Along the edge of the Assonet River, in a quiet corner of southeastern Massachusetts, a local landmark has been given new life.

Once known as the Assonet Inn, 16 Water Street has long stood as a fixture of community life in Freetown — first built in 1896 by Civil War Medal of Honor recipient Major John Deane, then transformed into a popular inn and restaurant that welcomed families for decades.

From the 1930s through 2017, the Assonet Inn was a gathering place. Locals came for fish and chips on Fridays, thin-crust pizza on Saturdays, and the familiar routine of a place where the dining room, bar, lounge, and pinball machine each had their regulars. In a town where things change slowly, the Inn was a steady presence. Thanks to local builders, it gets a second life.

The original Queen Anne Victorian structure — complete with turret, wraparound porch, and ornate woodwork — has been carefully preserved and divided into four private townhomes. Now on the market is Unit A, a five-bedroom residence that blends 19th-century character with sun-filled interiors, updated systems, and sweeping river views.

Inside, the home offers hardwood floors, high ceilings, and a layout that balances openness with warmth. There’s a modern kitchen, a dedicated home office, multiple fireplaces with ornate mantles, and quiet corners that hint at the building’s past. Outside, the porch still wraps wide, offering a place to sit and watch the water.

Today, the Assonet Inn is once again a place where stories can unfold — just in a new form. With easy access to the commuter rail and a location central to Boston, Providence, Newport, and Cape Cod, it offers both connection and retreat.

On the market for $975,000, the sale of the home is represented by the Kim Williams Team with Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty.

Home Showcase:

Address: 16 Water St, Unit# A, Freetown, Massachusetts, 02702

Bedrooms: 5

List Price: $975,000

Square feet: 4,600

Price per square foot: $212

Annual taxes: $5,597 in 2025.

Location: Riverside with nearby boat ramp.

Built in: 1896

The Appraisal:

Pros:

Pristine restoration

Square footage

Cons:

No garage

home showcase – 16 Water St, Unit# A Freetown, Massachusetts, 02702
home showcase – 16 Water St, Unit# A Freetown, Massachusetts, 02702
home showcase – 16 Water St, Unit# A Freetown, Massachusetts, 02702