This Ridiculously Retro House in Swampscott Is Quite the Gem
Feast your eyes on its exceedingly charming wood paneling, floral wallpaper, and pastel-colored carpeting.
![](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/03/retro-house-swampscott-8.jpg)
Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Every now and then, a time capsule finds its way to the market in Greater Boston. Sometime’s it’s a psychedelic split-level in Framingham, and other times it’s a ’70s/’80s mashup, like this house for sale in Swampscott.
The four-bedroom home was built in 1960, and fortunately, has not been renovated much since then. It’s decked out in wood paneling, floral wallpaper, and pastel-colored carpeting galore, and exhibits plenty one-of-a-kind features of yesteryear.
Below, take a look at all the reasons why this ridiculously retro house is such a gem—and see if you can keep count of all of the framed Shih Tzu portraits adorning the walls.
![](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/03/retro-house-swampscott-1.jpg)
Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
The house’s curb appeal definitely flaunts some ’60s flair.
![](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/03/retro-house-swampscott-5.jpg)
Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Inside, step up into the carpeted kitchen, where there’s a lot to look at—including a trapezoidal stained glass panel.
![](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/03/retro-house-swampscott-6.jpg)
Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
This open wall is what pastel wallpaper was created for. Note the length of the cord on that wall-mounted phone.
![](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/03/retro-house-swampscott-7.jpg)
Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
The house has multiple small shelves tucked into its corners—they’re just large enough to hold one vase.
![](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/03/retro-house-swampscott-9.jpg)
Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
This standalone cooktop would be hard to find in stores nowadays, as would that floral backsplash.
![](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/03/retro-house-swampscott-10.jpg)
Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
The dining room, devoid of any ’70s vibes, takes a turn for the ’80s.
![](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/03/retro-house-swampscott-11.jpg)
Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
As an added bonus, its built-in china cabinets conveniently also hold porcelain figurines.
![](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/03/retro-house-swampscott-3.jpg)
Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
The step down into the living room gives off some serious Napoleon Dynamite vibes.
![](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/03/retro-house-swampscott-4.jpg)
Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
But the built-in storage underneath the kitchen is a nice touch.
![](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/03/retro-house-swampscott-12.jpg)
Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Chandeliers aren’t typically suspended from the corners of living rooms, but this chandelier isn’t typical.
![](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/03/retro-house-swampscott-13.jpg)
Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Especially when it’s paired with white leather couches and white carpeting.
![](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/03/retro-house-swampscott-16.jpg)
Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
We can get behind a bedroom with a theme.
![](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/03/retro-house-swampscott-17.jpg)
Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
The space between the ceiling and the top of the vanity was intended for small radios only, probably.
![](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/03/retro-house-swampscott-19.jpg)
Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
The wardrobe, headboard, and bureau in this bedroom are all clad in mirrors. Chances are pretty good that bed is a water bed.
![](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/03/retro-house-swampscott-20.jpg)
Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
The vintage bathroom trifecta: turquoise tile, pastel wallpaper, and floral curtains.
![](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/03/retro-house-swampscott-22.jpg)
Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
That scalloped sink is a relic of another era.
![](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/03/retro-house-swampscott-23.jpg)
Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Any good three-season porch has both carpeting and a chandelier. And a small duck figurine.
![](https://cdn10.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/03/retro-house-swampscott-25.jpg)
Photo via Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Interested in seeing this exceedingly charming retro residence for yourself? It’s listed for $575,000 by Coldwell Banker. Check out the listing here.