The Preston-Foster House

The iconic Preston-Foster House, a First Period home dating back as early as 1640, is proudly sited on an oversized lot along the banks of the Ipswich River. The house has been carefully restored, beautifully preserved, and continuously improved over the 60+ years well-known children’s book illustrator Ed Emberley and his wife Barbara have been its stewards. The historic details of the home are fascinating, and the character of the home is undeniable – it is clearly a place that inspired creativity. The house features period details such as heavy chamfered framing, massive summer beams, unpainted horizontal feather-edged paneling and a Beverly Ell alongside many later improvements including a two-story 1970’s rear addition and a 2014 renovation that created a luxurious first-floor bedroom suite. The gardens have been professionally designed and maintained, the windows, cedar shake roof and systems have been updated. With unobstructed river views and just moments away from the Town Wharf, downtown restaurants and shops, library, MBTA and Crane Beach it is easy to understand why it has remained in one ownership for so many years.