A long history of family tradition

A long history of family tradition

Our colonial farmhouse has served as a guesthouse for close to forty years, however the earliest recorded owner of the property was Captain William Woodbury. Records show the farmhouse was here in 1799, however there has been a house on this site since 1705. When Captain Woodbury’s daughter married Captain Norwood, the property totaled 80 acres and became known as the Norwood Farm. The initials of James, Captain Norwood’s son are chiseled on the granite gate post along with the date 1799. After James’ death the property went to his daughter, Harriet Norwood Gooch, who lived here and wrote poetry which was published in NorthShore Newspapers, one of the first women to do so. In 1820 David Babson bought the property and thenceforth it was known as the Babson Farm. Naomi Lane Babson wrote a novel in 1936; The Yankee Bodley’s based on the lives of the people living on the Babson farm in the 1830’s.

Deed: Samuel Gott to William Woodbury recd on record July1, 1712

To all Christian people to whome this perfect deed of sale shall come Samuel Gott of Gloucester...New England weaver...and William Woodbury of said Gloucester...houseright...in consideration of eight pounds currant money of New England...one percell lott of land scituate in said Gloucester and lying on the cape so called containing about six acres...and is butted and bounded on the northwesterly end on the sea of saltwater...and that said William Woodbury at all times for ever hereafter shall quietly and peacefully enjoy the same...

At a later date the farm was purchased by the Rockport Granite Company to provide housing for employees of the granite industry. In the early 1900’s Antone Balzarini, an immigrant from northern Italy, rented the farm and raised dairy cows. Antone later bought a farm down the street and the Babson Farm passed through several owners. However, in 1964 one of Antone’s sons, John, along with his wife Mabel and son William, bought back what was now locally known as the “old farm”. Bill and his parents lovingly restored the old family homestead and opened their doors to travelers. Together, along with Bill’s wife Susan, the Balzarini family welcomed guests to the inn for 35 years. During the 1970’s and 80’s they also operated a very popular dining spot at the inn.

One of their frequent guests at the restaurant was a young couple whose courtship included eating dinner every Saturday night at the Old Farm Inn. Married in 1984, Rich and Shelley Vassallo never imagined they would have the opportunity to own the property that meant so much to them. The dream however came true when they purchased the property in May 1999.


Drawing by Andrew Vassallo, age 10


The Vassallo’s along with their sons Andrew, Dillon and James are committed to continuing the fine traditions and warm New England hospitality that the Balzarini family established, at this very special place, “The Old Farm Inn.”