Step Back in Time at the Atwood-Higgins House in Wellfleet

Tucked away on Bound Brook Island in Wellfleet lies one of Cape Cod’s hidden gems: the Atwood-Higgins House. This beautifully preserved homestead tells a rich story of colonial life, 20th-century revivalism, and the evolving identity of Cape Cod itself.

Originally built around 1730 by Thomas Higgins, the Atwood-Higgins House began as a modest “half-Cape”—a small, 1½-story home centered around a sturdy chimney. Over the years, it expanded into a full Cape, embodying the classic New England architecture still iconic today.

The Atwood family took over the property in the early 1800s. By the late 19th century, however, the house had been abandoned, weathered by storms and vandals. It wasn’t until 1919 that the house found new life—thanks to a descendant named George Higgins.

Inspired by the Colonial Revival movement, Higgins transformed the home and its surrounding property into a tribute to early American life. He added period-style outbuildings, including a barn, guesthouse, summer cottage, and even a replica country store and post office. While not strictly historically accurate, his efforts created a living, breathing homage to Cape Cod’s colonial past.

In 1961, George Higgins generously donated the 24-acre property to the National Park Service, just as the Cape Cod National Seashore was being established. Today, the site is managed by the National Park Service, which offers seasonal ranger-led tours of the house and open access to the surrounding grounds year-round.