FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Pink House is an iconic landmark, not just to New Englanders but to visitors far and wide. Located in Newbury, MA, bordering Newburyport on the road to Plum Island, it sits as the only structure in the grass lands stretching to the horizon under an endless sky. Highlighting the beauty of her natural setting, The Pink House intrigues and inspires.
What is The Pink House Story?
The house had always been a family home until acquired by the US Fish and Wildlife in late 2011. When the Newburyport Daily News reported it was to be demolished, community outcry began. Based on thousands of signatures and hundreds of testimonials, Support The Pink House formed in answer. Since then, many generous volunteers have worked tirelessly on the mission to keep the house standing and find a solution for the iconic house to remain in the community in perpetuity, with a Preservation Restriction. It will be 100 years old in 2025 The legend it is a spite house is untrue but it has helped bring international attention to the house. Find the factual history HERE.
What is "Support The Pink House Inc"?
Begun as a grass roots community group, Support the Pink House (STPH) formed in answer to an overwhelming community desire to keep The Pink House standing, and get it restored under a perpetual preservation restriction. On 1/30/2020, Support the Pink House became a non-profit public benefit 501 (c) (3); our all-volunteer board meets regularly. With the assistance of Congressman Moulton and Senators Markey and Warren, we kept The Pink House from demolition in August 2016, and by August 2022, completed the steps to make the house available for new ownership and created an approved perpetual preservation restriction to guide it's restoration. We now await FWS's final part to complete our mission.
Who owns The Pink House?
The US Fish and Wildlife owns The Pink House. After being marketed for public sale by it's last residents, the Stott family, the three individual parcels totaling 9.29 acres and the house was sold to FWS for $375,000 in September 2011.
Why do they want to remove the house?
The Parker River Wildlife Refuge briefly considered using the Pink House for visiting staff, but concluded they didn't want to refurbish it, so scheduled it for demolition in March 2016.
What is the structural condition of The Pink House?
The Pink House is sound, but needs work very soon. There are no cracks in the foundation, and her bones are solid. When STPH formed, the first thing we did was have our STPH HIC/CSL Building Advisor Bill Barrett do a building health check to discover the house was in salvageable condition. That check was done annually, as well as before and after every major storm, working with the Parker River Wildlife Refuge to shore up anything needed so the house remains so. FWS cut plant growth back each spring at our request so the house can breathe. That changed during Covid, when we were not allowed to do a house check for over 2 year, during which time the house suffered. In the Fall of 2022, when yet another solution fell through, Congressman Moulton's office stepped in to see that the most basic fortifying was done before winter. We are working hard to keep things moving to new ownership so it can be restored ASAP.
Can someone just buy the house?
No. The US FWS cannot outright sell the property. It can be exchanged for land desired by the US FWS that is beneficial to their mission, among other options.
What IS the solution?
Support The Pink House has been quietly and diligently working behind the scenes with the US Fish and Wildlife, federal, state and local elected officials and area organizations on viable options to transfer the house from federal possession to a new owner. The steps with the town of Newbury and the State of MA to prepare the house/parcel for new ownership have been completed by STPH as of August 2022 with permission of FWS. STPH Inc has also gotten the approval from the MA Historical Commission for a perpetual preservation restriction to be put on the house. The Newbury Historical Commission has agreed to hold and enforce this PR. The community is now waiting for FWS to complete their part of the agreement.
Isn't the Pink House IN the Refuge?
No. This is a big misconception. The Pink House is not located on the Refuge itself, but is on the Plum Island Turnpike, across from other homes, over a mile from the Refuge entrance. The land you see all around it belongs to a local farming family, private parties, and organizations like Greenbelt.
What Can The Pink House Be Used For?
What it will become will be framed by zoning, any deed restrictions, and the Perpetual Preservation Restriction approved by MHC, which will keep it pink, the same silhouette, and prevent it being torn down or built into something else. It is zoned to be either a home again, as it has been since 1925, or have a low-profile educational use.
Why have we heard so little news lately?
We devoted our focus to working out a solution. The process has been too complex and time consuming to report and the stakeholders along the way have requested we do not share. We look forward to the time we can share the news.
How did The Pink House get so well known?
The Pink House been covered by the NY Times, the Boston Globe, North Shore magazine (cover story), WCVB-TV’s Chronicle, on the radio, and podcasts, among many other media articles. The Essex National Heritage added the house the Scenic Byway and had a cameo in a Honda commercial. There has even been a Pink House clothing line, created by the Elephants's Trunk Inc, and featured in an annual fashion show at the Newburyport Art Association. It now appears as a landmark on Google Maps, and is listed on Trip Advisor as a place of interest. Its iconic status grows with each day.
It's really the meaning it has to people that has made The Pink House so iconic. A seemingly endless stream of musicians, writers, photographers and painters find their must in The Pink House. Their art wins awards, often bringing top dollar. Many artisans and craftspeople have created cottage industries around Pink House themed items. There was even a Pink House clothing line! And The Pink House has become an economic driver, bringing more and more visitors to the area, who then visit shops, eateries, theaters, attend events, and stay overnight -- or come back to rent or buy. Then there's the heart and memories of people who make the Pink House extra special. We receive countless comments reflecting what The Pink House means to the community.
There's no question --The Pink House is truly unique - its charm, intriguing history, memorable architecture, and meaning add to what makes this region so appealing! In fact, its silhouette has become an identifier to this area.
What if I want to go see the house?
The Pink House is on private federal property, so should only be enjoyed from the shoulder of the Plum Island Turnpike, (or while eating lunch at Bob Lobster across the street!).
We hope you keep painting, photographing, writing about, and appreciating this beautiful icon. But PLEASE DO NOT TRESPASS!
Didn't find what you were looking for? Please email us. We're happy to help!
What is The Pink House Story?
The house had always been a family home until acquired by the US Fish and Wildlife in late 2011. When the Newburyport Daily News reported it was to be demolished, community outcry began. Based on thousands of signatures and hundreds of testimonials, Support The Pink House formed in answer. Since then, many generous volunteers have worked tirelessly on the mission to keep the house standing and find a solution for the iconic house to remain in the community in perpetuity, with a Preservation Restriction. It will be 100 years old in 2025 The legend it is a spite house is untrue but it has helped bring international attention to the house. Find the factual history HERE.
What is "Support The Pink House Inc"?
Begun as a grass roots community group, Support the Pink House (STPH) formed in answer to an overwhelming community desire to keep The Pink House standing, and get it restored under a perpetual preservation restriction. On 1/30/2020, Support the Pink House became a non-profit public benefit 501 (c) (3); our all-volunteer board meets regularly. With the assistance of Congressman Moulton and Senators Markey and Warren, we kept The Pink House from demolition in August 2016, and by August 2022, completed the steps to make the house available for new ownership and created an approved perpetual preservation restriction to guide it's restoration. We now await FWS's final part to complete our mission.
Who owns The Pink House?
The US Fish and Wildlife owns The Pink House. After being marketed for public sale by it's last residents, the Stott family, the three individual parcels totaling 9.29 acres and the house was sold to FWS for $375,000 in September 2011.
Why do they want to remove the house?
The Parker River Wildlife Refuge briefly considered using the Pink House for visiting staff, but concluded they didn't want to refurbish it, so scheduled it for demolition in March 2016.
What is the structural condition of The Pink House?
The Pink House is sound, but needs work very soon. There are no cracks in the foundation, and her bones are solid. When STPH formed, the first thing we did was have our STPH HIC/CSL Building Advisor Bill Barrett do a building health check to discover the house was in salvageable condition. That check was done annually, as well as before and after every major storm, working with the Parker River Wildlife Refuge to shore up anything needed so the house remains so. FWS cut plant growth back each spring at our request so the house can breathe. That changed during Covid, when we were not allowed to do a house check for over 2 year, during which time the house suffered. In the Fall of 2022, when yet another solution fell through, Congressman Moulton's office stepped in to see that the most basic fortifying was done before winter. We are working hard to keep things moving to new ownership so it can be restored ASAP.
Can someone just buy the house?
No. The US FWS cannot outright sell the property. It can be exchanged for land desired by the US FWS that is beneficial to their mission, among other options.
What IS the solution?
Support The Pink House has been quietly and diligently working behind the scenes with the US Fish and Wildlife, federal, state and local elected officials and area organizations on viable options to transfer the house from federal possession to a new owner. The steps with the town of Newbury and the State of MA to prepare the house/parcel for new ownership have been completed by STPH as of August 2022 with permission of FWS. STPH Inc has also gotten the approval from the MA Historical Commission for a perpetual preservation restriction to be put on the house. The Newbury Historical Commission has agreed to hold and enforce this PR. The community is now waiting for FWS to complete their part of the agreement.
Isn't the Pink House IN the Refuge?
No. This is a big misconception. The Pink House is not located on the Refuge itself, but is on the Plum Island Turnpike, across from other homes, over a mile from the Refuge entrance. The land you see all around it belongs to a local farming family, private parties, and organizations like Greenbelt.
What Can The Pink House Be Used For?
What it will become will be framed by zoning, any deed restrictions, and the Perpetual Preservation Restriction approved by MHC, which will keep it pink, the same silhouette, and prevent it being torn down or built into something else. It is zoned to be either a home again, as it has been since 1925, or have a low-profile educational use.
Why have we heard so little news lately?
We devoted our focus to working out a solution. The process has been too complex and time consuming to report and the stakeholders along the way have requested we do not share. We look forward to the time we can share the news.
How did The Pink House get so well known?
The Pink House been covered by the NY Times, the Boston Globe, North Shore magazine (cover story), WCVB-TV’s Chronicle, on the radio, and podcasts, among many other media articles. The Essex National Heritage added the house the Scenic Byway and had a cameo in a Honda commercial. There has even been a Pink House clothing line, created by the Elephants's Trunk Inc, and featured in an annual fashion show at the Newburyport Art Association. It now appears as a landmark on Google Maps, and is listed on Trip Advisor as a place of interest. Its iconic status grows with each day.
It's really the meaning it has to people that has made The Pink House so iconic. A seemingly endless stream of musicians, writers, photographers and painters find their must in The Pink House. Their art wins awards, often bringing top dollar. Many artisans and craftspeople have created cottage industries around Pink House themed items. There was even a Pink House clothing line! And The Pink House has become an economic driver, bringing more and more visitors to the area, who then visit shops, eateries, theaters, attend events, and stay overnight -- or come back to rent or buy. Then there's the heart and memories of people who make the Pink House extra special. We receive countless comments reflecting what The Pink House means to the community.
There's no question --The Pink House is truly unique - its charm, intriguing history, memorable architecture, and meaning add to what makes this region so appealing! In fact, its silhouette has become an identifier to this area.
What if I want to go see the house?
The Pink House is on private federal property, so should only be enjoyed from the shoulder of the Plum Island Turnpike, (or while eating lunch at Bob Lobster across the street!).
We hope you keep painting, photographing, writing about, and appreciating this beautiful icon. But PLEASE DO NOT TRESPASS!
Didn't find what you were looking for? Please email us. We're happy to help!