When Harry Rink, and his wife Doris, purchased a log cabin in 1968, they knew they had found themselves in a unique situation. You see, this isn’t just any log cabin – it’s the oldest log cabin in the United States of America.
Located in Greenwich Township, New Jersey, the Nothnagle Log House was built around 1640 – making the cabin over 100 years older than the country itself.
Harry Rink, 88, and his wife Doris, 75, recently listed the 375-year-old home in June of 2017, and have been searching for the perfect buyer ever since. However, this wouldn’t be your typical home sale – the Rinks have an interesting situation that requires a certain purchaser.
Harry and Doris are hoping to sell the cabin to owners that would then manage the property; however, the Rinks would continue living in the home, as well as hosting tours. The older couple came to this decision after discussing what would happen to their historic cabin after they pass away.
Originally built in 1640 with oak logs, the 16-by-22-foot structure was expanded in 1730, and again in 1900. It sits just over a mile away from the site of the Revolutionary War’s Fort Billings.
Thousands of people come to visit the Rinks’ cabin every single year, and they want to make sure that it is taken care of once they are gone. The couple lives in one of the additions to the cabin and loves giving tours; they hope that the cabin will sell to someone that will continue to do so – like a company or a university.
The historic property comes with a hefty price tag of $2.9 million; however, the realtor, Christina Huang, says that the property could actually be worth more. “Because of all the artifacts and antiques that come with the house, it is probably worth well over $2.9 million,” Christina told Caters.
Not only is the property historic, but the artifacts inside are originals from the 17th and 18th century; including things like chairs, tables, dressers, and chests.
In addition to centuries-old furniture, the log cabin also contains valuable such as dishware, shoes, hats, plates, and bottles. In fact, Harry and Doris still find artifacts around their property on a regular basis, even daily.
“A lot of things that were buried many years ago have wound up turning up in the yard,” Doris explained. Harry will often find artifacts while riding his tractor around the property. “Every single item in the cabin is an artifact or antique. There is nothing else out there like this place.”
Wanting to stay true to its history, the couple has been making their own repairs since they purchased the home in 1968.
“We try to keep it as authentic as possible,” Doris said. In fact, one of the most common ways that Harry goes about fixing cracks in the oak logs is to make a mixture of mud and clay. Living here has given the senior couple a glimpse into life in the 17th century, and an appreciation for their life now.
“Knowing the history of their day-to-day survival really makes me grateful that we have the life that we have now,” Doris says. “I think our visitors take a step back in time when they enter our house. When they take a step in here, it’s like they’re in a different world. They block out everything else that’s going on in their lives.”
The historic cabin on 1.3 acres is free to visit and the Rinks are still on the lookout for new owners. Who wouldn’t want to own a little piece of history? Take a full tour in the video below.
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