Lipton Tea Boss’ Stunning Former Home Is Listed for $6.8 Million—Complete With Unique Nods to His Iconic Brand

A brew-tea-ful waterfront property in Marblehead, MA, that is steeped in Lipton Tea history has hit the market for $6,795,000—complete with its very own “teahouse.”

Dubbed “The Tea House on the Neck,” the 6,518-square-foot residence is the former home of W. Gardner Barker, former chairman of the Lipton tea company.

Built in 1880, the property stayed in the Barker family for 110 years, until 1990. A small detached “teahouse” at the tip of the point is a delicious nod to the property’s past.

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Barker property originally consisted of four lots with two residences. The property was subdivided in 1991.

“What makes this listing so unique is definitely the lot, the property, and the views,” says listing agent Liz Walters, of Coldwell Banker Realty. “It’s on 1.82 acres, and part of that is a second lot that offers beautiful views.

“To have that much land is incredible. It’s set so high and has panoramic views that span from the Atlantic Ocean and harborside of Marblehead to Children’s Island and Marblehead Lighthouse,” adds Walters.

The property is surrounded by trees and rocky ledges. An easement provides access to a shared beach.

“There is a lot of mature landscaping as well, so the privacy factor is huge,” Walters notes. “The Barker family even had trees imported from China. You really feel like you are in your own little oasis when you are there.”

Highlights of the home include a living room with built-in cabinetry and glass walls, a wood-paneled office with a fireplace, and a modern kitchen with stainless-steel appliances.

The spacious primary suite features a double vanity sink and glass-enclosed shower. Gordon’s legacy is apparent in the basement lined with panels of wooden tea boxes.

The sellers purchased the home for $4.3 million in 2014 and have done extensive updates to the five-bedroom estate while taking great care to preserve its historic architecture.

“They had the entire house reshingled and updated all of the systems,” she adds. “The lower level was a bit campy, so they built a full bathroom with steam shower, added another bedroom, and rebuilt a gardener’s room transforming it into a workout room.

“They also finished off the wine room and added a third garage bay. The owners love the history of the home and didn’t want to disrupt its grandeur.”

Nestled on a peninsula along the coast north of Boston, Marblehead offers a charming small-town vibe.

“Marblehead is very much a close community of boaters and ocean lovers,” Walters says. “It’s a wonderful town that is very supportive. It’s also a multigenerational town that has a high number of buyers returning here after living in town previously.

“Kids are coming back here to build their families. Grandparents who may have moved to Florida are moving back. The families all stay local and do things together,” she says.