The William Haskell House in Gloucester, Massachusetts, provided the perfect backdrop for our ‘Little Women’ Christmas shoot. This beautiful home encapsulates life in the 1700s, embodying much of what we cherish at The Prairie Collective: history, nostalgia, craftsmanship, and simplicity.

More than just an old home, the William Haskell House is a unique piece of history in a beautiful countryside setting. It offers you a chance to experience what life was like in the past. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s rare to find a home without TVs or computers, illuminated only by candlelight (or sconces made to resemble it). It took some time to adjust to the minimal lighting at night, but by the end of our visit, we came to appreciate it. This reliance on natural light connects you with the sun’s rhythm, helping you slow down and appreciate the simplicity of a bygone era.

The William Haskell House has been so well preserved and maintained that stepping inside today feels like traveling back centuries. Almost everything you see is hand-hewn, hand-placed, hand-carved, handpicked, and handwoven. It’s not just a sight to behold; it also serves as a reminder that within all of us lies the ability to create beauty out of the simple things in life. Decorating our ‘Little Women’ shoot with the simple, natural elements that were used in the past allowed us to connect with history in a tangible and heartfelt way.

The home was already picture-perfect, featuring a large, cozy fireplace in the parlor, beautifully worn hardwood floors, and period furniture throughout. It took only a few simple decorations to transform it into a charming Christmas scene: an advent wreath hung with velvet ribbon and evergreens above our table, fragrant greenery and fruit adorning the mantle, and a Christmas tree decorated with candles. We piled the table high with fresh breads, local cheeses, and delicious fruits and vegetables while the meat roasted in the oven. The fragrance of the feast, mingled with hearty laughter and deep conversation, created a delightful atmosphere and a memorable evening. It reminded me of the following Christmas scene from “Little Women”:

“It was a comfortable room, though the carpet was faded and the furniture very plain, for a good picture or two hung on the walls, books filled the recesses, chrysanthemums and Christmas roses bloomed in the windows, and a pleasant atmosphere of home peace pervaded it.”

If you’d like to learn more about its history, you can visit William Haskell House.

The William Haskell House in Gloucester, Massachusetts, provided the perfect backdrop for our ‘Little Women’ Christmas shoot. This beautiful home encapsulates life in the 1700s, embodying much of what we cherish at The Prairie Collective: history, nostalgia, craftsmanship, and simplicity.

More than just an old home, the William Haskell House is a unique piece of history in a beautiful countryside setting. It offers you a chance to experience what life was like in the past. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s rare to find a home without TVs or computers, illuminated only by candlelight (or sconces made to resemble it). It took some time to adjust to the minimal lighting at night, but by the end of our visit, we came to appreciate it. This reliance on natural light connects you with the sun’s rhythm, helping you slow down and appreciate the simplicity of a bygone era.

The William Haskell House has been so well preserved and maintained that stepping inside today feels like traveling back centuries. Almost everything you see is hand-hewn, hand-placed, hand-carved, handpicked, and handwoven. It’s not just a sight to behold; it also serves as a reminder that within all of us lies the ability to create beauty out of the simple things in life. Decorating our ‘Little Women’ shoot with the simple, natural elements that were used in the past allowed us to connect with history in a tangible and heartfelt way.

The home was already picture-perfect, featuring a large, cozy fireplace in the parlor, beautifully worn hardwood floors, and period furniture throughout. It took only a few simple decorations to transform it into a charming Christmas scene: an advent wreath hung with velvet ribbon and evergreens above our table, fragrant greenery and fruit adorning the mantle, and a Christmas tree decorated with candles. We piled the table high with fresh breads, local cheeses, and delicious fruits and vegetables while the meat roasted in the oven. The fragrance of the feast, mingled with hearty laughter and deep conversation, created a delightful atmosphere and a memorable evening. It reminded me of the following Christmas scene from “Little Women”:

“It was a comfortable room, though the carpet was faded and the furniture very plain, for a good picture or two hung on the walls, books filled the recesses, chrysanthemums and Christmas roses bloomed in the windows, and a pleasant atmosphere of home peace pervaded it.”

If you’d like to learn more about its history, you can visit William Haskell House.