantial stone foundation and an attic supported by massive, hand-hewn, bark-covered timber beams speak to the quality of construction that has allowed this home to stand proudly for more than 150 years.
A Private Downtown Arboretum Unlike Any Other
Step outside and the surprises continue. The oversized 0.42-acre lot — 18,295 square feet — has been lovingly cultivated over the past quarter-century into a rare, park-like arboretum. Exceptional specimen plantings include:
- A massive Maple
- Towering Hemlocks
- Elegant Japanese Maples
- A rare Stewartia tree
- A brilliant Blue Spruce
Whether you’re hosting summer gatherings or simply enjoying your morning coffee on the grounds, this property creates an extraordinary private oasis right in the heart of a vibrant downtown neighborhood.
Exeter Living at Its Best
Location doesn’t get much better in New Hampshire. Exeter is celebrated for its walkable downtown, vibrant arts and dining scene, and the world-renowned Phillips Exeter Academy. Commuters will appreciate easy access to the Amtrak Downeaster rail line, Route 101, and I-95. Top-rated schools, boutique shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and scenic riverwalks are all within easy reach.
Property Details at a Glance
| List Price | $1,120,000 |
| Price Per Sq Ft | $542.64 |
| Bedrooms | 4 |
| Bathrooms | 4 (1 full, 2 three-quarter, 1 half) |
| Finished Living Area | 2,064 sq ft |
| Total Area | 4,292 sq ft |
| Lot Size | 0.42 acres / 18,295 sq ft |
| Year Built | 1870 |
| Architectural Style | Colonial |
| Stories |