Richard Wattles was the earliest owner of record, and in 1663, he sold his house and an acre of land “in the Hill St.” to Henry Hussell of Marblehead, on April 18. (Ips. Deeds 2: 149). Russell, “sope-boyler,” sold to Margaret Bishop, Oct. 13, 1671 (Ips. Deeds 3: 301), and Margaret and her son Samuel, joint executors of Thomas Bishop, sold to Thomas Lull, March 14, 1678 (Ips. Deeds 4: 140).
William Caldwell (1708-1758) married a daughter of Thomas Lull, Lydia Lull (1714-1797), and after Thomas Lull’s decease, another of his daughters, Elizabeth, wife of William Herbert, sold William Caldwell, her brother-in-law, half the homestead, bounded northwest by John Holland, Nov. 21, 1733. On July 10, 1753, Elizabeth Herbert, then a widow, conveyed to him the balance, then bounded northwest by Daniel Ringe. William Caldwell is believed to have built this house on the lot after purchasing it in 1733. The house was still owned by the Caldwell heirs at the beginning of the 20th Century.
Architectural Features
Key features of the house include a large kitchen, fireplace and exceptional period trim. The house was restored by Larl Newton in the 1950s. The house was renovated in 1985 by James LaVereiere.
The Thomas Lull House
From the book, John Caldwell and Sarah Dillingham Caldwell: “William and Lydia Caldwell began domestic life in certain rooms of the original Lull house on High Street. The house was built about 1670 and was demolished a few years ago. An item of Thomas Lull’s will is: “I give to my Daughters Elisabeth and Liddia Lulls, my Mansion house & barn, and all ye Land Adjoining and orchard with all and singular thereunto in any manner of wise appertaining.”
Sources and Further Reading:
Historic Ipswich 
Hi…. Is it known if the Caldwell house was ever operated as a Hotel? I have a receipt dated January 19, 1811 for the High Street Hotel operated by William Caldwell. Thanks
I don’t have any record of a hotel at that location. Are you certain that it is Ipswich?
Hi…. Based on the research, this seems like the most logical place using the dates, names and street address. William Caldwell is shown as the owner/proprietor. The “guest” that the receipt was made out to was a Jonas Harvey of Connecticut for 2 which is itemized as Supper, Lodging, and Horse Keeping. Harvey, from what I can tell was from Connecticut, but moved to New Hampshire. I am in the process of going through my father’s collection of ephemera and this was an item. My goal is to find the right place for it if there is one. Thanks.