Inside of The House of the Seven Gables, also known as the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, discover a secret staircase where you least expect it! Built in 1668, the house is the oldest surviving 17th century wooden mansion in New England. The House of the Seven Gables inspired author Nathaniel Hawthorne to write his legendary novel of the same name. The museum grounds also include Kid’s Cove at the 1830s Counting House, the Museum Store inside the 1655 Retire Beckett House, an 18th century granite sea wall, and seaside Colonial Revival Gardens.