3 Truly One-of-a-Kind Buildings You’ll Only Find in Massachusetts

One of the things I find most rewarding about traveling is the moments of wonder that happen when I stumble upon something strange and wonderful in an unexpected place. Often, this is a scenic view, a hidden trail, or some other natural phenomenon, but it can also be something man-made, as in the case of these unusual architectural marvels located throughout the state. These three fascinating structures are some of the strangest buildings in Massachusetts, and if you haven’t seen them for yourself, you may just want to make the trip.

1. A Mysterious Massachusetts Coastal Castle - Gloucester

Overlooking the water in the city of Gloucester is a gigantic castle that appears out of place among the shingled houses and fishing monuments within the coastal community. While this unexpected address makes it an odd enough location for a medieval castle, what lies inside makes it extraordinary. The Hammond Castle may look ancient, but it is actually less than a century old. It was built by an eccentric local named John Hays Hammond Jr., who furnished the elaborate building with stunning artwork, a working pipe organ, an indoor courtyard, and many of his own inventions. The castle is now a museum and is open for tours, special events, and even wedding ceremonies.    

2. A House Made From Paper - Rockport

The Paper House on the state’s vibrant North Shore has been on my local bucket list for some time now. However, due to limited touring times (the house is only open from April to October), I have not been able to make the trip up to Rockport to visit. As far as weird architecture in Massachusetts goes, this home definitely makes the short list. The quirky structure was built in 1922 by Elis F. Stenman, a mechanical engineer who designed this summer home largely out of paper. Step inside and you will discover that many of the furnishings, including a piano, chair, and desk, are also made from newspaper. An architectural marvel indeed!

3. The Story Behind the Scarlett O'Hara House - Boston

Although the fictional character Scarlett O’Hara did not have ties to Boston, I like to think she would have appreciated the accolade. The renowned actress was certainly one of a kind, just like this building, which isn’t exactly as it seems. You can find this hidden gem in an alleyway in Beacon Hill, one of the city’s most beautiful neighborhoods. While most homes among these streets are gorgeous brownstones that sit virtually on top of each other, the O’Hara home appears to be a grand Southern mansion, resembling the stately home in the movie "Gone with the Wind." But is it? Clever architects can play mind tricks when designing structures, and this home is actually an optical illusion. Yes, sadly, the gorgeous Greek Revival-style building is a painted faux front and just an entrance to two smaller private residences.  

The Strangest Buildings You’ll Find in Massachusetts

What is the strangest building that you have seen in Massachusetts? Please tell us all about it. If you enjoy seeing unique spots or off-the-beaten-path locations, you may also want to visit these other interesting houses in Massachusetts, as well as some unusual local sculptures. When planning your trip, be sure to use our handy AI Travel Planner to customize your adventures.