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Hoxie House

4.5
·157 reviews·Sandwich, United States

Step back to 1675 at Hoxie House, Cape Cod's oldest saltbox home. Experience authentic colonial life with guided tours through its simple, period inte...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Full access & pleasant weather

CrowdMedium
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Hoxie House

Best Time

Summer mornings

Full access & pleasant weather

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back to 1675 at Hoxie House, Cape Cod's oldest saltbox home. Experience authentic colonial life with guided tours through its simple, period interiors.

4.5
(157 reviews)

"Incredible house! Our tour guides were enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Was very cool to learn about the older lifestyle!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Opening Hours

Hours are seasonal; verify before your visit to ensure access.

💰 Affordable Admission

Enjoy a rich historical experience for a small fee, often around $5.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

1675 Saltbox Architecture

1675 Saltbox Architecture

Exterior

Marvel at one of Cape Cod's oldest homes, a perfectly preserved example of colonial saltbox design.

Instagram+1
Period Interior Furnishings

Period Interior Furnishings

Interior

Step back in time with authentic furnishings and learn about 17th-century colonial life.

Reddit
Lakefront Views

Lakefront Views

Grounds

Enjoy peaceful moments on the grounds with beautiful views overlooking the lake.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Hoxie House is a historic gem, but its operating hours can be seasonal. Check the official schedule before you go to avoid disappointment. Many visitors recommend visiting during the summer months for full access. Instagram

Embrace the Simplicity

This 1675 saltbox house offers a glimpse into colonial life without modern amenities. Expect a rustic experience; it was lived in without electricity or running water until the mid-20th century. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Full access & pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more intimate tour
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🏠 Step inside history at the oldest house on Cape Cod — the Hoxie House in Sandwich! Dating back to 1675, this colonial gem was lived in without modern utilities until the 1950s. Now fully restored, it's open for tours all summer. Don’t miss this hidden treasure in Sandwich Village! 📍 18 Water Street, Sandwich, MA 🎟️ ~$5 admission | Seasonal guided tours 🕰️ Open May–Oct #CapeCodHistory #Sandwich...
capebuzzbyglenn
307 likes • 25.3K views

🎯 Check Opening Hours

Hours are seasonal; verify before your visit to ensure access. InstagramReddit

💰 Affordable Admission

Enjoy a rich historical experience for a small fee, often around $5. Reddit

Congratulations to POP Film Contest Winner, Solomon Antar! His film explores two incredible pieces of New England history: Hoxie House (1675) — one of Cape Cod’s oldest saltbox homes Wingfort House (1641) — the oldest continuously owned home in New England “When these homes are erased, the history they hold is erased as well.” Winner – POP Film Festival 2024 #ProtectOurPast #POPFestival #Histor...
protectourpast
31 likes • 779 views
The Hoxie House - one of the oldest, if not oldest, homes on the Cape - reflects life in the town of Sandwich in the 17th-century. This saltbox is named after a whaling captain who owned the house in the mid-1800s. The Hoxie House is a first-period house restored and furnished to reflect early colonial construction with many interesting features such as gun stock posts, pumpkin-pine Maine beams,...
newenglandpassport
70 likes • 1.8K views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Even if closed, the grounds offer lovely lake views and a peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

📚 Knowledgeable Guides

Tours are highly recommended; guides share fascinating details and origins of sayings. Reddit

10+ years of installing premium Timberlane shutters — trusted for their quality, durability, and timeless look. Proud to upgrade the Hoxie House at NJIT with custom craftsmanship that lasts! 👏🏼 @timberlane_inc Contact us today to learn more about our services and to schedule a free quote on your next exterior remodeling project. ———————————— 📧: monvinyl@verizon.net 📟: 800-30-VINYL ⌨️: www.mon...
monmouth_vinyl
18 likes • 340 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Opening Hours

Hours are seasonal; verify before your visit to ensure access. InstagramReddit

💰 Affordable Admission

Enjoy a rich historical experience for a small fee, often around $5. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Even if closed, the grounds offer lovely lake views and a peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

📚 Knowledgeable Guides

Tours are highly recommended; guides share fascinating details and origins of sayings. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(157 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Hoxie House for its authentic preservation and affordable admission, offering a genuine glimpse into 17th-century colonial life. The knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, making history come alive. While some find the house small, the peaceful lake views from the grounds are a definite highlight.

"Beautiful old school house overlooking the lake. The house was closed the day I visited, but the grounds were stunning. There is a bench that allows a beautiful view over the lake. This would be a great place to read a book and enjoy some peace and quiet."

Janet Stiles

"A must see visit to a charming area. Don't forget the nearby Dexter Grist mill and the artesian spring water where you can fill up your bottle with cold delicious water. Check the opening times."

Donna Ivy

"Oldest original salt box house on Cape
Cod built in 1675. Amazing preservation and tour. Only $5 also near the historic grist mill, town hall and glass museum"

steven philbrick

What People Like

Authentic historical preservation
Affordable admission price
Knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides

What People Dislike

Seasonal operating hours
Small interior space

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Hoxie House is located at 18 Water Street in Sandwich, MA. It's easily accessible by car and parking is generally available nearby. Instagram

Public transport options to Sandwich may be limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach the Hoxie House. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.

Use GPS navigation to 18 Water Street, Sandwich, MA. It's situated in the historic Sandwich Village, making it a charming area to explore on foot once you arrive. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is typically very affordable, around $5 per person, making it an excellent value for a historical experience. Reddit

Hoxie House operates seasonally, usually open during the summer months. It's crucial to check their official website or social media for the most current operating hours before planning your visit. Instagram

Advance booking is generally not required for individual visitors, but it's always a good idea to check their policy, especially for group tours. Reddit

While the interior tours may not be available, you can still walk around the exterior and enjoy the beautiful grounds and lake views. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Inside, you'll find period furnishings and learn about the daily lives of colonists. Guides often share interesting facts and the origins of common sayings. Reddit

Yes, guided tours are highly recommended and are often included with admission. The guides are known for being enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Reddit

Built in 1675, it's one of the oldest surviving saltbox homes on Cape Cod, offering a direct look into 17th-century colonial architecture and living conditions. Instagram+1

The grounds offer peaceful lake views and are a great spot for a quiet moment or a picnic. It's a lovely area to explore even when the house is closed. Reddit

Children can find it interesting to learn about historical lifestyles. The guided tours can make the history engaging for younger visitors. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary. It's best to ask your tour guide or check for posted signs regarding interior photography. Reddit

The exterior of the saltbox house is very picturesque, especially with the surrounding natural beauty. The lake views from the grounds also offer great photo opportunities. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hoxie House offers a unique educational opportunity for families. The guided tours are often engaging for children, as guides can explain historical concepts in an accessible way. Learning about how people lived without modern conveniences can be a fascinating lesson for kids. Reddit

While the house itself is small and filled with delicate artifacts, the grounds offer space for children to move around and enjoy the lake views. Consider pairing your visit with the nearby Dexter Grist Mill for a more interactive historical experience that might capture younger attention spans even more effectively. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Hoxie House is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. With admission typically costing around $5, it provides significant historical value for a minimal expense. Reddit

Combine your visit with exploring the free grounds and nearby natural attractions like the artesian spring. This allows for a full day of exploration without breaking the bank, making it a perfect addition to an affordable Cape Cod itinerary. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Colonial Life

The Hoxie House stands as a remarkable testament to early American domestic architecture and lifestyle. Built around 1675, it's one of the oldest surviving saltbox homes on Cape Cod. Its construction reflects the practicalities and aesthetics of the period, with a steeply pitched rear roof designed to shed snow and wind. The house remained inhabited without modern utilities like electricity or indoor plumbing until the mid-20th century, offering an unfiltered look at colonial living conditions. Instagram+1

Visitors often remark on the authenticity of the interior, which is furnished with period-appropriate items. Guided tours are highly recommended, as they bring the history to life. Enthusiastic guides share details about the daily routines, the tools used, and even the origins of common phrases we still use today. This immersive experience allows guests to truly connect with the past and understand the challenges and simplicity of life centuries ago. Reddit

Beyond the house itself, the surrounding grounds provide a tranquil setting. Overlooking a lake, these grounds offer a peaceful escape and beautiful scenic views. It's a perfect spot to reflect on the history you've just experienced or simply enjoy a moment of quiet contemplation. Reddit

The Hoxie House and its Neighbors

The Hoxie House is not the only historical gem in Sandwich. It's often mentioned alongside other significant colonial-era structures, highlighting the town's rich heritage. For instance, the Wing Fort House in East Sandwich, dating back to 1641, is another contender for one of the oldest homes in the region. Instagram+1

Visiting Hoxie House can be part of a broader exploration of Sandwich's historical attractions. Nearby, you can find the Dexter Grist Mill, a working mill that offers a fascinating look at early industrial technology. The area also boasts natural springs, like the artesian spring water where visitors can fill their bottles with cold, fresh water. Reddit

These historical sites, including the Hoxie House, contribute to Sandwich's charm as a destination for history buffs and those seeking a connection to New England's past. The proximity of these attractions makes it easy to plan a day trip filled with historical discovery and scenic beauty. Reddit

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