An Iconic 'Spite House' Faces Demolition Plans Amidst Local Opposition

In the marshy landscapes of coastal Massachusetts stands a lone, weathered dwelling known as the Pink House, its pink paint now faded and flaking away.

Adjacent to the road leading to Plum Island's sandy shores—50 miles from Boston—sits this notable home.

For nearly a century, this pink-hued home has signaled to locals a day of sun and sand as they journey to the beach.

This unpretentious building, reportedly erected in 1925 by a man under unusual circumstances, has become the flashpoint of a dispute between its federal owner wanting it dismantled and residents determined to preserve it.

Community Rallies to Preserve a Local Landmark

In 2011, the US Fish & Wildlife Service purchased the Pink House along with nine acres of its surrounding wetland for $375,000.

Their intent was to eliminate the building to restore the land for wildlife benefits.

Nearby, the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge hosts an impressive array of over 300 species, spanning birds to reptiles.

Rochelle Joseph, leading the Save the Pink House initiative, vows to fight the demolition, asserting the house's essential cultural and historic value to Newbury.

"Identifying landmarks such as the Empire State Building or Golden Gate Bridge is commonplace," Joseph commented, "likewise for the North Shore, this house holds significant identity."

A Tale of Spite and Nuanced Histories

An enduring local legend suggests the house arose from a contentious divorce, ordered by the wife to mirror their marital abode – a demand met by the husband in marshy isolation.

Some versions of the tale even reference a judicial decree enforcing its construction.

Sandy Tilton, in her role with the preservation board, acknowledges the captivating appeal of labeling it as a 'spite house'.

"For countless generations, the spite narrative has intrigued locals," Tilton shared with Business Insider.

Yet, despite diligent research into historical records and deeds, Tilton admits the tale remains unproven.

Decades of Inhabitation and Recent Abandonment

Constructed by Gertrude W. Cutter in 1925, her son Harry and his spouse Ruth initially occupied the Pink House, according to Tilton.

Over the years, ownership changed hands several times, with Milton and Juliette Stott being the last private residents in 1960.

It's believed the house remained inhabited until roughly 2009.

Federal Safety Concerns and Community Disputes

After the federal agency's acquisition, intentions were laid out to preserve the surrounding habitat and repurpose the dwelling for temporary staff accommodations.

However, assessments revealed asbestos and deemed the living conditions inadequate.

Joseph attributes the property's deterioration to the agency's neglect, hinting at deliberate decline to justify demolition.

A representative from the agency affirmed to CBS News that their determination to dismantle aligns with their conservation goals.

An Unexpected Financial Lifeline

An anonymous donor came forward with a potential $1 million contribution in October, aiming to rectify safety issues, just as demolition loomed at the month's close.

"All financial barriers have effectively been removed," Joseph stated. "Elected leaders should seize this moment to act admirably."

Despite acknowledging the generous offer, the US Fish and Wildlife Service indicated in a late October statement that it does not alter their strategic plans.

Joseph remains hopeful, expecting productive changes from ongoing discussions, with aspirations focused on future resolutions.