Property Description

Thoughtfully preserved and beautifully updated, the historic Andrew Mackie House circa 1756 offers a rare opportunity to own one of the oldest and most distinctive residences in historic Smithfield. Originally constructed during the Colonial era and expanded over generations, this remarkable waterfront property seamlessly blends 18th-century craftsmanship with the comfort and functionality of modern luxury living.

Set on approximately half an acre overlooking the tidal marshes of Little Creek and adjacent to Windsor Castle Park, the home offers more than 4,400 square feet of living space, including four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, and multiple entertaining and gathering areas. The setting provides exceptional privacy and natural beauty while remaining just a short walk from downtown Smithfield’s restaurants, breweries, boutiques, galleries, and marina.

Historic architectural elements remain throughout the original portion of the home, including original wide-plank flooring, exposed hand-hewn beams, preserved lower-level brickwork, and eight fireplaces—four currently functioning, with four additional flues ready for gas installation. A substantial addition completed in the 1990s was thoughtfully designed to complement the original structure while introducing expansive marsh and creek views along with the conveniences expected in a modern luxury residence. Updated systems, including modern electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and low-maintenance exterior materials, allow the home to live comfortably without sacrificing historic character.

The spacious primary suite is located on the main floor and features a private balcony overlooking the gardens and marsh beyond. Upstairs, three additional bedrooms share a bath featuring the home’s original cast-iron tub/shower combination. Two full kitchens—located on separate levels—offer exceptional flexibility for multi-generational living, guest accommodations, elegant entertaining, or potential income-producing use. The property also benefits from a Special Use Permit, offering additional possibilities for adaptive use or hospitality purposes.

Three balconies overlook professionally designed English gardens created for beauty and low-maintenance enjoyment. The Little Creek frontage offers scenic tidal marshland, or an opportunity for kayaking and viewing your beautiful home from the peaceful water. The Smithfield Station marina on the Pagan River is just a five-minute walk away.

Rarely does a home of this age, provenance, and condition become available in one of Virginia’s most charming and walkable historic waterfront towns. The Andrew Mackie House offers an extraordinary combination of history, elegance, and lifestyle.

Property History

The Andrew Mackie House was originally constructed circa 1756 by Andrew Mackie, a Scottish immigrant and one of the earliest settlers of Smithfield. Mackie was a prominent early landowner and businessman who owned several local properties, including the community’s wood mill. The original structure was built as a three-level storehouse during a period when Smithfield was emerging as an important colonial port town along the Pagan River.

At the same time Mackie was constructing this building, he was also building the home directly across the street for his son-in-law, the Revolutionary War privateer Captain John Sinclair, whose exploits are documented in the historical work Alleged Pirate. Approximately two years after completing the storehouse, Mackie converted the building into the family residence, where he lived with his wife and daughter before her marriage to Captain Sinclair.

An addition completed around 1820 expanded the home to include a formal dining room, nursery, and servant stairway leading to attic servant quarters. Much of the home’s historic layout remains intact today, including the original room configurations. Though the attic staircase has since been replaced with pull-down access, evidence of the original servant quarters and lath construction remains visible.

The home underwent another significant expansion and modernization in the late 19th century, followed by a carefully executed addition in the 1990s that introduced larger living spaces and panoramic marsh views while respecting the architectural integrity of the original Colonial structure.

Today, the Andrew Mackie House stands as an exceptionally preserved example of early Colonial architecture in Smithfield, representing more than 250 years of continuous evolution, stewardship, and local history.