House of the Week: Civil War Governor’s Home

How about a dose of Civil War history for your next home? Built in 1830, this home for sale by owner was previously owned by Massachusetts Civil War Governor John Andrew.

A close friend as well as distant cousin from Abraham Lincoln, Governor Andrew worked closely with the Federal government and Frederick Douglass to allow black men to join the Union Army. He authorized the formation of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry — immortalized in the film “Glory.”

The classic Greek-Revival style home was built in 1830 by Reverend Henry Hersey. Governor Andrew used the home as his summer house when he was governor from 1861 to 1866 and the home remained in the Andrew family until 1929.

Reportedly, Governor Andrew spoke of the property as “the home of his heart.”

Situated on nearly three acres in Hingham about 20 miles south of Boston, the home features white columns, an elegant flagstone front porch and over 6,000 square feet of living space.

Current owners Tatiana and Alex Cochis purchased the home in 2009 for $1,381,000 and set out doing a full renovation in 2010. Much of the 5-bed, 4.5-bath home’s original character, like its pumpkin pine flooring, marble fireplaces, and ceiling medallions and molding, were maintained in the remodel. Important upgrades in the kitchen include granite countertops and high-end appliances.

Despite its age, the Hingham home for sale is anything but stuffy.

“Our favorite feature of the house is the bright, sunny and open floor plan,” Tatiana Cochis said.

According to Zillow’s mortgage calculator, an estimated monthly payment would be $11,022 a month, assuming a 20 percent down payment on a 30-year-mortgage.