‘America’s oldest cabin’ that was listed for $2.9 MILLION just six years ago sold after price dropped to less than $270,000

• Nothnagle Log House is more than 380 years old and on the National Register Of Historic Sites
• The characterful home was built around 1640 by Finnish settlers in the New Sweden colony 
• Attached to the home is another property, which was added in 1738, where current owners are living

A historic home that is thought to be the oldest standing log cabin in the US has been sold after a more than $2.6 million price drop.

Nothnagle Log House is more than 380 years old and on the National Register Of Historic Sites.

It was originally listed for $2.9 million in 2017 but it was reduced to $262,000 as the haul of George Washington-era artifacts it once housed were relocated. 

As a result of the major price cut, it was snapped up by an unknown buyer with the sale currently pending.  

The unique home was built around 1640 by Finnish settlers in the New Sweden colony along the Delaware River. 

Nothnagle Log House (seen to the right), which is more than 380 years old and on the National Register Of Historic Sites, is thought to be the oldest standing log cabin the US

It was originally listed for $2.9 million in 2017 but it was reduced to $262,000 as the haul of George Washington-era artifacts it once housed were relocated 

Attached to the basic abode is a more livable property, which was added in 1738

The unique home was built around 1640 by Finnish settlers in the New Sweden colony along the Delaware River. The territory was taken over by the Dutch in 1655, but the magnificent oak cabin still stands in what is now New Jersey 

The territory was taken over by the Dutch in 1655, but the magnificent oak cabin still stands in what is now New Jersey.

According to listing agent Christina Huang, the cabin was built with no nails. 

Attached to the basic abode is a more livable property, which was added in 1738. 

This is where the current owners, Harry and Doris Rink, have been living since 1968.

For many years the couple ran the accompanying log cabin as a public museum.

When they put the property on the market six years ago they hoped to find someone to keep the museum running, but they realized this would be a hard ask. 

Huang explained: ‘When the owners originally tried to sell it, they had included all of the artefacts and antiques, including farm machines, with the sale of the two homes.

‘All of the antiques from different years were included, but we found out that the typical buyer was not able to pay that kind of money.

‘It is sad to not be able to keep it as a museum open to the public and the local residents who cherish it. There is just so much history there.

For many years Harry and Doris Rink ran the accompanying log cabin as a public museum

When the Rinks put the property on the market six years ago they hoped to find someone to keep the museum running, but they realized this would be a hard ask

Realtor Christina Huang explained: ‘When the owners originally tried to sell it, they had included all of the artefacts… but we found out that the typical buyer was not able to pay that kind of money’

Other highlights of the 1.3-acre estate include a four-car garage, a machine shop, a shed and 100-foot redwood trees

The listing on Redfin states that the property ‘could be ideal for the in house professional, a unique bed and breakfast, and numerous other opportunities.’ The sale is currently pending

‘It could have been an incredible teahouse or kept as a museum. 

‘In Gloucester County, unfortunately, it just didn’t get the attention it deserves.’ 

Huang added that the log cabin was in need of a lot of love and it would require regular maintenance.

‘Not a single nail was used to build the log home, so it was going to take some expertise to maintain it. Harry, the owner of the last half century, was an engineer,’ she said.

‘No doubt the home is still standing because of the love and efforts of him and his wife, Doris.

‘It was just too big of a project for the average person, so a developer ended up purchasing it. 

‘He may do some subdividing of the land, but plans to keep both homes intact.’

Other highlights of the 1.3-acre estate include a four-car garage, a machine shop, a shed and 100-foot redwood trees.

The listing on Redfin states that the property is ‘ideal for the in house professional, a unique bed and breakfast, and numerous other opportunities.’ 

It also notes that ‘subdivision or adding an additional structure may be a possibility to explore by the new owners.’ 

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