Searles Estate Facts

Fact Check: The Searles Estate

There’s been a lot of talk on social media about the Searles Estate, and not all of it is accurate. Here’s the real story so Methuen residents can understand what’s happening with this historic property.

What is the Searles Estate?

The Edward F. Searles Estate is a historic property at 209 Lawrence Street in Methuen. Built in the late 1800s by Methuen native Edward Searles, it includes a 74-room mansion called Pine Lodge, a chapel, carriage house, barn, and other structures. The estate is known for its beautiful architecture, stone walls, and historic artifacts. It’s part of Methuen’s Searles Tenney Nevins Historic District, which provides protections for historic buildings in our city.

 Over the years, the estate was used by the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary as a convent and school. Since the school closed in 2020, the estate has seen little use and now requires significant care and restoration.

Why Did the City Buy the Estate?

The Sisters of the Presentation of Mary had put the property on the market for roughly five years, and the only interest that emerged during that time was from developers wanting to build housing.

In late 2024, the City purchased the 18-acre estate to prevent developers from demolishing Pine Lodge and other historic buildings to build five-story garden-style apartments. The late Mayor Neil Perry acted to save the estate, and under Mayor D.J. Beauregard, the City’s goal remains the same: restore, preserve, and protect this historic property for the community.

What Would’ve Happened if the City Hadn’t Bought the Estate?

If the City had not purchased the Searles Estate in 2024, the property would have faced imminent danger of being destroyed. The Sisters went under agreement in 2022 to sell the property to Pulte Homes, which proposed demolishing the most historic portions of the estate to make way for two garden-style apartment complexes. Pine Lodge, the oldest buildings, and other historic structures would have been lost forever, replaced by 151 housing units. The original Pulte Homes plan (shown below) shows exactly how the estate would have been destroyed.

Pulte Homes plan

This is the original Pulte Homes plan, showing the demolition of Pine Lodge and other historic structures.

In December 2023, under pressure from then-Mayor Perry, Pulte acknowledged that it did not have the interest or ability to restore and preserve the historic property and subsequently terminated the agreement to purchase the estate from the Sisters. In the weeks that followed, concerns grew that the Sisters were becoming increasingly impatient and might accept the highest offer without regard for the estate’s future. That prompted the City to negotiate the purchase at a very reasonable price, ensuring protection against further damage, neglect, or loss of the property.

What About Selling the Estate?

Some residents worry the City might “sell off” the estate or its artifacts. Here’s the truth:

  • The City has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to gather creative, preservation-minded ideas. 
  • The City isn’t required to accept any proposal that doesn’t make sense or protect the estate.
  • Any potential sale will come with strict historic preservation restrictions to fully protect the buildings, grounds, and artifacts.
  • The goal is to restore the estate and preserve its history for future generations of Methuen residents.

This is not a “fire sale” – it’s a way to ensure the estate has a sustainable future while safeguarding its history.

What Rules Protect the Estate?

Anyone who buys and restores the estate must agree to:

  • Restore buildings and grounds according to historic preservation standards.
  • Protect all historic artifacts.
  • Keep the cemetery lot accessible to the public.
  • Work with the City to list the estate on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • Follow local zoning and historic district rules.

In short, the estate will never be demolished or stripped of its history.

What Can Residents Expect?

The City envisions the Searles Estate as a “Crown Jewel” for Methuen – a place that celebrates history, attracts visitors, and benefits the community. The goal is to balance historic preservation with public enjoyment and thoughtful, creative use. In keeping with the RFP guidelines, it’s also possible that a private entity could purchase the estate, restore and maintain it, and eventually gift it back to the City – a scenario that would fully ensure the property’s restoration, preservation, and long-term protection.

The RFP route was selected by an advisory committee after the City solicited public feedback and held a public forum. Guided tours of the estate have already been held and will be offered again on October 25.

Where Can I Learn More?
 For more information, residents can check out: 

 The City encourages residents to get involved, ask questions, and share ideas. We’re committed to preserving the Searles Estate for future generations.