If you walk down Lafayette Street in Salem, past the kitschy witch shops and the throngs of tourists wearing plastic capes, you’ll find a massive, yellow-painted colonial that feels a bit different. It isn’t a museum. It isn't a state-run historic site like its famous cousin, the brick Derby House over by the wharf. Honestly, most people walk right past it without realizing they are looking at one of the most polarizing pieces of real estate in the city.
The Henry Derby House is a weird, wonderful, and slightly spooky survivor. Built in 1838, it’s a massive seven-bedroom home that has lived a dozen lives: a tailor’s residence, a cozy B&B, and currently, a vacation rental that some people swear is genuinely haunted.
Who was Henry Derby, anyway?
Look, when people hear the name "Derby" in Salem, they usually think of Elias Hasket Derby. He was the guy who became America’s first millionaire through the East India trade. But the man behind this house was a different branch of the family tree altogether.
Henry Derby was a tailor. He wasn’t a merchant prince or a privateer captain. He was a guy who made clothes. But in 1838, being a successful tailor in a bustling port city meant you could afford some seriously prime real estate in the McIntire District. He built this place with the kind of solid, "I've made it" confidence that defined the era.
The house is a classic example of Federal-style architecture transitioning into something a bit more lived-in. It’s got those wide-plank floors that have seen nearly two centuries of footsteps. It has high ceilings that seem to hold onto the cold air even in July.
Living in a ghost story
You’ve probably seen the headlines. "The most haunted Airbnb in Salem."
Is it true? Well, that depends on how much you believe in things that go bump in the night. The current listing for the Henry Derby House actually includes a disclaimer. It basically says: Don't expect a hotel. The stairs creak. The windows rattle. Also, you might see a ghost.
Guests have reported some pretty specific stuff over the years. We’re talking about the sound of heavy boots walking in the hallways when nobody is there. Doors that latch themselves. Cold spots that appear in the middle of a room for no reason.
One story that pops up a lot involves a "woman in white" seen near the back staircase. Some think it’s a former resident who never quite felt ready to move on. Others think it’s just the natural hum of a house that is 180-plus years old. Honestly, if you’re staying in a house this old in Salem, you're almost disappointed if you don't hear a phantom footstep or two.
The architecture: Why it’s more than just a spooky rental
Beyond the ghost stories, the Henry Derby House is a masterclass in 19th-century craftsmanship.
- The McIntire Influence: Even though Samuel McIntire (Salem’s most famous architect) died before this house was built, his influence is everywhere. The symmetry of the facade and the delicate wood carvings are a nod to that "Golden Age" of Salem design.
- The Layout: Seven bedrooms and four bathrooms. In 1838, that was a mansion. Today, it’s a sprawling maze that makes it perfect for large groups or wedding parties.
- The Garden: There’s a private backyard that feels completely detached from the chaos of downtown Salem. It’s a little slice of the 1800s hidden behind a fence.
It’s worth noting that while the interior has been updated—nobody wants to stay in a house without a modern kitchen or Wi-Fi—the owners have kept the "soul" of the place. They haven't ripped out the character to make it look like a grey-toned "HGTV" special. The wallpaper is bold. The furniture is heavy. It feels like a home, not a showroom.
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What most people get wrong about Salem's Derby houses
There is a massive amount of confusion because of the naming. Here is the deal.
The "Derby House" (the brick one) is part of the Salem Maritime National Historical Park. It was built in 1762. It’s beautiful, but you can’t sleep there. It’s a museum.
The Henry Derby House is the private residence on Lafayette Street. This is the one you can actually book for a weekend. People often mix them up when looking for directions, ending up at the wharf when they should be near the center of town.
Why this house still matters
Salem is a city that is constantly at risk of becoming a caricature of itself. Between the "Hocus Pocus" tours and the neon witch signs, it’s easy to forget that real people lived, worked, and died here.
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The Henry Derby House represents the "middle class" success of the 19th century. It wasn't built by a shipping magnate, but by a tailor. It’s a reminder that Salem’s history isn't just about the 1692 trials or the millionaires—it’s about the people who kept the city running.
Whether you're there for the paranormal "investigation" or just because you need a place to put up ten relatives for a wedding, the house forces you to slow down. You can’t rush through a house like this. The floors won't let you.
Actionable steps for your visit
If you’re planning to check out the Henry Derby House, here is how to do it right:
- Book early. October is basically impossible, but if you want the "spooky" vibes without the crowds, try a weekend in November or March.
- Verify the address. Make sure you are headed to Lafayette Street, not Derby Street.
- Respect the neighborhood. This is a residential area. While the house is "haunted," the neighbors are very much alive and don't appreciate ghost hunters shouting in the street at 2 AM.
- Look for the details. Check out the hand-carved banisters and the original hearths. That’s where the real history lives.
If you’re interested in Salem's architectural history, compare this house to the Ropes Mansion or the Pierce-Nichols House. You’ll see how the "Salem style" evolved over a century.
To see the house for yourself or check availability, you'll usually find it listed on major vacation rental platforms under the name "The Henry Derby House." Just remember: bring an extra sweater. Those 1838 drafts are no joke.