Buck-Bacchus House & Store
Queen and High Streets

John Buck of Bideford, Devonshire England, bought this corner lot in 1735, "laid out for a building." Possibly arranged as a residence as well, it served as a storehouse for the merchandise Buck shipped from the Port of Chestertown back to England. Typical period architectural characteristics appear in the steep hipped roof, plaster cove at the eaves, a belt course and water table rising over the basement windows.

Following restoration work begun in 1975 after it was purchased by Preservation, Inc., one room was preserved as a store/museum in which commercial and household articles from the 18th and 19th centuries were exhibited. Those artifacts were later transferred to the basement of the Geddes-Piper House after owners removed the museum easement from their deed.

Additional preservation measures were undertaken more recently and in the past year Buck-Bacchus was acquired by its current owners. Attention has been given to the small garden spaces that surround its prominent corner, making this brick home especially appealing to passersby.

Inside, the former store space has been converted into a dining area. The wrought-iron candelabra is in keeping with what might have been used in the 1700s; original artwork over the buffet dates from the late 1800s. The living area is furnished with reproductions and antiques. The sconces over the working fireplace are copies of those in Bruton Parish Chapel, Williamsburg. The rear hallway and staircase contain nautical art including originals by local artist Marc Castelli.