About The Whalehouse
Nestled between the neighborhood’s beautiful whaling mansions sits 100 Madison Street, also known as The Whalehouse, a grand Italianate built in 1855. The home was constructed by a wealthy whaling merchant, Henry Taber, who gave the house to his daughter, Abby Taber Hunt, as a wedding gift. It took 3.5 years to build this beautiful Victorian home; it is three stories tall with a widow’s walk perched on top.
New Bedford, Massachusetts is known for many notable things including Herman Melville, author of Moby Dick. The Whalehouse was Melville’s sister’s house, Catherine Melville Hoadley, in the 1860-70s, and it’s presumed this where he used to stay while visiting her and her family.
The house went through many transitions throughout the years. It was the Swain School of Design for much of the mid-late 20th century. In 2015, Laura bought the house – she and her husband, Tom, and their three dogs, have brought it back to life with love and care. They have transformed the estate into a unique vacation rental perfect for weddings, families, visitors to Southeastern New England, and photo/film shoot rentals.
Owners Laura Parrish & Tom Lavin
Seen on AMC, The Boston Globe, New York Times Travel, Hulu, A&E, 20/20, DiscoveryID; featured on Real Simple, Pottery Barn, West Elm, Bertazzoni, White Mountain Shoes and more.
The oldest photo of 100 Madison, shown on the right side of the image. Image circa 1893.
Artist Milton Brightman in his studio at 100 Madison while attending the Swain School of Design.
Exterior image of 100 Madison before restoration in 1983.